Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl or jug, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and rice vinegar. In a separate tiny bowl, mix the cornflour with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Set both aside.

Prepare the Shrimp: Ensure your shrimp are peeled, deveined, and most importantly, thoroughly dry. Pat them with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This is a critical step for getting a beautiful sear. According to food science experts at Serious Eats, a dry surface is essential for the Maillard reaction, which creates that delicious browning and flavour. Season the shrimp lightly with black pepper.

Sear the Shrimp: Place a large frying pan or skillet over a medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and butter. Once the butter has melted and is sizzling, add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; cook in two batches if necessary.

Cook Until Pink: Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes on each side. You're looking for them to turn pink and opaque with a few golden-brown spots. Don't overcook them at this stage, as they will cook a little more in the sauce.

Remove the Shrimp: Once seared, use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside on a plate. This prevents them from becoming tough and rubbery.

Create the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour the honey-garlic-soy sauce mixture into the pan. Let it bubble gently for 1-2 minutes, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. The garlic will become incredibly fragrant.

Thicken the Glaze: Give your cornflour slurry a quick re-stir and pour it into the sauce. Continue to simmer, stirring constantly, for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened to a beautiful, glossy glaze that coats the back of a spoon.

Combine and Serve: Return the cooked shrimp to the pan. Add the optional red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Toss everything together for about 30 seconds, ensuring every single shrimp is generously coated in the sticky sauce.

Garnish and Enjoy: Immediately remove the pan from the heat. Transfer your Honey Garlic Shrimp to a serving platter, garnish with sliced spring onions and toasted sesame seeds, and serve hot.