I’ll never forget the first time I tried the Copycat P.F. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp. It was during my freshman year of college, and my roommate had invited me over for a home-cooked meal. As soon as that sweet and savory aroma hit my nose, I knew I was in for a real treat.
The way the crispy fried shrimp glistened under the sticky honey glaze – it was like nothing I’d ever tasted before. With the first bite, I was transported back to my childhood, sitting around the family dinner table and devouring my mom’s famous honey-glazed shrimp. The flavor was so spot-on, it was almost unbelievable. I just couldn’t get enough.
From that day on, Copycat P.F. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp became a staple in my recipe arsenal. It’s the dish I turn to whenever I’m craving that nostalgic taste of home, and it never fails to satisfy. And you know what? It’s actually really easy to make at home. Let me show you how.
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
What sets this Copycat P.F. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp recipe apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The shrimp are coated in a light, crispy batter that fries up golden brown, then they’re tossed in a sweet and tangy honey sauce that caramelizes into a delectable glaze. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite!
The secret lies in the technique – frying the shrimp at the right temperature and for the perfect amount of time to achieve that signature crunch. And the honey sauce? It’s all about getting the right ratio of honey, soy sauce, and seasonings to create that iconic P.F. Chang’s taste.
Trust me, once you make this Copycat P.F. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp at home, it’ll become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. Your family and friends are going to be begging you for the recipe!
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the perfect Copycat P.F. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp, you’ll need:
- Shrimp – Look for medium-sized, peeled and deveined shrimp. This is the star of the dish, so make sure to use high-quality shrimp.
- Cornstarch – The secret to that super crispy batter. Cornstarch helps the shrimp fry up with an irresistible crunch.
- Egg – Binding the batter together to help it adhere to the shrimp.
- Breadcrumbs – Adding an extra layer of crispiness to the shrimp.
- Honey – The hero ingredient that gives the sauce its signature sweetness and shine.
- Soy Sauce – Providing that savory, umami flavor.
- Rice Vinegar – Balancing out the sweetness with a touch of acidity.
- Garlic and Ginger – Essential aromatics that add depth and complexity to the sauce.
- Chili Flakes – For a subtle kick of heat that complements the honey perfectly.
- Oil for Frying – Vegetable or peanut oil work great for getting that perfect crispy texture.
Step-by-Step Copycat P.f. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp Instructions
Preparing Your Copycat P.f. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp
Making Copycat P.F. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp is surprisingly easy, with just a few simple steps. The total prep and cook time is around 30 minutes, and all you’ll need is a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot for frying. Let’s get started!
1- Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels and seasoning them with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, egg, and a splash of water until you have a smooth, pourable batter.
3- Dredge the shrimp in the batter, making sure to coat them evenly on all sides.
4- Carefully lower the battered shrimp into the hot oil (350°F) and fry for 2-3 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
5- While the shrimp are frying, prepare the honey sauce by combining the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened.
6- Once the shrimp are crispy, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate. Then, toss the hot shrimp in the honey sauce until they’re evenly coated. Serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onions if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Copycat P.F. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp turn out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips:
- Make sure to pat the shrimp very dry before coating them in the batter. Any excess moisture will cause the batter to become soggy.
- Fry the shrimp in batches to maintain the oil temperature and prevent overcrowding. This will help them get super crispy.
- Don’t be tempted to skip the cornstarch in the batter – it’s the key to that signature crunch.
- Keep a close eye on the honey sauce to prevent it from burning. You want it to thicken up but not become too sticky.
- Serve the Copycat P.F. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp immediately for maximum crispiness and glaze perfection.
Serving and Storing Your Copycat P.f. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp
Perfect Pairings for Copycat P.f. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp
Copycat P.F. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp makes for an incredible main dish, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Try serving it over a bed of steamed white rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. It’s also delicious alongside a fresh Asian-inspired salad or some stir-fried vegetables.
And don’t forget the beverages! This dish pairs perfectly with an ice-cold beer or a refreshing glass of white wine. For a non-alcoholic option, try pairing it with an herbal iced tea or a fruit-infused sparkling water.
Copycat P.F. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp is the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish, making it perfect for everything from casual family dinners to fancy dinner parties.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftovers of this Copycat P.F. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven or air fryer at 400°F for 5-7 minutes, until heated through and crispy.
You can also make the honey sauce ahead of time and store it separately in the fridge. That way, when you’re ready to serve, you can just quickly fry up the shrimp and toss them in the pre-made sauce.
For meal prepping, I recommend cooking the shrimp and storing them separately from the sauce. That way, you can quickly reheat the shrimp and toss them in the sauce when you’re ready to serve.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Copycat P.f. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp
Creative Copycat P.f. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp Variations
The beauty of this Copycat P.F. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp recipe is that it’s endlessly customizable. Try switching up the protein and using chicken or tofu instead of shrimp.
For a seasonal twist, you could add diced mango or pineapple to the honey sauce for a tropical flair. Or, swap out the chili flakes for a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch.
Another fun variation is to serve the Copycat P.F. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp in lettuce wraps or over a bed of crispy wonton strips for added texture.
Making Copycat P.f. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp Diet-Friendly
To make this Copycat P.F. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp recipe more diet-friendly, you can try a few simple swaps:
For gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers instead of regular breadcrumbs.
For low-carb or keto, skip the breading and just toss the shrimp in the honey sauce. Serve it over a bed of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
And for a vegan version, use tofu or plant-based protein instead of shrimp, and swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar.
No matter how you make it, this Copycat P.F. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp is sure to be a hit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of protein besides shrimp?
A: Absolutely! This recipe works great with chicken, tofu, or even cauliflower florets. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q: How can I make the shrimp extra crispy?
A: The key is to make sure the shrimp are very dry before coating them in the batter. You can also try double-frying them for extra crispiness.
Q: Can I make the honey sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, the honey sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before tossing the fried shrimp in.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield approximately 4 servings as a main dish, or 6-8 servings as an appetizer.
Q: What should I do if the honey sauce becomes too thick?
A: If the honey sauce starts to thicken too much, simply whisk in a splash of water or rice vinegar to thin it out.
Copycat P.f. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 4
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of P.f. Chang’s with this easy-to-make Copycat Crispy Honey Shrimp recipe. Tender, juicy shrimp are coated in a crispy cornstarch batter and tossed in a sweet and savory honey sauce for a restaurant-quality dish you can enjoy at home.
Ingredients
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 2 tbsp green onions, sliced
– Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
1. – Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and place in a bowl.
2. – In a separate bowl, mix together the cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
3. – Dredge the shrimp in the cornstarch mixture, coating them evenly on all sides.
4. – Heat 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
5. – Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
6. – In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
7. – Return the fried shrimp to the skillet and toss with the honey sauce until evenly coated.
8. – Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
9. – Serve immediately over steamed rice.
Notes
For extra crispiness, let the cornstarch-coated shrimp rest for 10-15 minutes before frying. The honey sauce can be adjusted to your desired sweetness level.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Conclusion
There you have it – the secrets to creating the perfect Copycat P.F. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp right at home. This dish is a total showstopper, with its irresistible combination of crispy fried shrimp and sweet, sticky honey glaze.
Trust me, once you make this recipe, it’s going to become a staple in your household. Your family and friends will be begging you for the recipe, and you’ll feel like a total culinary pro.
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and get cooking! I promise this Copycat P.F. Chang’s Crispy Honey Shrimp will transport you straight to the heart of your favorite Chinese restaurant. Enjoy!