Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a delightful dish that brings together the flavors and textures you crave. Imagine crispy, golden shrimp, perfectly seasoned and doused in a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. Yum! This recipe is simple yet extraordinary, making it great for casual dinners or special occasions. You don’t need to be a culinary expert to nail it, and trust me, your friends and family will think you’ve magically transformed into a gourmet chef.
As we walk through this recipe, think of it as a fun adventure in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for just yourself or a crowd, these little bites of goodness are bound to be a hit. The experience is not only about the food; it’s about bringing people together and sharing delicious moments. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking those Hot Honey Fried Shrimp that will tantalize your taste buds and spice up your meal!
Why This Recipe Works
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp combines the crispiness of perfectly fried shrimp with a sweet and spicy sauce that elevates this dish beyond traditional fried shrimp. The buttermilk marinade tenderizes the shrimp and adds flavor, while the seasoned flour creates a delightful crunch. Drizzling the shrimp with hot honey gives each bite a unique balance of sweetness and heat that will keep you coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
This recipe appeals to your love for bold flavors and textures. It’s versatile enough to serve as a fun appetizer at gatherings or a satisfying main course for family dinners. Plus, it’s easy to make and comes together quickly, ensuring you can enjoy this delicious treat any night of the week. With customizable heat levels and simple ingredients, it’s bound to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, thawed, peeled, deveined, tail-on
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup 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 hot honey (homemade or store-bought)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Preparing the Shrimp
Marinate Shrimp in Buttermilk
Start by adding the thawed shrimp to a medium bowl. Pour the buttermilk over them, ensuring each shrimp is fully coated. Let them marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes for maximum flavor. This step is crucial because it not only enhances taste but also makes the shrimp incredibly tender.
Prepare the Seasoned Flour
While the shrimp is soaking, grab another medium bowl. Combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Whisk together until well mixed and then set this aside. This seasoned flour will create that irresistible crunch when fried.
Dredge the Shrimp
Now it’s time to dredge! Take each shrimp out of the buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Generously coat the shrimp in the seasoned flour mixture for full flavor coverage. Place them on a baking sheet and repeat the process with the rest of the shrimp. This step builds up that crispy exterior you’ll love.
Frying the Shrimp
Heat Oil to the Correct Temperature
In a large pot, pour in about 2 inches of vegetable oil. Heat it over medium until the temperature reaches 350°F. Using a candy or deep-fry thermometer is highly recommended for accuracy. A consistent high temperature is key for beautifully fried shrimp.
Fry the Shrimp
Carefully add the coated shrimp to the hot oil in batches. Avoid overcrowding, as this can lower the oil temperature. Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until the shrimp turn golden brown and crispy. Remember to allow the oil to return to 350°F between batches. This ensures every shrimp gets that perfect crunch.
Drain and Drizzle
Once fried, use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This method helps drain excess oil effectively. Now, for the fun part! Drizzle hot honey liberally over the shrimp and garnish them with chopped parsley for a pop of color before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is best enjoyed immediately while still warm. Serve it as an appetizer with extra hot honey for dipping, or alongside coleslaw and cornbread for a hearty main course. Whichever way you choose, the combination of flavors and textures will keep everyone coming back for more.
Tips for Success
- Always ensure the oil temperature remains consistent. This step is vital for perfectly crispy shrimp that don’t absorb too much oil.
- Feel free to customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper or using milder spices. You can also make it spicier by adding a pinch of chili flakes.
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider incorporating lemon zest or fresh herbs into the hot honey. It adds a refreshing twist that complements the dish beautifully.
Variations
If you’re looking for alternatives, try a gluten-free option by substituting all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. If you want more heat, spice it up further by incorporating chili flakes into the hot honey. Every variation opens a new twist to this delightful dish!
Storage Tips
After savoring your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to reheat, opt for the oven instead of a microwave to restore that crispy texture.
Pairing Ideas
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp pairs beautifully with a chilled coleslaw salad or cornbread. It also goes great alongside creamy grits for a southern-inspired meal. For drinks, consider a refreshing cocktail like a mojito or a crisp beer to complement the dish’s flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure you properly thaw and drain them before marinating.
How spicy is the hot honey?
The spice level depends on your choice of hot honey; adjust according to your taste preference.
Can I make this dish in advance?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the shrimp and hot honey separately and combine them just before serving.
What dipping sauces pair well with this dish?
Creamy ranch or a zesty cocktail sauce make excellent choices for dipping.
Is it possible to make this recipe in an air fryer?
Yes, an air fryer can definitely be used. Just remember to adjust the cooking time and temperature based on your air fryer’s specifications.
Enjoy this delectable Hot Honey Fried Shrimp. I guarantee that with this recipe, you’ll impress your family and friends with a dish that’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen! The combination of crispy, tender shrimp with the sweet and spicy glaze is enough to elevate any gathering or weeknight meal.
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Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
This dish elevates typical fried shrimp with its crispy exterior and a delightful sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. It’s perfect for appetizers or main courses.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, thawed, peeled, deveined, tail-on
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup 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 hot honey (homemade or store-bought)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate shrimp in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes.
- Combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a bowl.
- Dredge shrimp in seasoned flour mixture.
- Heat vegetable oil to 350°F in a pot.
- Fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Drain on parchment paper and drizzle with hot honey and garnish with parsley.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Keep the oil temperature consistent for crispy shrimp.
Customize heat level by adjusting cayenne pepper.
For added flavor, mix in lemon zest with hot honey.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 17
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 15
- Cholesterol: 150
