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Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp with Crispy Fries makes any dinner feel special without a lot of fuss. There is something irresistible about the way sweet honey, bold garlic, and a bit of heat melt into juicy shrimp. With crispy homemade fries on the side, you get a crunchy and saucy harmony that feels straight from a fun night out, except you made it all at home.
There is just something about how the sticky shrimp glaze and the hot fries go together that everyone always fights over the last bite. The first time I made this, we had no leftovers and a lot of happy faces.
Ingredients
- Shrimp: Fresh or frozen, cleaned and deveined. Look for plump shrimp with a shiny shell if buying fresh or properly thawed frozen so they cook up bouncy and juicy.
- Honey: Adds that signature sweetness. Choose quality honey like wildflower or acacia for depth.
- Fresh garlic: Four cloves, minced. The real deal gives the dish its punchy backbone.
- Soy sauce: For umami boost. Go with low sodium if you want to keep it lighter.
- Chili flakes: For that spicy little kick. Adjust to taste and check freshness to make sure they are still vibrant.
- Potatoes: For homemade fries. Russet or Yukon Gold fry up with fluffy insides and crispy outsides.
- Oil for frying: A neutral high smoke point oil like canola or sunflower will give a crisp finish.
- Salt and pepper: To season all the layers. Kosher salt lets you control seasoning easily.
Instructions
- Prep the Potatoes:
- Peel your potatoes completely and cut them into even sized thin sticks. You want them as close to the same size as possible for even cooking.
- Parboil the Fries:
- Drop the raw potato strips into boiling salted water for five minutes. This starts the cooking process and leads to fluffier interiors. Drain well and pat super dry with paper towels to remove all moisture.
- Fry the Fries:
- Heat your oil in a deep pan or fryer to about three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Add the potatoes in batches so they have room and fry for five to seven minutes. When golden and crisp scoop out to a plate lined with paper towels. Sprinkle with salt while hot.
- Marinate the Shrimp:
- In a large bowl whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and chili flakes. Add the raw shrimp and toss to coat every piece. Let it sit for fifteen minutes so the flavors get inside.
- Sauté the Shrimp:
- Heat a skillet over medium high. Add a splash of oil. Swirl in the marinated shrimp and cook for two minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Pour the marinade over and let it bubble quickly until glossy and slightly thickened.
- Finish and Serve:
- Pile the hot fries onto plates and spoon the sticky honey garlic shrimp on top. Garnish with some chopped parsley or green onion if you like.
Whenever I use fresh garlic in this dish the aroma fills the whole house and everyone comes wandering into the kitchen. The shrimp are my favorite part and I always sneak one straight from the pan before serving they are just too tempting.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, cool everything completely before storing. Shrimp and fries can be stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to two days. For reheating fries use the oven or air fryer so they crisp up again.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you are out of honey try maple syrup for a different sweetness. Chicken breast bites can stand in for shrimp if needed. Use sriracha for chili flakes if you want more sauce and tang.
Serving Suggestions
Pile on extra fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for color. Serve with a side of coleslaw or pickled veggies for crunch. A squeeze of lemon over everything takes the flavors even higher.
Cultural Context
Sticky sweet spicy shrimp is a classic in Asian inspired kitchens. Homemade fries make this an approachable crowd pleaser perfect for any get together. This dish blends comfort food with a bit of takeout flair.
This recipe never fails to impress guests and always disappears fast at the table. The combination of saucy shrimp and crunchy fries delivers a bite that is both comforting and craveworthy.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What shrimp type works best?
Fresh or thawed large shrimp are ideal for a firm texture and optimal flavor absorption.
- → Can I use frozen fries instead of homemade?
Yes, frozen fries can be used for convenience, though freshly made ones offer superior crunch and flavor.
- → How do I ensure my fries turn out crispy?
Boil then thoroughly dry potatoes before frying, and fry in hot oil without overcrowding the pan.
- → How spicy is the shrimp?
Heat level depends on chili flakes used. Adjust quantity to your taste for milder or bolder spice.
- → What oil is best for frying?
Neutral oils like canola or sunflower are best, as they withstand high heat and keep flavors clean.