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
Scale
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.
