Sweet Glazed Shrimp Bites

Sweet Glazed Shrimp Bites are a mouthwatering blend of crispy shrimp coated in a glossy, sticky-sweet glaze. They’re quick to make, elegantly simple, and ideal for both appetizers and main courses.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe offers a wonderful contrast of textures and flavors—tender shrimp with a crisp exterior and a sweet, savory glaze that clings to every bite. It’s fast, versatile, and a delightful alternative to chicken-based dishes.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Medium or large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• Cornstarch or flour
• Egg whites
• Salt and pepper
• Oil for frying
• Honey or brown sugar
• Soy sauce
• Garlic (minced)
• Rice vinegar
• Chili flakes (optional)
• Cornstarch slurry (for thickening)

Tips by Elsa:

• Pat shrimp dry before coating to help the batter stick.
• Use egg whites for a light, crisp finish.
• Devein shrimp properly for better taste and presentation.

directions

1. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Dip in egg whites, then coat with cornstarch.
2. Heat oil in a pan and fry shrimp until golden. Set aside.
3. In a saucepan, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and chili flakes. Simmer.
4. Thicken sauce with cornstarch slurry, then toss in shrimp to coat.
5. Serve hot, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Tips by Elsa:

• Do not overcook shrimp—they become rubbery quickly.
• Serve immediately to preserve crispiness.

Servings and timing

Serves: 3
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Shrimp: Add sriracha or chili oil to the glaze.
• Baked Option: Bake shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes.
• Citrus Twist: Add orange juice or lemon zest.
• Pineapple Glaze: Replace honey with pineapple juice concentrate.
• Low-Sodium: Use reduced-salt soy sauce.

Tips by Elsa:

• Use frozen shrimp if fresh is unavailable, but thaw thoroughly.
• Pair with rice or noodles for a complete meal.

storage/reheating

Best enjoyed fresh. Store glazed shrimp in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat.

Tips by Elsa:

• Avoid microwaving glazed shrimp to retain texture.
• Store sauce separately when prepping ahead.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, but only cook briefly to warm them—avoid overcooking.

What oil should I use?

Canola, peanut, or vegetable oil are ideal.

Can I make this without frying?

Yes, air-frying or baking is possible with slight texture differences.

Can I freeze glazed shrimp?

Not recommended as the glaze can separate and shrimp texture suffers.

Is the glaze overly sweet?

It’s balanced but can be reduced or offset with more vinegar.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes, chili flakes or sriracha can be added to the glaze.

What can I serve this with?

Steamed rice, salad, or stir-fried vegetables work well.

Can I use a different protein?

Yes, chicken or tofu are great alternatives.

Do I need to peel the shrimp?

Yes, for ease of eating and to allow the glaze to coat better.

Can I use bottled sauce?

Homemade gives better flavor, but bottled sweet sauces work in a pinch.

Conclusion

Sweet Glazed Shrimp Bites are a delicious and elegant dish that brings gourmet flair to your table with minimal effort. They’re quick to prepare, endlessly versatile, and sure to delight shrimp lovers with every bite.