Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

If you’re looking for a dish that packs a flavorful punch, look no further than Hot Honey Fried Shrimp! This recipe has become one of my go-to favorites because it’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up. Imagine large shrimp, perfectly golden and crispy, then tossed in a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze that makes every bite an absolute treat. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer at your next gathering or enjoying it as a delightful main course during a busy weeknight, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table.

What truly makes this recipe special is how simple it is to prepare. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and quick cooking time, you’ll have a meal that feels gourmet without the fuss. Plus, the combination of heat from the cayenne pepper and sweetness from the hot honey creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 28 minutes from start to finish, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and spicy flavor of these shrimp.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as an appetizer or make it the star of your dinner plate!
• Make Ahead Delight: Marinating the shrimp ahead of time allows for even more flavor when you’re ready to fry.
• Garnish with Style: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but elevates the presentation beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in this Hot Honey Fried Shrimp recipe. I love how accessible these items are—you might already have many of them in your kitchen!

• 1 pound large shrimp (thawed, peeled, deveined, tail-on)
• 1 cup (245 g) buttermilk
• 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
• vegetable oil (for frying)
• ½ cup (170 g) hot honey (homemade or store-bought)
• parsley (chopped for garnish)

Variations

One great thing about Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is its flexibility! Feel free to play around with flavors and ingredients based on what you have on hand or what you prefer.

• Switch up the seafood: Try this recipe with scallops or fish fillets for a different take on seafood delights.
• Add some crunch: Toss in some crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs for extra texture in your coating.
• Make it spicier: Increase the cayenne pepper for those who crave more heat or add some sliced jalapeños into the hot honey drizzle.
• Go gluten-free: Substitute regular flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend for a version everyone can enjoy.

How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

Start by placing your large shrimp into a medium bowl and pouring buttermilk over them. This step adds moisture and tenderness while allowing all those lovely flavors to soak in. Marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes—this will help create that juicy texture we all love!

Step 2: Prepare the Flour Mixture

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 a delightful crispy coating. It’s important to ensure everything is combined well so each shrimp gets evenly coated.

Step 3: Dredge the Shrimp

Working one at a time, remove each marinated shrimp from its bath and let any excess liquid drip off. Generously dredge it in your seasoned flour mixture until fully coated. Place each coated shrimp on a large baking sheet while you repeat this process with all remaining shrimp.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

In a large pot over medium heat, pour in about 2 inches of vegetable oil. Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to bring the oil up to 350°F. Heating the oil properly is key here—it ensures that we get that beautiful golden color and crispiness without being greasy.

Step 5: Frying Time!

Once your oil is nice and hot, carefully transfer coated shrimp into the oil using tongs or a slotted spoon—make sure not to overcrowd them! Fry for about 2-3 minutes per batch until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remember to keep an eye on your oil temperature; it may need some time to return to 350°F after each batch.

Step 6: Drizzle with Hot Honey

Using a slotted spoon, remove those gorgeous fried shrimp from the oil and place them onto a lined baking sheet. Drizzle generously with hot honey while they’re still warm; this allows that sweet-spicy goodness to cling beautifully.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Finish off by garnishing with chopped parsley for that fresh touch. Serve these scrumptious Hot Honey Fried Shrimp hot—the perfect appetizer or main dish that everyone will be raving about! Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Creating the perfect Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is all about technique and timing. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out deliciously every time!

• Use fresh shrimp – Fresh shrimp will provide the best flavor and texture. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a mild ocean scent for the finest results.

• Let the shrimp marinate – Marinating in buttermilk not only enhances the flavor but also tenderizes the shrimp, making them juicy and succulent after frying.

• Monitor oil temperature – Keeping the oil at a consistent 350°F is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture. If it’s too hot, the shrimp will burn; if it’s too cool, they will absorb more oil and become greasy.

• Don’t overcrowd the pot – Frying in batches ensures that each shrimp gets enough space to cook evenly. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, leading to soggy shrimp.

• Drizzle hot honey just before serving – For maximum flavor impact, drizzle hot honey over the fried shrimp right before serving. This keeps the honey warm and ensures it clings beautifully to each piece.

How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp makes for a stunning presentation that can elevate any meal or gathering. Here are some ideas on how to serve this delightful dish!

Garnishes

• Chopped parsley – A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Lemon wedges – Serve lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over their shrimp, adding a zesty contrast to the sweetness of hot honey.
• Sliced green onions – Adding thinly sliced green onions provides a subtle crunch and an oniony kick that complements the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Creamy coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw pairs perfectly with spicy shrimp, providing a crunchy texture and refreshing contrast.
• Garlic breadsticks – These buttery breadsticks are great for mopping up any leftover hot honey sauce while adding an extra layer of comfort to your meal.
• Roasted vegetables – A mix of seasonal roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots, adds color and nutrients while balancing out the richness of fried food.
• Cilantro lime rice – Fluffy rice infused with cilantro and lime brings a fresh taste that harmonizes well with both sweet and spicy flavors in the dish.

Enjoy your cooking adventure with Hot Honey Fried Shrimp! Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself, this dish will surely impress everyone at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Hot Honey Fried Shrimp recipe is perfect for meal prep or when you want to enjoy delicious crispy shrimp more than once! With a few simple storage techniques, you can keep leftovers fresh and ready to eat.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
• Consume within 2-3 days for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

• Allow the fried shrimp to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them 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 will last for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. You can also reheat them in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp!

Can I use frozen shrimp for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly before marinating them in buttermilk for the best results.

What’s the secret to crispy Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

The key is in the double coating with flour and seasoning, which creates that delightful crunch. Also, frying at the right temperature ensures they cook evenly without becoming greasy.

How do I make homemade hot honey?

Combine equal parts honey and your favorite hot sauce, adjusting to taste. This mixture adds a delicious flavor that complements the fried shrimp perfectly!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Hot Honey Fried Shrimp recipe as delightful as I do! It’s an amazing dish that balances sweet and spicy flavors while being incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying it as a weeknight treat, I’m sure it will become a favorite in your household. Have fun making it, and don’t forget to share your experience with friends and family!