You know, I’ll never forget the first time I tried Copycat P.F. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp. It was a few years ago when my family and I were visiting my sister in the city. She insisted we try this amazing new Chinese restaurant that had just opened up – P.F. Chang’s. I was a little skeptical at first, but man, from the moment that first crispy, sticky-sweet shrimp touched my lips, I was hooked. The delicate crunch, the addictive honey glaze, the tender juicy shrimp – it was an explosion of flavor that I couldn’t get enough of.
I dragged my family back there three more times that weekend, much to their delight (and my wallet’s dismay!). But I just couldn’t resist. Copycat P.F. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp had become my new favorite dish. So when I got home, I knew I had to figure out how to recreate that magic in my own kitchen. After plenty of experimenting, I think I’ve finally nailed the perfect copycat recipe. And let me tell you, it’s every bit as good as the real thing – maybe even better!
Table of Contents
Why This Copycat P.F. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Copycat P.F. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp
The key to this Copycat P.F. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp recipe is in the technique. Most people make the mistake of just tossing the shrimp in a sticky sauce, but that doesn’t give you that iconic crispy coating. Instead, I’ve perfected a simple breading process that results in shrimp that are perfectly crunchy on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside. And the sauce? Oh, it’s pure magic – a harmonious balance of sweet, savory, and just a hint of heat. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked just like I was.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish
Step-by-Step Copycat P.F. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp Instructions
Preparing Your Copycat P.F. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp
This Copycat P.F. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp recipe comes together quickly, with just about 30 minutes of total active time. You’ll need a large skillet or wok, a slotted spoon, and a few basic kitchen tools. Let’s get started!
1- First, rinse and pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting that perfect crispy texture.
2- Next, set up your breading station. In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In another, combine the cornstarch. Dip each shrimp first in the egg, then dredge it in the cornstarch, coating it evenly on all sides.
3- Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, carefully add the breaded shrimp in a single layer and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
4- While the shrimp are frying, make the honey sauce. In a small saucepan, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened slightly.
5- Once the shrimp are crispy, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil.
6- Finally, add the fried shrimp to the honey sauce and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onions if desired. Enjoy your Copycat P.F. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp!
Pro Tips for Success
- Make sure to pat the shrimp completely dry before breading – any moisture will prevent the cornstarch from sticking properly.
- Fry the shrimp in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying, or the shrimp won’t get as crispy.
- Keep a close eye on the honey sauce to prevent it from burning – it can go from perfect to bitter in no time.
Serving and Storing Your Copycat P.F. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp
Perfect Pairings for Copycat P.F. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp
This Copycat P.F. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp pairs beautifully with steamed white or brown rice, as well as a fresh, crunchy Asian slaw. It also makes a fantastic appetizer or party snack. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside some stir-fried veggies or a simple green salad.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Copycat P.F. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 5 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and toss with freshly fried shrimp.
The fried shrimp can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container. Reheat in a 400°F oven for 10-12 minutes until hot and crispy.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Copycat P.F. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp
Creative Copycat P.F. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp Variations
For a touch of freshness, try adding some chopped cilantro or sliced green onions to the honey sauce. You could also experiment with different protein options, like chicken or tofu, for a twist on the classic.
Making Copycat P.F. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp Diet-Friendly
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. For a lower-carb version, you can use a sugar-free honey substitute and serve the shrimp over riced cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat them very dry before breading and frying.
Q: How can I make the sauce less sweet?
A: If you find the honey sauce too sweet for your taste, try reducing the amount of honey by 1-2 tablespoons and adding a bit more rice vinegar or soy sauce to balance the flavors.
Q: Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?
A: You can definitely bake the breaded shrimp instead of frying. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
Q: How do I reheat leftover Copycat P.F. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp?
A: For best results, reheat the shrimp in a 400°F oven for 5-7 minutes until hot and crispy. You can also quickly stir-fry them in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: The honey sauce can be made up to 5 days in advance, but I wouldn’t recommend breading and frying the shrimp until right before serving for maximum crispness.
Copycat P.f. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Experience the delightful flavors of P.F. Chang’s famous crispy honey shrimp right at home with this quick and easy copycat recipe. Tender shrimp are coated in a sweet and savory honey-soy sauce, then fried to crispy perfection.
Ingredients
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– Sliced green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
1. – In a medium bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Add the shrimp and toss to coat.
2. – Place the panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Dredge the shrimp in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
3. – In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
4. – Drain the fried shrimp on a paper towel-lined plate.
5. – Serve the crispy honey shrimp immediately, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy!
Notes
For extra crispiness, let the breaded shrimp rest for 10-15 minutes before frying. The shrimp can also be baked at 400°F for 12-15 minutes instead of frying.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Conclusion
There you have it – my perfected Copycat P.F. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp recipe! I promise, once you try this easy homemade version, you’ll never look at the restaurant original the same way again. The combination of that crispy, cornstarch-coated shrimp and the addictive sweet and savory honey sauce is just out of this world.
So what are you waiting for? Gather up your ingredients and get cooking! I can’t wait to hear how much you and your family love this Copycat P.F. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp recipe. Be sure to leave a comment and let me know how it turns out. Enjoy!
