There’s a certain comfort that comes with crispy, flavor-packed shrimp glazed in a sweet honey sauce, don’t you think? I first tried PF Chang’s honey shrimp during a celebratory dinner with friends, and the experience lingered long after the last bite. Fast forward to today, and I’m thrilled to share my homemade twist on this beloved dish that brings all that vibrant flavor to your kitchen—without the takeout price tag!
In less than 30 minutes, you can prepare my Crispy PF Chang’s Honey Shrimp Copycat recipe, giving you that satisfying crunch paired with a gooey, sweet-and-savory glaze. What’s even better? This version is lighter and healthier, making it the perfect option for a weeknight meal or a delightful surprise for guests. Whether you’re a culinary novice or a seasoned chef, this quick recipe is bound to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive in and get cooking!
Why Will You Love PF Changs Crispy Honey Shrimp Copycat?
Quick Cooking: In under 30 minutes, you can whip up this restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthier Twist: Enjoy all the flavors you crave without the guilt, as this recipe uses wholesome ingredients.
Crispy Texture: The batter stays light and crispy, giving you that satisfying crunch with every bite.
Versatile Pairing: Serve it with jasmine rice, sautéed broccoli, or even a light cucumber salad for a complete meal.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Impress your guests with a dish that looks and tastes gourmet without the hassle!
Easy to Make: Ideal for both beginners and seasoned cooks, you’ll find it a breeze to create this delectable dish at home.
PF Changs Crispy Honey Shrimp Copycat Ingredients
For the Batter
- Wild-Caught Shrimp – 1½ lbs, peeled and deveined; the star protein that ensures fresh flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour – 1 cup; provides structure to the batter. Substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
- Fine Corn Starch – ½ cup; key for achieving that delightful crispy texture. If you’re out, try tapioca starch.
- Baking Powder – ¼ teaspoon; helps the batter rise lightly. Opt for aluminum-free for a healthier option.
- Egg – 1 large; binds the batter ingredients together for better adherence to the shrimp.
- Ice-Cold Water – 1 cup; crucial for creating a flakier batter to ensure maximum crunch.
For the Shrimp Marinade
- Soy Sauce – 1 tablespoon (low-sodium); brings umami flavor to the shrimp.
- Sea Salt and Black Pepper – to taste; enhances the flavor profile of the shrimp.
For Frying
- Vegetable Oil – 1 cup (for frying); essential for that golden, crispy finish. Can also use canola or sunflower oil.
For the Glaze
- Rice Cooking Wine – ½ cup; adds depth of flavor to the sweet honey glaze.
- Pure Honey – ⅓ cup; gives natural sweetness to complement the savory notes.
- Seasoned Rice Vinegar – ⅓ cup; balances the glaze’s sweetness with a touch of acidity.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce – 3 tablespoons; deepens the glaze’s flavor profile.
- Minced Garlic – 1 tablespoon; infuses the glaze with aromatic richness.
- Freshly Grated Ginger – 1 teaspoon; adds warmth and a hint of spice to the blend.
- Corn Starch – ¼ cup (for glaze thickening); ensures the perfect syrupy consistency.
- Cold Water – ¼ cup (for corn starch mixture); activates the thickening agent.
For Garnishing
- Green Scallions – Finely chopped; adds a fresh crunch and color as a garnish.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds – 1 teaspoon (optional); offers extra crunch and nutty flavor to the dish.
This delightful PF Changs Crispy Honey Shrimp Copycat will have you savoring the flavors you love, all while being a healthier indulgence!
How to Make PF Changs Crispy Honey Shrimp Copycat
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Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse, peel, and devein the wild-caught shrimp. Pat them dry with paper towels to help the batter stick and achieve that coveted crunch.
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Create the Marinade: In a bowl, combine low-sodium soy sauce, cornstarch, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss the shrimp in this mixture and let them marinate for about 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
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Make the Batter: In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, fine corn starch, and baking powder. Stir in the egg, then gradually add ice-cold water while mixing until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
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Heat Oil: In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering—this usually takes about 5 minutes. It’s the perfect time to prepare for frying!
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Fry the Shrimp: Dip the marinated shrimp into the batter, ensuring they’re fully coated. Fry them for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Once done, drain them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
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Prepare the Glaze: In a saucepan, combine rice cooking wine, honey, seasoned rice vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring this mixture to a boil. Meanwhile, mix corn starch with cold water in a small bowl, then add it to the saucepan. Simmer until the glaze thickens to a sticky consistency.
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Toss Shrimp in Glaze: Add the fried shrimp to the saucepan and gently toss them in the glaze until evenly coated. Allow them to warm up in the glaze for a minute or two.
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Garnish and Serve: Plate the glazed shrimp, and finish with a sprinkle of chopped scallions and optional toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately for that perfect touch of freshness!
Optional: Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving for an extra zing!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
PF Changs Crispy Honey Shrimp Copycat Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to put your own spin on this delicious dish—there’s so much room for creativity and personalization!
- Dairy-Free: Replace the egg in the batter with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) for a vegan option.
- Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend to ensure everyone can enjoy the crispy goodness.
- Low-Carb: Use almond flour instead of regular flour for a keto-friendly twist that still delivers crunch.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the glaze for a fiery flavor enhancement! Spicy and sweet play beautifully together.
- Coconut Style: For a tropical twist, add shredded coconut to the batter for a delightful crunch and subtle sweetness—perfect for summer nights.
- Fruity Glaze: Incorporate a splash of orange juice or mango puree into the glaze for a fruity infusion that complements the honey.
- Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh herbs like cilantro or basil into the batter for an aromatic flavor profile that brightens up the shrimp.
- Crispy Coating: For an extra crunchy texture, toss the battered shrimp in panko breadcrumbs before frying. It’s a game changer for crunch lovers!
With these variations, you can customize your PF Changs Crispy Honey Shrimp Copycat to match your mood and dietary needs, each time bringing a fresh excitement to your dinner table. Happy cooking!
What to Serve with PF Changs Crispy Honey Shrimp Copycat?
Enjoy the crispy delight of shrimp paired with fresh and vibrant sides that enhance every bite.
- Jasmine Rice: The fluffy, fragrant base complements the sweet, sticky glaze, soaking up every delicious drop.
- Sautéed Broccoli: This crunchy green adds a nutritious and colorful contrast, rounding out the meal with texture and flavor.
- Cucumber Salad: Light and refreshing, a crisp cucumber salad brings a cooling element to balance the richness of the shrimp.
- Fried Rice: Packed with veggies and savory flavors, it mirrors the Asian flair while providing a hearty side.
- Garlic Noodles: Twirl on a plate and savor, the silky noodles pair beautifully with the robust flavors of the shrimp.
- Mango Salsa: Sweet and tangy salsa brightens the dish with a fruity pop, creating a delightful harmony with the honey glaze.
- Cold Beer or Iced Green Tea: Enjoy a cold beverage that complements the flavors while keeping the mood relaxed and cheerful.
- Sesame Green Beans: A nutty addition, these string beans provide a crispy bite that harmonizes with the frying technique of the shrimp.
Indulge in these pairings for a truly unforgettable meal that brings the restaurant experience right to your dining table.
Make Ahead Options
These delightful PF Changs Crispy Honey Shrimp Copycat are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time on busy weeknights! You can marinate the wild-caught shrimp up to 24 hours in advance, allowing them to soak in all the delicious flavors. Additionally, you can prepare the batter and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—just whisk it again before use to restore its consistency. For the glaze, cook it ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 3 days; simply reheat on the stovetop before tossing the fried shrimp in. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll enjoy restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, making dinner time a breeze!
Expert Tips for PF Changs Crispy Honey Shrimp Copycat
- Chill the Batter: Ensure your ice-cold water is truly cold! This key step will keep the batter light and crispy when frying.
- Perfect Marination: Let the shrimp marinate longer if you can—30 minutes gets you a deeper flavor, elevating your copycat experience.
- Batch Frying: Fry the shrimp in smaller batches to maintain oil temperature and achieve the desired crispy texture.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh garlic and ginger in your glaze; they’ll amplify the flavor and make your dish taste gourmet.
- Adjust Glaze Thickness: Don’t hesitate to add a bit of water to your glaze if it’s too thick. Aim for a lovely, syrupy consistency!
How to Store and Freeze PF Changs Crispy Honey Shrimp Copycat
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. This will help maintain the flavors and texture of your crispy shrimp.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the fried shrimp separately from the glaze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. This prevents sogginess upon reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, place frozen shrimp in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Warm the glaze in a saucepan to serve.
Leftover Glaze: Store any leftover glaze in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight container. It’s perfect to drizzle over freshly fried chicken or veggies!
PF Changs Crispy Honey Shrimp Copycat Recipe FAQs
What type of shrimp should I use for this recipe?
I recommend using wild-caught shrimp for the best flavor and freshness. When selecting, look for shrimp that have a slightly firmer texture and a clean smell. Avoid shrimp with dark spots or a strong fishy odor, as these indicate they may not be fresh. If you can’t find shrimp, scallops or even chicken bites could be a delicious alternative!
How can I store leftovers of PF Changs Crispy Honey Shrimp?
Absolutely! Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just remember to reheat them gently—my favorite method is using a skillet on low heat to avoid sogginess. This way, the shrimp can retain that delightful crispiness!
Can I freeze the PF Changs Crispy Honey Shrimp?
Yes! For freezing, place the fried shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them individually first; then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be safely frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just pop them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they’re crispy and heated through!
What can I do if my batter is too thick?
If your batter seems a bit too thick, simply add a small amount of ice-cold water, a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve the desired smooth and pourable consistency. It’s important that the batter is just thick enough to coat the shrimp—this ensures that each sizzling piece fries to perfection!
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Very! This recipe contains shrimp, which may not be suitable for those with shellfish allergies. Additionally, for a gluten-free version, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour and ensure your soy sauce is also gluten-free. As for health-conscious eaters, using less honey or a sugar substitute like agave nectar can help reduce the sugar content without sacrificing flavor!
Can I make this dish vegan?
Certainly! For a vegan twist, consider using tofu or tempeh instead of shrimp. Replace the egg in the batter with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water), and swap honey with maple syrup in the glaze to maintain that sweet flavor. This way, you can still enjoy a crispy and delightful dish!
PF Changs Crispy Honey Shrimp Copycat: Healthier Indulgence
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse, peel, and devein the wild-caught shrimp. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, combine low-sodium soy sauce, cornstarch, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss the shrimp in this mixture and let them marinate for about 15 minutes.
- In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, fine corn starch, and baking powder. Stir in the egg, then gradually add ice-cold water while mixing until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
- In a deep skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Dip the marinated shrimp into the batter, ensuring they’re fully coated. Fry them for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- In a saucepan, combine rice cooking wine, honey, seasoned rice vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring to a boil. Combine corn starch with cold water in a small bowl, then add it to the saucepan. Simmer until the glaze thickens.
- Add the fried shrimp to the saucepan and gently toss them in the glaze until evenly coated. Warm for a minute or two.
- Plate the glazed shrimp, and garnish with chopped scallions and optional sesame seeds. Serve immediately.