Name: Crispy Honey Prawns That Will Make You Forget Takeout
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 300 g medium to large prawns (peeled with tail on); 1 tsp kosher salt (to season); 50 g cornflour/cornstarch (for a crunchy exterior); 50 g all-purpose flour (for structure and color); 1 tsp baking powder (to help puff up the batter); 250 ml soda water (cold for extra crunchiness); 500 ml vegetable or canola oil (for frying); 100 g honey (main flavor component); 50 g glucose or syrup (to thicken the sauce); 2 tbsp soy sauce (adds umami flavor); 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (for enhanced flavor); 200 g vermicelli rice noodles (optional, for serving); 2 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish); 2 stalks green onions (finely chopped for garnish)

The aroma of sweet and savory honey combined with the sound of sizzling prawns can transport you straight to your favorite Chinese eatery. When I set out to recreate that beloved dish, I knew I wanted my Honey Prawns to be a crispy sensation that would take you back in time. This recipe is not only quick to prepare, but the double frying technique ensures that each bite maintains that coveted crunch without turning soggy. Imagine impressing your family and friends with crispy fried prawns that stay perfect for hours! Whether you’re aiming to create a show-stopping appetizer or a sweet twist on dinner, these Honey Prawns are sure to delight. Are you ready to dive into a dish that will brighten up any meal?

Why Are Honey Prawns So Irresistible?

Crispy Texture: The double frying technique locks in that incredible crunch, ensuring your prawns stay crispy for hours, making leftovers a delightful treat.
Savory-Sweet Harmony: The blend of honey and soy sauce creates a mouthwatering glaze that perfectly balances sweetness and umami.
Quick Preparation: Whipping up these prawns is lightning fast, allowing you more time to indulge and enjoy with friends and family.
Versatile Dish: Serve them as an elegant appetizer or over a bed of crispy vermicelli noodles for a colorful meal, pairing wonderfully with fried rice or stir-fried vegetables.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Ideal for entertaining, their nostalgic taste will have everyone reminiscing about their favorite Chinese takeout. You might also enjoy the flavors in dishes like Garlic Butter Honey Tacos or Pan Tangy Honey Chicken.

Honey Prawns Ingredients

• Get ready to create a crispy sensation that’s sure to impress!

For the Prawns

Prawns – Fresh or thawed raw medium to large prawns work best; use 300g peeled with tail on (600g whole) for optimal texture.
Salt – Enhances flavor; opt for kosher salt and adjust if using table salt.

For the Batter

Cornflour/Cornstarch – Essential for a crunchy exterior; it’s gluten-free and creates the perfect crispy batter.
All-Purpose Flour – Adds structure and a lovely golden color to the batter; don’t replace it entirely with cornflour!
Baking Powder – Helps the batter puff up for a light coating; avoid confusing it with baking soda.
Soda Water (COLD) – Provides fizz for extra crunchiness; use club soda or seltzer for the best results.

For Frying

Vegetable/Canola Oil – Essential for frying to get that desired crispiness; maintain a frying depth of 4 cm for even cooking.

For the Sauce

Honey – The main flavor component of the sauce, giving that delightful sweetness everyone craves.
Glucose/Syrup – Thickens the sauce to keep the prawns crunchy; can substitute with clear corn syrup if needed.
Soy Sauce – Adds depth of flavor; you may use light or all-purpose soy sauce for a delightful umami finish.
Chinese Cooking Wine – Enhances flavor; substitute with mirin or low-sodium chicken broth if desired.

For Serving

Vermicelli Rice Noodles (optional) – For serving as a crispy base; ensure they are rice noodles, not bean noodles.
Sesame Seeds & Green Onions – For garnishing, adding flavor and a lovely crunch to the dish.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Honey Prawns

Step 1: Prepare the Prawns
Start by rinsing 300g of medium to large prawns under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. Once dried, season the prawns generously with kosher salt to enhance their natural flavor. Next, lightly dust each prawn in cornflour, making sure to coat them evenly; this helps seal in their juices while frying.

Step 2: Make the Batter
In a chilled mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornflour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients until well mixed. Gradually pour in cold soda water while continuously stirring until you achieve a thin, smooth batter. This batter will become the crispy coating for your Honey Prawns, so make sure it’s well-combined and free of lumps.

Step 3: First Fry
Heat vegetable or canola oil in a deep pan to 160°C (320°F). Once the oil is ready, carefully dip each prawn into the batter, allowing excess to drip off, then gently place them in the hot oil. Fry in batches of six for about 3 minutes, or until they turn lightly golden. Use a slotted spoon to remove the prawns, allowing them to drain on a plate lined with paper towels.

Step 4: Cooling Time
Let the fried prawns cool on the paper towels for about 20 minutes. This step is crucial because it allows the texture to set. Cooling prevents sogginess and prepares them for the second fry, helping achieve that wonderful crispy exterior we all adore in honey prawns.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
While the prawns cool, combine honey, glucose or syrup, soy sauce, and Chinese cooking wine in a small saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it simmers and thickens slightly, which should take around 5 minutes. Keeping the sauce thick is essential as it prevents the prawns from becoming soggy once coated.

Step 6: Second Fry
Increase the oil temperature to 200°C (390°F) for the second fry. Carefully add the cooled prawns back into the hot oil in batches, frying them for an additional 3 minutes or until they are deep golden brown and incredibly crispy. This double frying process will ensure your Honey Prawns remain perfectly crunchy for hours.

Step 7: Toss in Sauce
Immediately after frying, transfer the crispy prawns into the saucepan with the warm honey sauce. Toss them gently to coat every prawn evenly, ensuring the sticky glaze envelops them beautifully. The heat from the prawns will help the sauce adhere perfectly while giving that lovely shine.

Step 8: Serve
Serve your delicious Honey Prawns immediately over a bed of crispy vermicelli rice noodles, if using. Finish off the dish by garnishing with sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions for a pop of color and additional crunch. To fully enjoy the wonderful textures and flavors, dig right in while they are still hot!

What to Serve with Crispy Honey Prawns

To create a memorable meal that transports you to your favorite Asian eateries, consider these delightful pairings.

Fragrant Fried Rice: The savory flavors of fried rice with vegetables complement the sweetness of honey prawns, creating a balanced plate.
Stir-Fried Vegetables: Crisp, colorful veggies add freshness and crunch, enhancing the meal’s overall texture and nutritional value.
Crispy Vermicelli Noodles: Serving the prawns over a bed of crunchy vermicelli noodles gives an exciting texture, soaking up the honey sauce beautifully.
Sweet Chili Sauce: A side of spicy sweet chili sauce adds a zesty kick, enhancing the overall flavor experience with heat.
Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad drizzled with rice vinegar offers a cooling crunch, balancing the richness of the prawns.
Green Tea: For a soothing drink, pair these crispy honey prawns with a warm cup of green tea to enhance the meal’s comforting feel.

These pairings are designed to round out your dish, creating an unforgettable dining experience filled with flavor and texture!

Make Ahead Options

These Honey Prawns are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the prawns and coat them in cornflour up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring they stay fresh and flavorful. Store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container to prevent moisture from making them soggy. The batter can also be made ahead by mixing all dry ingredients together and adding chilly soda water just before frying to maintain its crispiness. When you’re ready to serve, simply fry the prawns according to the recipe steps, double frying them for that unbeatable crunch. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll have restaurant-quality Honey Prawns ready to impress at a moment’s notice!

Honey Prawns Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to customize these crispy Honey Prawns with these delightful variations that will tickle your taste buds!

Glucose Syrup: Substitute honey with glucose syrup for a less sweet flavor that still coats beautifully.
Spicy Kick: Add a splash of sriracha to the honey sauce for a fiery twist that complements the sweetness perfectly.
Chicken Alternative: Swap prawns for chicken strips using the same batter and frying techniques for a tasty twist. They’ll remain juicy inside with a crunchy exterior!
Vegetable Option: For a vegetarian version, use sliced zucchini or eggplant replacing the prawns, following the same crispy methods for a delightful snack.
Herb Infusion: Mix in some fresh herbs like cilantro or basil into the batter for an aromatic touch that elevates the whole dish.
Asian Flavor Burst: Pair the honey sauce with a hint of ginger or garlic for a more complex flavor profile that tantalizes your palate.
Crispy Topping: Top the prawns with crushed peanuts or fried shallots after tossing in sauce for added crunch and an extra layer of flavor.
Noodles Swap: Instead of vermicelli rice noodles, serve over crispy chow mein or udon for a heartier and fulfilling base that pairs well with the honey prawns.

Explore these variations and discover new favorites! You might appreciate the sweet allure of our Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey as well, perfect for your next meal!

How to Store and Freeze Honey Prawns

Refrigerator: Store leftover Honey Prawns in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain their crispiness, reheat gently in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.

Freezer: If you want to freeze Honey Prawns, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for that fresh crunch.

Reheating: For the best results, always reheat in the oven rather than the microwave. This method helps revive the crisp texture and keeps the prawns from becoming soggy.

Avoid Room Temperature: Do not leave Honey Prawns at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent spoilage. For best flavor and texture, enjoy them fresh!

Expert Tips for Crispy Honey Prawns

Dry Prawns First: Ensure prawns are completely dry before frying; moisture can lead to sogginess during cooking.
Cold Batter is Key: Keep the batter chilled until you’re ready to fry, promoting a light, crispy texture in your Honey Prawns.
No Water in Sauce: Avoid adding water to the honey sauce; it needs to be thick to keep the prawns crispy after coating.
Embrace Double Frying: Don’t skip the second fry! This technique locks in crunchiness, making your prawns irresistibly crispy without greasiness.
Fry in Batches: Fry prawns in small batches to prevent overcrowding the pot, which helps maintain optimal oil temperature for that perfect crunch.

Honey Prawns Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right prawns for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best results, opt for fresh or properly thawed raw medium to large prawns. I recommend using around 300g of peeled prawns with the tail on, which are perfect as they retain moisture and deliver great texture. Look for prawns that have a firm body and a pleasant sea scent—if they smell off or have a slimy texture, they may not be fresh.

How should I store leftover Honey Prawns?
Very good question! Store any leftover Honey Prawns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To revive their crispiness, gently reheat them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps maintain the crunch, which is what we all want!

Can I freeze Honey Prawns?
Of course! If you want to freeze them, lay the prepared and cooled prawns in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until completely frozen. Then, transfer the frozen prawns into a freezer-safe bag, where they can stay good for up to 2 months. When you want to enjoy them, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes.

Why are my Honey Prawns not crispy?
Great concern! If your Honey Prawns turn out soggy, it might be due to a few reasons: ensuring that the prawns are completely dry before battering is crucial. Plus, you want to keep your batter cold right up until the frying moment. Make sure to avoid overcrowding in the pan while frying, as this can drop the oil temperature and lead to a greasy texture.

Is there a way to make this recipe allergy-friendly?
Absolutely! You can make Honey Prawns more allergy-friendly by carefully choosing your ingredients. For gluten-free prawns, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, or just use more cornflour. Also, ensure that the soy sauce is gluten-free, as regular soy sauce contains wheat. If someone has a specific allergy, always check product labels to ensure you’re using safe options!