Name: Crispy Honey Prawns That Bring Restaurant Magic Home
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 300 g medium to large prawns, peeled with tails on (Frozen prawns are acceptable if thoroughly dried.); ½ tsp kosher or cooking salt (Enhances flavor; reduce for table salt.); ½ cup cornflour or cornstarch (For dusting; substitute with potato starch for gluten-free version.); 6 tbsp all-purpose flour (Provides structure and color for the batter.); ½ tsp baking powder (Creates lift for a puffier batter.); 2/3 cup cold soda water (The fizz aids in creating a lighter, crispier batter.); 3-4 cups vegetable or canola oil (Necessary for deep-frying; maintain oil temperature for optimal results.); 1/3 cup honey (Main flavoring agent, providing sweetness.); 1.5 tbsp glucose or corn syrup (Helps the sauce coat the prawns without soaking in.); 1 tbsp light soy sauce (Adds depth and seasoning.); 2 tsp Chinese cooking wine (Enhances flavor; optional substitution with broth for non-alcoholic versions.); 25 g vermicelli rice noodles (Adds a crunchy base if desired.); sesame seeds (For garnish; enhances presentation and flavor.); green onions (For garnish; enhances presentation and flavor.)

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The first bite is an explosion of crunch followed by a sweet embrace that will take you right back to your cozy neighborhood Chinese restaurant. I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia when I make these Stay-Crispy Honey Prawns, perfectly coated in a honey glaze that dances on your taste buds. What makes this recipe a gem is not just the delectable flavors but also how quick it is to whip up—ideal for those weeknight dinners when you crave something special. Plus, the unique double-frying technique ensures that the prawns stay crispy, even after being tossed in the luscious sauce. Are you ready to elevate your homemade dining experience with these irresistible morsels?

Why Are Honey Prawns So Addictive?

Crispy Texture: Each bite offers an unbeatable crunch that adds excitement to your dining experience.
Flavor Explosion: The sweet honey glaze perfectly complements the delicate prawns, creating a mouthwatering delight.
Quick Preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes, these prawns fit seamlessly into your busy life.
Versatile Serving: Enjoy them on their own or over crispy rice noodles for added flair; they pair wonderfully with dishes like Honey Butter Chicken.
Family-Friendly: These scrumptious prawns are sure to please everyone, making them a perfect choice for any gathering.
Double Frying Advantage: The unique technique ensures that crunch lasts longer, even after coating; perfect for make-ahead meals!

Honey Prawns Ingredients

For the Prawns
• Prawns – 300g medium to large, peeled with tails on; essential for a juicy bite. Frozen prawns are acceptable if thoroughly dried.
• Kosher/cooking salt – ½ tsp; enhances flavor; reduce for table salt.

For the Batter
• Cornflour/cornstarch – ½ cup for dusting; 9 tbsp for batter; essential for crispiness. Substitute with potato starch for a gluten-free version.
• Flour – 6 tbsp all-purpose; provides structure and color for the batter.
• Baking powder – ½ tsp; creates lift for a puffier batter.
• COLD soda water – 2/3 cup + 1 tbsp; the fizz aids in creating a lighter, crispier batter. Do not use sparkling mineral water.

For Frying
• Vegetable or canola oil – 3-4 cups for frying; necessary for deep-frying; maintain oil temperature for optimal results.

For the Honey Sauce
• Honey – 1/3 cup (100g); main flavoring agent, providing sweetness in your Honey Prawns.
• Glucose or corn syrup – 1.5 tbsp; helps the sauce coat the prawns without soaking in.
• Light soy sauce – 1 tbsp; adds depth and seasoning.
• Chinese cooking wine – 2 tsp (or mirin); enhances flavor; optional substitution with broth for non-alcoholic versions.

For Garnish (Optional)
• Vermicelli rice noodles – 25g for serving; adds a crunchy base if desired.
• Sesame seeds & green onions – for garnish; enhances presentation and flavor.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Honey Prawns

Step 1: Prepare the Prawns
Start by tossing the 300g of prawns with ½ tsp of kosher salt to enhance their natural flavor. Next, dust them generously with cornflour, ensuring an even coating. This step is crucial to achieving the delightful texture of the Honey Prawns later. Set the prawns aside while you prepare the batter, as this will allow the salt to penetrate and elevate the taste.

Step 2: Make the Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine 9 tablespoons of cornflour, 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly before adding 2/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon of chilled soda water. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Keep the batter cool until you’re ready to fry; popping it in the refrigerator for a short while will help maintain its lightness and crispiness for the Honey Prawns.

Step 3: First Fry
Heat 3-4 cups of vegetable or canola oil in a deep pan or wok to 160°C (320°F). Working in batches, carefully dip the prepared prawns into the batter, allowing excess to drip off before gently lowering them into the hot oil. Fry for about 3 minutes, or until they are light golden brown and slightly puffed. Once done, remove the prawns with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels, allowing them to cool for 20 minutes to ensure they stay crispy.

Step 4: Prepare the Honey Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine 1/3 cup of honey, 1.5 tablespoons of glucose or corn syrup, 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce, and 2 teaspoons of Chinese cooking wine. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring gently until the mixture simmers and thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, as you want the sauce to become syrupy and glossy while perfectly coating your Honey Prawns later.

Step 5: Second Fry
Once the sauce is ready, return the oil to heat and raise the temperature to 200°C (390°F). Again, working in batches, fry the prawns for about 3 minutes or until they turn deep golden brown. This second frying is the key to achieving the ultimate crispiness of your Honey Prawns. Once they are perfectly golden, transfer them to a wire rack to allow any excess oil to drain off.

Step 6: Coat & Serve
While the prawns are still hot, quickly toss them in the prepared honey sauce, ensuring each prawn is thoroughly coated. For an exceptional presentation, serve the Honey Prawns over a bed of crispy vermicelli rice noodles, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.

How to Store and Freeze Honey Prawns

Fridge: Store cooked Honey Prawns in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for best crispiness.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked prawns (without sauce) on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating: To enjoy leftovers, reheat frozen Honey Prawns directly from the freezer in a preheated oven until hot and crispy, typically 12-15 minutes.

Expert Tips for Honey Prawns

Chill Your Batter: Use cold soda water and keep the batter chilled until frying. This is essential for achieving that extra crispy texture in your Honey Prawns.
Double Frying: Don’t skip the second fry! Allowing the prawns to cool between frying ensures their crunch lasts longer, even after the sauce is added.
Oil Temperature Matters: Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature. Too low will make the prawns greasy, while too high can burn them quickly.
Avoid Water in Sauce: Keep your honey sauce free of water to prevent it from sogging the batter. A thick sauce creates a delightful coating that enhances the prawn’s crispy nature.
Cooking in Batches: If you have many prawns to fry, do it in smaller batches. This helps to maintain the oil temperature and ensures even cooking for each prawn.

Make Ahead Options

These Honey Prawns are perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining, allowing you to prep ahead and save time. You can prepare the prawns and complete the first fry up to 24 hours in advance. After cooling, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their crispy texture. When you’re ready to serve, simply heat up the oil to 200°C (390°F) and give the prawns a second fry for about 3 minutes until they reach a beautiful golden brown. This double-frying technique ensures your Honey Prawns stay just as delicious and crispy, making your meal planning effortless!

Honey Prawns Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to personalize your Honey Prawns with these fun variations and substitutes, ensuring your dish always fits your taste and dietary needs!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use potato starch to maintain crispiness.
Spicy Kick: Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili paste to the honey sauce for a delightful heat that balances the sweetness.
Zesty Citrus: Mix in a splash of fresh lemon or lime juice to the honey sauce for a bright, tangy flavor enhancement.
Protein Swap: Use chicken or tofu instead of prawns for a different texture and taste. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Vegan Version: Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a plant-based sweet alternative.
Sriracha Glaze: Stir in a tablespoon of Sriracha to the honey sauce for a tasty twist inspired by my popular Honey Sriracha Salmon.
Sweet and Savory: Add a touch of soy sauce to the honey for a savory balance; this will also pair beautifully with dishes like Hot Honey Chicken.
Seasoned Crunch: Toss in some garlic powder or five-spice powder when preparing the batter for an exciting flavor boost.

No matter how you choose to customize, these Honey Prawns will always be a hit!

What to Serve with Stay-Crispy Honey Prawns

Elevate your dining experience by complementing these sumptuous morsels with exciting side dishes that tantalize every taste bud.

Coconut Fried Rice: The light coconut flavor adds a tropical twist and balances the sweetness of the Honey Prawns beautifully, making each bite memorable.
Steamed Broccoli: This vibrant green veggie adds freshness and crunch, enhancing both the color and nutrition of your meal. A squeeze of lemon brightens it even more!
Sweet and Sour Dip: A zesty, tangy dip provides a delightful contrast to the sweet honey sauce, offering a dynamic flavor pairing that’s hard to resist.
Garlic Noodles: Creamy, garlicky noodles create a savory base that harmonizes wonderfully with the crispy prawns, turning your meal into a feast for the senses.
Asian Slaw: Made with crunchy cabbage and a light dressing, this slaw introduces a refreshing crunch that perfectly complements the tender prawns while adding a vibrant pop of color.
Chilled Sake: This smooth and slightly sweet beverage pairs excellently with the Honey Prawns, enhancing the flavors while offering a refreshing sip to cleanse your palate.

Stay-Crispy Honey Prawns Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best prawns?
Absolutely! When selecting prawns, look for those that are firm and have a slight sheen, ensuring freshness. If using frozen prawns, make sure they’re completely thawed and thoroughly dried. Avoid any that have dark spots or an off smell, as these may indicate spoilage. Fresh prawns should feel slightly springy to the touch.

How should I store leftover Honey Prawns?
Leftover Honey Prawns can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat and maintain their crispy texture, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and place the prawns on a baking sheet for about 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy. This method keeps them delicious and crunchy.

Can I freeze Honey Prawns?
Yes! For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked Honey Prawns (without the sauce). Lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm. After they are solid, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake them straight from the freezer at 180°C (350°F) for about 12-15 minutes.

What if my batter isn’t crisping up?
Very! The key reasons for non-crispy batter could be using warm batter or not maintaining the correct oil temperature. Make sure your batter is chilled and that the oil is heated to the right temperatures—160°C (320°F) for the first fry and 200°C (390°F) for the second fry. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan while frying, as this can lower the oil temperature.

Are Honey Prawns safe for people with allergies?
It’s important to note that Honey Prawns contain shellfish, which is a common allergen. Additionally, the soy sauce in the recipe contains wheat; if you’re making it for someone with a gluten allergy, opt for gluten-free soy sauce. Always inform your guests about any allergens present in the meal.

How do I maintain the crispiness after adding the honey sauce?
To keep your Honey Prawns crispy even after tossing them in the sauce, avoid making the sauce too watery. When preparing the honey sauce, ensure that it’s thick enough to coat the prawns without making them soggy. Additionally, adding the sauce just before serving helps retain that satisfying crunch you’ve worked hard to create!