Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

If you’re looking for a delicious treat that brings sweet and spicy flavors together, then you must try my Hot Honey Fried Shrimp! This recipe is a cherished favorite in our home, and it’s perfect for so many occasions. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, enjoying a cozy night in, or just need to impress some friends, these crispy shrimp will steal the show. The combination of crunchy coating and the sticky sweetness of hot honey creates an irresistible dish that everyone will love!

What makes this recipe even better is how simple it is to make. With just a few wholesome ingredients, you can whip up something special in no time. Plus, the delightful crunch of the fried shrimp paired with that spicy honey drizzle? Trust me, it’s a match made in culinary heaven!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Prep takes just 10 minutes, making this a great choice for busy weeknights.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will rave about this fun finger food!
• Versatile serving options: Enjoy as an appetizer or serve as the main course with your favorite sides.
• Flavor-packed: The combination of hot honey and spices offers a perfect balance of sweet and spicy in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients to make these Hot Honey Fried Shrimp. You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store. Ready to dive in?

For the Shrimp

• 1 pound large shrimp (thawed, peeled, deveined, tail-on)
• 1 cup (245 g) buttermilk

For the Coating

• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

For Frying

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Glaze

• ½ cup (170 g) hot honey (homemade or store-bought)
• Parsley (chopped for garnish)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken tenders or tofu for a different twist!
• Change up the heat: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper for milder or spicier shrimp.
• Add extra crunch: Toss in some crushed cornflakes with your flour mixture for an even crispier coating.
• Try different glazes: Use maple syrup or agave for a unique sweet twist instead of hot honey.

How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

To start, place your large shrimp in a medium bowl and pour buttermilk over them. This step is crucial as marinating helps tenderize the shrimp while adding moisture. Let those beauties sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes. It makes such a difference!

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In another medium bowl, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. This seasoned flour will give our shrimp that lovely flavor boost! Make sure everything is well combined; then set it aside while we get ready to fry.

Step 3: Dredge the Shrimp

Now it’s time to coat our marinated shrimp! Remove each one from the buttermilk bath and let any excess drip off before generously dredging them in your seasoned flour mixture. Ensure each piece gets coated well; this will create that delightful crispy exterior when we fry them.

Step 4: Heat Up Your Oil

In a large pot over medium heat, pour enough vegetable oil to create about 2 inches deep. Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to bring your oil up to 350°F. This step is important because if your oil isn’t hot enough, you won’t get that perfect crispy texture!

Step 5: Frying Time!

Line another baking sheet with parchment paper while waiting for your oil to heat up. Once it’s ready, tap off any excess flour from your coated shrimp and carefully add them into the hot oil in batches—this prevents overcrowding! Fry each batch for about 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown and super crispy. Just keep an eye on them!

Step 6: Drizzle with Hot Honey

Once fried perfectly, remove each batch of shrimp with a slotted spoon and place them onto your lined baking sheet. Now comes the magic part—drizzle those crispy beauties with hot honey! The warm honey will soak into every nook and cranny.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Finish by garnishing with fresh chopped parsley before serving hot. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or main dish alongside your favorite sides, I guarantee this Hot Honey Fried Shrimp will be loved by all!

Pro Tips for Making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Creating the perfect Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is all about finesse and a few key tricks! Here are some pro tips to help you achieve crispy, flavorful shrimp every time.

• Marinate Properly: Allowing the shrimp to soak in buttermilk not only tenderizes them but also helps the flour coating adhere better, resulting in a crunchier bite.

• Use Fresh Oil: For the best frying results, make sure your vegetable oil is fresh and at the right temperature. This ensures that the shrimp cook evenly and develop that beautiful golden crust.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying too many shrimp at once can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy shrimp. Work in batches to keep things crispy!

• Keep an Eye on Temperature: Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature closely. If it drops below 350°F, your shrimp won’t fry correctly, so adjust your heat as needed between batches.

• Serve Immediately: Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer. Serve them hot for maximum flavor and texture!

How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Once you’ve perfected your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, it’s time to think about presentation! With just a few thoughtful touches, you can elevate this dish for any occasion.

Garnishes

To add a touch of color and freshness, consider these simple garnishes:

• Chopped Chives: A sprinkle of chives not only adds a pop of green but also provides a mild onion flavor that complements the shrimp beautifully.

• Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before eating brightens up the dish and balances the sweetness of the hot honey.

Side Dishes

Pair your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp with these delightful side dishes for a complete meal:

• Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw made with cabbage and carrots dressed in a tangy vinegar-based dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the spicy shrimp.

• Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob, either grilled or boiled, brings out summer flavors and provides a lovely sweetness that pairs well with the heat of the honey.

• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra hot honey sauce and adds an extra layer of flavor to your meal.

• Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and a citrus vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpart to the rich fried shrimp while adding crunch and color to your plate.

With these serving suggestions, you’re all set for an enjoyable meal featuring your delicious Hot Honey Fried Shrimp! Enjoy every spicy-sweet bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time, whether for a party or just to enjoy throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the shrimp to cool completely before storing.
• Place the cooled shrimp in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Cool the shrimp completely before freezing.
• Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen shrimp to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in an oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
• Alternatively, reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp.

Can I use frozen shrimp to make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

Yes! Just ensure that you thaw the frozen shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating them in buttermilk.

What is hot honey, and how do I make it?

Hot honey is honey infused with spicy elements like chili flakes or hot sauce. You can easily make it by mixing honey with your favorite hot sauce or chili flakes to taste.

How do I ensure my Hot Honey Fried Shrimp stays crispy?

For crispier shrimp, make sure your oil is at the right temperature (350°F) when frying, and avoid overcrowding the pot. This allows each piece to fry evenly without steaming.

Can I prepare Hot Honey Fried Shrimp ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can fry the shrimp in advance and store them in the refrigerator or freeze them for later. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer for best results.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Hot Honey Fried Shrimp recipe as much as I do! It’s perfect for gatherings or simply treating yourself to something special. The combination of sweet and spicy is sure to please everyone at your table. Don’t hesitate to try it out – I know you’ll love every crunchy bite!