Honey Prawns – Stays Crispy, Super Delicious!

Golden, crispy, and coated in a luscious honey glaze—honey prawns are a classic favorite in Chinese cuisine. The juxtaposition of the crunchy outer layer with the sweet, sticky glaze makes it an irresistible dish for foodies and home cooks alike. But if you’ve tried cooking them at home and found that crunch slipping away as soon as you pour on the sauce, don’t worry—you’re not alone.

In this guide, we'll show you how to make honey prawns that stay perfectly crispy, even after being glazed. Whether you're entertaining guests or looking to elevate your weeknight dinners, this recipe will become an instant hit in your repertoire.

Why You'll Love this Recipe

• Crispy coating that lasts: Learn the secret to achieving the iconic crunch that holds up against the glaze.
• Simple ingredients: Most of the ingredients are likely already in your pantry.
• Restaurant-quality dish at home: Impress your guests with a dish that's better than takeout.
• Quick and easy: Perfect for when you’re short on time but big on flavor.

Now, let's break down each step to make your crispy honey prawns a showstopper.

What You’ll Need for Honey Prawns

Before we get started, gather these ingredients. This will save time and make the cooking process seamless.

For the Crispy Prawns:

• 500g (about 1 lb) raw prawns, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup plain flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup cold soda water (for that extra crispiness!)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking oil (for deep frying)

For the Honey Sauce:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Garnish:

• Sesame seeds (optional)
• Thinly sliced scallions for a pop of color

Tools:

• Mixing bowl
• Deep frying pan or wok
• Slotted spoon
• Paper towels

Now that you’ve got everything ready, it’s time to start cooking!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crispy Batter

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, plain flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Crack the egg into the bowl and pour in the cold soda water. Stir gently to combine. You’re looking for a smooth, slightly thick batter.
3. Pat the prawns dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this step is crucial for that lasting crispiness.

Step 2: Coat and Fry the Prawns

1. Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a deep frying pan or wok. The oil should be around 350–375°F (180–190°C) for deep frying.
2. Dip each prawn into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Use a fork or tongs to transfer battered prawns into the hot oil carefully.
3. Fry the prawns in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for 2–3 minutes or until golden and crispy.
4. Use a slotted spoon to remove the prawns and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Pro Tip: Double-frying the prawns makes them even crispier! After the first fry, allow the prawns to rest for 1–2 minutes, then fry them again for 1 minute.

Step 3: Make the Honey Sauce

1. While the prawns are resting, heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Add honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, and water to the pan. Whisk until the mixture is smooth.
2. If you prefer a slightly thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to form a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce and simmer for 1–2 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Glaze and Assemble

1. Once the sauce is ready, gently toss the fried prawns in a large mixing bowl with the warm honey sauce. Make sure each prawn is coated evenly for maximum flavor.
2. Transfer the prawns to a serving plate. Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced scallions on top for that finishing touch.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the crispy honey prawns immediately with steamed rice or as part of a larger feast. The combination of crispiness, sweetness, and savory depth will leave everyone coming back for seconds.

Tips for Making Crispy Honey Prawns That Last

1. Keep the batter cold: Always use chilled soda water or sparkling water for the batter—it helps create those light, airy bubbles in the coating.
2. Avoid overcrowding: Frying too many prawns at once lowers the oil temperature, resulting in soggy prawns.
3. Drizzle, don’t soak: Lightly glaze the prawns with the honey sauce rather than letting them sit in it. This ensures the coating stays crisp.

Why Make Honey Prawns at Home?

Aside from the satisfaction of mastering this restaurant classic, homemade honey prawns allow you to control the quality of ingredients. Opt for fresh prawns, tweak the sweetness of the sauce, and customize to your liking. Plus, it’s easy, fun, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to make crispy honey prawns at home is a game-changer for seafood lovers and foodies alike. With a little preparation and the right techniques, you can create a dish that rivals your favorite takeaway—only better.

Feeling inspired? Give this recipe a try, and share your creation on social media using #HoneyPrawns and tag us for a chance to be featured. We’d love to hear how it turned out!

Happy cooking!