Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Hot honey fried shrimp is the ultimate blend of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. Crispy, golden shrimp are coated in a perfectly seasoned batter, fried to crunchy perfection, and then drizzled with a luscious hot honey glaze that’s sticky, spicy, and irresistibly sweet. This dish is perfect as an appetizer, a main course, or even a crowd-pleasing party snack. Whether you serve it alongside a fresh salad, fluffy rice, or just enjoy it on its own, hot honey fried shrimp are guaranteed to be the star of the meal.

This recipe takes your traditional fried shrimp to the next level by pairing it with the trending flavor profile of hot honey—a mix of honey, chili, and a touch of tangy vinegar. It’s easy to make and adaptable to your spice preference, making it a favorite for both heat lovers and those with a sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hot honey fried shrimp is a dish that satisfies every craving. The crispy shrimp offer a satisfying crunch, while the hot honey glaze balances heat and sweetness perfectly. This recipe is versatile—you can make it mild or fiery depending on your preference and serve it with a variety of sides. It’s also quick to prepare, taking under an hour from start to finish, making it perfect for both weeknight meals and special occasions. With its bold flavors and irresistible texture, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Preparation Time and Servings:

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Serving Size: Approximately 8-10 shrimp

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 420
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 12g

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, your preference)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for added heat)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Hot Honey Glaze:

• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as sriracha, Frank’s RedHot, or your favorite)
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
• Lemon wedges
• Extra red pepper flakes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

1. Clean the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Marinate: In a medium bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the shrimp and let them marinate for 15-20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. Bread the Shrimp: Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, and dredge them in the flour mixture. Press lightly to ensure the coating sticks. Place the breaded shrimp on a plate or baking sheet.

Step 3: Fry the Shrimp

1. Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature.
2. Fry in Batches: Fry the shrimp in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Glaze

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Simmer: Heat over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is warm and slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

1. Coat the Shrimp: Drizzle the hot honey glaze over the fried shrimp or toss the shrimp in a bowl with the glaze for full coating.
2. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro and serve immediately with lemon wedges and extra hot honey glaze on the side.

Ingredient Background

• Shrimp: Shrimp is the star of this dish, providing a lean source of protein with a mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements the bold glaze. Large shrimp work best for this recipe as they hold their shape and texture during frying.
• Buttermilk: Buttermilk tenderizes the shrimp and helps the breading adhere better, resulting in a crispy coating.
• Cornstarch: Mixing cornstarch with flour creates a lighter, crispier crust.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness to the glaze, balancing the heat from the hot sauce and pepper flakes.
• Hot Sauce: Brings the spice, and you can adjust the type and amount to suit your heat tolerance.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a tangy note to the glaze, enhancing its flavor complexity.

Technique Tips

• Pat Shrimp Dry: Ensure the shrimp are completely dry before marinating to help the breading stick.
• Use a Thermometer: Maintaining the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) is crucial for crispy shrimp without a greasy texture.
• Fry in Small Batches: Overcrowding the pan lowers the oil temperature and results in unevenly cooked shrimp.
• Keep Warm: If frying multiple batches, keep the cooked shrimp warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven until all are ready.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Shrimp Skewers: Serve the fried shrimp on skewers for easy party bites. Drizzle the hot honey glaze over the skewers before serving.
• Tacos: Use the hot honey shrimp as a filling for tacos, topped with shredded cabbage, avocado, and a dollop of sour cream.
• Salad Topping: Add the shrimp to a fresh green salad with citrus slices and a light vinaigrette for a lighter meal.
• Hot Honey Shrimp Bowl: Serve the shrimp over steamed rice or quinoa with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Additional Tips for Success

• Prep Ahead: Bread the shrimp up to an hour in advance and refrigerate until ready to fry.
• Double the Glaze: Make extra hot honey glaze for dipping or drizzling over sides like biscuits or cornbread.
• Customize the Spice: Adjust the heat level by using mild or extra-hot hot sauce and tweaking the amount of red pepper flakes.

Recipe Variations

• Coconut Hot Honey Shrimp: Add shredded coconut to the breading mixture for a tropical twist.
• Garlic-Lime Glaze: Replace the hot honey glaze with a garlic-lime butter sauce for a zesty alternative.
• Buffalo Shrimp: Toss the fried shrimp in a classic buffalo sauce instead of hot honey for a tangy, spicy kick.
• Korean-Inspired Shrimp: Use gochujang (Korean chili paste) in place of hot sauce and drizzle with sesame oil for a bold, unique flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp soggy.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked shrimp on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or air fryer.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Air Fryer Version: Use an air fryer instead of deep frying to reduce oil usage.
• Whole Grain Flour: Substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Baked Shrimp: Bake the breaded shrimp in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Lighter Glaze: Use less honey in the glaze or substitute it with a natural sweetener like maple syrup.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Hot honey fried shrimp is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides, making it ideal for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or parties. Serve it with:

• Cornbread: Sweet, crumbly cornbread complements the flavors of the hot honey glaze.
• Coleslaw: A creamy, tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the spicy-sweet shrimp.
• Crispy French Fries: Classic fries or sweet potato fries are perfect for soaking up the extra glaze.
• Grilled Vegetables: Pair with grilled asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers for a lighter side.
• Cocktail Sauce: Offer a dipping option alongside the hot honey glaze for variety.

Special Equipment

• Deep Skillet or Dutch Oven: For frying the shrimp evenly.
• Slotted Spoon: To safely remove the shrimp from the hot oil.
• Kitchen Thermometer: Essential for monitoring the oil temperature.
• Tongs: For flipping the shrimp and handling them without disturbing the breading.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating.

2. What’s the best oil for frying?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are great options due to their high smoke points.

3. Can I make the glaze spicier?
Absolutely! Add more hot sauce or red pepper flakes to increase the heat level.

4. How do I keep the shrimp crispy?
Serve the shrimp immediately after frying. If needed, keep them warm in the oven while frying additional batches.

5. Can I use other proteins?
Yes, this recipe works well with chicken tenders, fish fillets, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

6. What’s the difference between cornstarch and flour in the breading?
Cornstarch creates a lighter, crispier coating, while flour provides structure and golden color.

7. How can I tone down the sweetness?
Reduce the amount of honey in the glaze and add a splash of extra vinegar for more tanginess.

8. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the glaze up to 3 days in advance and reheat gently before drizzling over the shrimp.

Conclusion

Hot honey fried shrimp is a bold, flavorful dish that combines crispy fried shrimp with the irresistible combination of sweet and spicy. It’s versatile enough to serve as an appetizer, main course, or even a party snack. With easy-to-follow steps and a customizable glaze, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Whether you prefer it mild or fiery, this dish will leave everyone coming back for more. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with the magic of hot honey fried shrimp!

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