There’s something truly magical about the perfect balance of sweet heat and crispy delight that Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe delivers every single time. This dish takes succulent shrimp, bathed in a spiced, crunchy coating, then finishes them with a luscious drizzle of warm honey infused with fiery hot sauce. It’s a southern-inspired flavor explosion that’s both comforting and exciting, promising to become a absolute favorite whether you’re serving it as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course that wow’s the crowd.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe is all about using simple, accessible ingredients that come together to create big flavor, beautiful texture, and a vibrant look. Each ingredient has a special role to play, from lending crispness and spice to bringing that irresistible honeyed heat to the plate.
- Large shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): The star of the dish, juicy and tender seafood ready to soak up flavors.
- Buttermilk (1 cup): Adds tang and helps the coating stick for that perfect crunch.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): The foundation for a crispy, golden crust.
- Cornstarch (1/2 cup): Boosts extra crispiness in the fried coating.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses a subtle, savory depth.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Gives a smoky warmth and rich color.
- Cayenne pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds gentle heat to awaken the taste buds.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Contributes a touch of sharp bite.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Essential for a crispy, golden finish with no greasy aftertaste.
- Honey (1/3 cup): The sweet counterpoint that harmonizes perfectly with the spice.
- Hot sauce (1 to 2 tablespoons): Adjust to your desired level of fiery kick.
- Red pepper flakes (1 teaspoon, optional): For an extra burst of heat if you’re feeling bold.
- Lemon wedges: Brighten and balance with a fresh citrus punch when serving.
- Chopped parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh, herbaceous notes.
How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Soak the Shrimp
Begin by placing your peeled and deveined shrimp into a bowl, covering them lovingly with the buttermilk. This soaking not only tenderizes the shrimp but provides a slight tanginess that beautifully complements the coating. Let them soak for at least 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the shrimp to get plump and juicy inside.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating Mixture
While your shrimp are soaking, mix the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This blend is your golden ticket to achieving that crisp-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside texture, along with a lovely touch of smoky and spicy flavor that’s subtle but persistent.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot to reach about 2 inches high, then heat it to 350°F (175°C). Using the right temperature is key to getting a crunchy coating without sogginess or greasiness, so take your time to let the oil come up to heat properly before frying.
Step 4: Dredge and Fry the Shrimp
Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off before dredging each one thoroughly in your seasoned flour mixture. Make sure every crevice is coated for maximum crunch. Fry them in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan, cooking each side 2 to 3 minutes until they turn golden brown and irresistibly crispy. Drain on paper towels to catch any excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
While the shrimp are frying, gently warm the honey and hot sauce together on low heat in a small saucepan, stirring until perfectly combined. This hot honey drizzle will give your shrimp that signature sticky, sweet-spicy glaze that makes this recipe unforgettable.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Drizzle your hot honey over the fried shrimp right before serving or offer it as a dipping sauce on the side. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for more heat, chopped parsley for freshness, and don’t forget the lemon wedges to squeeze over for a bright, zesty finish. Now, you’re ready to dive into pure crispy, sweet, spicy bliss!
How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped parsley not only adds a fresh flavor but also a lovely color contrast that makes the shrimp pop on your plate. A few red pepper flakes scattered on top amp up the heat if you want to dial things up. Lemon wedges are ideal to brighten the dish, offering a zesty burst that cuts through the rich, sticky glaze.
Side Dishes
These shrimp pair wonderfully with a cool, creamy slaw that provides crunch and tang to balance out the sweetness and spice. For heartier meals, serve alongside fluffy white rice or garlic mashed potatoes to soak up every last drop of that hot honey sauce. Charred corn on the cob or roasted vegetables can add a smoky earthiness that complements the shrimp beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe atop a bed of mixed greens for a lighter meal or on crispy taco shells with slaw and avocado for a playful twist. Skewering the shrimp on wooden sticks and drizzling with honey sauce can make for a fantastic finger food at parties. No matter how you serve them, these shrimp always steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (though it’s rare!), store the shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the hot honey sauce in a separate container to avoid the shrimp getting soggy.
Freezing
For freezing, place the cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze shrimp like this for up to 1 month. The hot honey sauce is best made fresh, but you can freeze small portions in ice cube trays for quick thawing.
Reheating
To reheat without losing crispness, avoid microwaving directly. Instead, bake leftover shrimp in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) on a wire rack over a baking sheet for about 8-10 minutes. This method revives the crunch while warming the shrimp evenly. Drizzle with fresh hot honey sauce after reheating for maximum flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before soaking in buttermilk. Using fresh or raw shrimp tends to give the best texture and flavor, but frozen shrimp works fine in a pinch.
How spicy is the Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe?
The spice level is quite flexible since you control the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper. You can make it mild with just a kick or dial it up for a fiery experience. The honey helps balance all that heat with some soothing sweetness.
Why use both flour and cornstarch for the coating?
Combining flour and cornstarch creates an ultra-crispy crust that stays crunchy longer. Flour provides structure, while cornstarch prevents the coating from becoming dense or doughy.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend and ensure your hot sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free. The cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so you’ll still get that great crunch.
What can I serve this with for a full meal?
For a satisfying meal, serve the shrimp with rice pilaf, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables. Creamy sides like coleslaw or potato salad also pair beautifully and balance the flavors.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that combines crunchy, sweet, spicy, and utterly addictive, the Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe is guaranteed to deliver. It’s a fantastic way to impress friends or treat yourself to something special. Give it a try and watch how quickly these shrimp become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
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Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer or Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern-Inspired
Description
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a flavorful Southern-inspired dish featuring crispy, golden shrimp coated in a seasoned flour mixture, fried to perfection, and drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, this recipe balances heat and sweetness with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Hot Honey Sauce and Garnishes
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1–2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Soak the Shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Allow the shrimp to soak for at least 15 minutes to help tenderize and flavor them.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), ideal for frying the shrimp to crispy perfection.
- Coat the Shrimp: Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the flour and spice mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated for maximum crunch.
- Fry the Shrimp: Carefully add the coated shrimp to the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each side for 2–3 minutes or until the shrimp turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain them on paper towels.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce: In a small saucepan, gently warm the honey and hot sauce together over low heat, stirring until well combined. Adjust the spice level by adding more hot sauce if desired.
- Serve: Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the fried shrimp just before serving, or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. Garnish with red pepper flakes, freshly chopped parsley, and lemon wedges for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For extra-crispy shrimp, consider double-dipping by repeating the buttermilk and flour coating before frying.
- Using fresh or raw shrimp yields the best texture and flavor, though pre-cooked shrimp can be used as a shortcut.
- Adjust the heat level of the dish by varying the amount of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to suit your preference.
