Honey Shrimp is a dish with a perfect balance between sweet, spicy and savoury. This indulgent dish features delicate shrimp cooked with their shells on, absorbing every drop of the glossy, spicy honey sauce that clings to their surface. Once plated, they form an inviting, golden-hued pile, finished with a scattering of finely sliced scallions. It’s a dish that brings together bold flavours and textures in a way that is both comforting and exciting.
What makes Honey Shrimp stand out is its ability to be both a casual indulgence and a show-stopping centrepiece. The contrast between the succulent shrimp and the sticky, caramelised sauce creates an irresistible bite—one that is further heightened by the hint of spice cutting through the honey’s natural sweetness. The shells, crisped slightly in the pan, add depth of flavour and encourage diners to savour each morsel with their fingers, cracking them open to reveal the tender shrimp inside.
When to Serve Honey Shrimp
This dish shines on a variety of occasions. It’s perfect for a relaxed weekend dinner, where its rich, bold flavours can be fully appreciated. If you’re hosting a gathering, Honey Shrimp makes for a fantastic centrepiece for a seafood feast, drawing attention with its glossy, inviting appearance. Pair it with a crisp, cold beer or a light white wine such as a Riesling to enhance the dish’s sweet and spicy notes.
It also works beautifully as part of an informal tapas-style spread. Serve alongside small plates of Asian-style pickles, crispy vegetable tempura, or soft bao buns to soak up the sauce. The contrast between hot, sticky shrimp and cool, crunchy accompaniments makes for a deeply satisfying meal.
What to Serve with Honey Shrimp
To complement the rich, sticky sauce, consider serving Honey Shrimp with steamed jasmine rice or lightly charred flatbreads. The rice acts as a perfect vehicle to absorb the sauce, while the bread provides a soft, chewy contrast to the crispy shrimp shells. For a more vibrant plate, a simple cucumber and radish salad, dressed with a light citrus vinaigrette, adds freshness to balance the dish’s intensity.
If you prefer a heartier pairing, stir-fried noodles tossed with garlic and sesame oil make an excellent match. Their subtle flavour allows the shrimp to shine while providing a satisfying base. For those who love heat, a side of spicy stir-fried greens—such as Chinese broccoli with chilli and garlic—adds an extra dimension of flavour.
However you choose to enjoy it, Honey Shrimp is a dish that commands attention. Its perfect balance of flavours, its indulgent texture, and its sheer visual appeal make it a standout meal, ideal for both casual nights in and celebratory gatherings. The next time you’re in the mood for something special, pile up a plate of these golden, spicy-sweet shrimp and dig in!
Honey Shrimp
Ingredients
- 500 g shrimp shells on
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp chilli flakes adjust to taste
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 inch ginger grated
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 large scallions finely sliced
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, oyster sauce, chilli flakes, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Set aside.3 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp chilli flakes, 2 cloves garlic, 1 inch ginger, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Add the shrimp and season with salt and black pepper.500 g shrimp, salt, black pepper
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until they start turning pink.
- Pour the sauce over the shrimp and stir well to coat. Let the shrimp cook for another 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and caramelises slightly.
- Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with sliced scallions and sesame seeds if using.2 large scallions, 1 tsp sesame seeds
- Serve hot with steamed rice, noodles, or flatbreads.