Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with Hot Honey Fried Shrimp — crispy, golden shrimp tossed in a perfect balance of fiery heat and sweet honey glaze. This dish delivers an exciting blend of textures and flavors: crunchy, juicy shrimp coated in a sticky, spicy-sweet sauce that keeps you coming back for more. Ideal as a snack, appetizer, or main course, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s quick and easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Crispy and Juicy: Lightly fried shrimp with a crunchy coating and tender inside.
Sweet Heat: The hot honey glaze combines spicy kick with mellow sweetness for a delicious contrast.
Simple Ingredients: Easy to prepare with pantry staples and minimal fuss.
Versatile Serving: Perfect for parties, casual dinners, or game day snacks.
Addictive Flavor: Bold, balanced, and packed with flavor in every bite.
Ingredients for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
To whip up this delicious Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, you’ll need a handful of ingredients that come together to create a flavor-packed dish.
Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp are the stars of this recipe. They soak up the flavors beautifully.
Buttermilk: This adds moisture and tenderness to the shrimp, making them juicy and flavorful.
Hot Sauce: A splash of your favorite hot sauce gives the shrimp a kick right from the start.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the crispy coating. It helps achieve that golden-brown crunch.
Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and vibrant color to the flour mixture.
Garlic Powder: A must for that savory depth of flavor that complements the shrimp perfectly.
Onion Powder: This enhances the overall taste, giving it a well-rounded flavor profile.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning, these two bring out the natural flavors of the shrimp.
Vegetable Oil: Used for frying, it should be heated to the right temperature for that perfect crisp.
Honey: The sweet component of the glaze, it balances the heat beautifully.
Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust these to your heat preference; they add a delightful spiciness to the honey glaze.
Lemon Juice: A splash of acidity brightens the dish and enhances the flavors.
Chopped Fresh Parsley: This is for garnish, adding a pop of color and freshness to your plate.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing.
How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a straightforward process that yields delicious results.
Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to a mouthwatering dish that will impress everyone at the table.
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Start by combining buttermilk and hot sauce in a medium bowl.
This mixture not only adds flavor but also tenderizes the shrimp.
Add the shrimp, ensuring they are fully submerged.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
This marinating time is crucial for infusing flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
While the shrimp is marinating, it’s time to prepare the coating.
In a separate bowl, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
This blend will create a crispy, flavorful crust.
Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste.
A little cayenne pepper can add an extra kick!
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Next, heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
You want the oil to reach about 350°F for perfect frying.
A good tip is to drop a small piece of bread into the oil; if it sizzles, you’re ready to go.
This step is essential for achieving that golden-brown color.
Step 4: Dredge the Shrimp
Once the shrimp has marinated, remove them from the buttermilk.
Let the excess drip off before dredging each shrimp in the flour mixture.
Make sure to shake off any excess flour.
This ensures a light, crispy coating that won’t be too heavy.
Step 5: Fry the Shrimp
Carefully place the coated shrimp in the hot oil, frying in batches.
Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature.
Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Make the Hot Honey Glaze
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice.
Stir until warmed and well mixed.
This glaze is where the magic happens, balancing sweetness with heat.
Adjust the red pepper flakes to your desired spice level.
Step 7: Combine and Serve
Drizzle the hot honey mixture over the fried shrimp.
Toss gently to coat each piece evenly.
Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
Serve immediately and watch everyone enjoy this spicy delight!
Tips for Success
For extra crunch, double-dip the shrimp by returning them to the buttermilk after the first dredge.
Use a thermometer to ensure your oil is at the right temperature for frying.
Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches for even cooking.
Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of red pepper flakes in the glaze.
Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Equipment Needed
Large Skillet: A cast-iron skillet works great, but any heavy-bottomed pan will do.
Slotted Spoon: Essential for transferring the shrimp without excess oil.
Medium Bowl: For marinating the shrimp.
Measuring Cups: Handy for precise ingredient measurements.
Thermometer: Useful for checking oil temperature, but you can use the bread test instead.
Variations of Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Spicy Garlic Shrimp: Add minced garlic to the hot honey glaze for an extra layer of flavor.
Asian-Inspired: Substitute honey with sweet chili sauce and add sesame seeds for a different twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for the coating.
Herb-Infused: Mix fresh herbs like thyme or cilantro into the flour mixture for a fresh taste.
Oven-Baked Version: For a healthier option, bake the coated shrimp at 400°F for 15-20 minutes instead of frying.
Serving Suggestions for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy coleslaw pairs perfectly with the spicy shrimp.
Rice: Serve over fluffy jasmine or coconut rice to soak up the hot honey glaze.
Beer: A cold lager or pale ale complements the heat beautifully.
Presentation: Serve on a wooden board with lemon wedges for a rustic touch.
FAQs about Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating. This helps achieve that crispy texture.
How spicy is the hot honey glaze?
The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. Start with a tablespoon of red pepper flakes, and feel free to add more if you like it hotter!
Can I make the hot honey glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and warm it up before drizzling over the shrimp.
What can I serve with Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
This dish pairs well with coleslaw, rice, or even a fresh salad. A cold beer or a refreshing lemonade also complements the flavors nicely.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture, as microwaving can make them soggy.
Final Thoughts
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings joy to any table.
The crispy texture combined with that sweet and spicy glaze creates a delightful experience that’s hard to forget.
Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to impress.
It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it a go-to for any occasion.
So, roll up your sleeves, dive into the kitchen, and let the magic of Hot Honey Fried Shrimp transform your meal into something truly special!
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a spicy and sweet dish that combines crispy fried shrimp with a delicious hot honey glaze.
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
In a medium bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the shrimp, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to marinate.
In a separate bowl, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
Remove shrimp from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour.
Carefully place the coated shrimp in the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice. Stir until warmed and well mixed.
Drizzle the hot honey mixture over the fried shrimp and toss gently to coat.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
For a crunchier texture, double-dip the shrimp by returning them to the buttermilk after the first dredge and then coating them again in the flour mixture.
Try adding different spices to the flour mixture, such as cayenne pepper for extra heat or Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
