Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a delightful dish that perfectly balances crispy, sweet, and spicy flavors. This recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser, making it suitable for various occasions—from casual family dinners to lively parties. The golden fried shrimp are not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor thanks to the delicious hot honey glaze. It’s quick to make and easy to customize, guaranteeing that every bite delivers bold and satisfying tastes.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Shrimp
• For the Breading
• For Frying and Glaze
• How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
• Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
• Step 2: Make the Seasoned Flour Mixture
• Step 3: Prepare the Buttermilk Bath
• Step 4: Coat the Shrimp
• Step 5: Fry the Shrimp
• Step 6: Make the Hot Honey Glaze
• Step 7: Drizzle with Hot Honey Glaze
• How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
• As an Appetizer
• In Tacos
• Over Rice
• On a Salad
• As Part of a Platter
• How to Perfect Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
• Best Side Dishes for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
• Reheating Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use frozen shrimp for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
• What is the best type of hot sauce to use?
• How can I customize my Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
• How spicy is Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture: The batter and panko breadcrumbs create a perfect crunch that contrasts beautifully with the succulent shrimp.
• Sweet and Spicy Flavor: The hot honey glaze adds a unique twist, combining sweetness with just the right amount of heat.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy these shrimp as an appetizer, main course, or part of a larger spread at gatherings.
• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
• Easy Customization: Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of hot sauce or red pepper flakes based on your preference.

Tools and Preparation

To make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp successfully, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and ensures great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Deep frying pan or Dutch oven
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Slotted spoon or spider
• Cooking thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep frying pan or Dutch oven: Ideal for achieving high temperatures needed for frying, ensuring even cooking throughout.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for preparing different components like batter and glaze without mixing flavors prematurely.
• Whisk: Essential for blending dry ingredients smoothly into the wet batter for a consistent texture.
• Slotted spoon or spider: Helps safely remove fried shrimp from hot oil without excess grease.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Breading

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

For Frying and Glaze

• Vegetable oil for frying
• ½ cup honey
• 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by rinsing the peeled and deveined shrimp under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Step 2: Make the Seasoned Flour Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. All-purpose flour,
2. Garlic powder,
3. Smoked paprika,
4. Salt,
5. Black pepper.

Mix thoroughly until blended.

Step 3: Prepare the Buttermilk Bath

In another bowl, pour in the buttermilk. This will help the flour adhere better to the shrimp.

Step 4: Coat the Shrimp

1. Dip each shrimp into the buttermilk bath, allowing any excess liquid to drip off.
2. Next, roll them in the seasoned flour mixture until fully coated.
3. After coating in flour, dip again into buttermilk before rolling in panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy finish.

Step 5: Fry the Shrimp

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully drop in coated shrimp in batches without overcrowding.
3. Fry until golden brown and crispy on both sides—about 2–3 minutes per side.
4. Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked shrimp onto paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Make the Hot Honey Glaze

In a small saucepan over low heat:
1. Combine honey, hot sauce, butter, red pepper flakes (if using), and apple cider vinegar.
2. Stir until melted and well blended.

Step 7: Drizzle with Hot Honey Glaze

Once all shrimp are fried and drained, place them on a serving platter and generously drizzle with hot honey glaze before serving warm.

With these steps completed, enjoy your flavorful Hot Honey Fried Shrimp! Perfectly crispy with a sweet kick that everyone will love!

How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp can be enjoyed in various ways, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your experience.

As an Appetizer

• Start your meal with a plate of hot honey fried shrimp served with toothpicks for easy eating. Pair with dipping sauces like ranch or aioli for added flavor.

In Tacos

• Create spicy shrimp tacos by adding the hot honey fried shrimp to warm tortillas. Top with fresh cabbage, avocado, and a drizzle of lime juice.

Over Rice

• Serve the fried shrimp over a bed of fluffy rice. This provides a delicious contrast to the crunchy shrimp and absorbs the sweet and spicy glaze.

On a Salad

• Toss hot honey fried shrimp into a fresh salad for added protein and crunch. Combine with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing dish.

As Part of a Platter

• Arrange the shrimp on a platter alongside other finger foods like veggies and dips. It’s perfect for parties and will impress your guests with its vibrant colors and flavors.

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How to Perfect Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

To make sure your hot honey fried shrimp turns out perfectly every time, follow these tips that enhance both flavor and texture.

• Use fresh shrimp: Freshly caught shrimp have better flavor compared to frozen ones, leading to tastier results.

• Marinate briefly: Let the shrimp sit in buttermilk for 10-15 minutes before breading. This enhances moisture and flavor.

• Maintain oil temperature: Ensure your frying oil is around 350°F (175°C) for optimal crispiness without greasiness.

• Double coat: For an extra crispy texture, dip the shrimp in flour, then buttermilk again, followed by panko breadcrumbs before frying.

• Drizzle hot honey liberally: Don’t skimp on the hot honey glaze; it adds essential sweetness and heat that makes this dish special.

• Serve immediately: Frying just before serving keeps them crispy and ensures you enjoy them at their best.

Best Side Dishes for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Pairing side dishes with hot honey fried shrimp can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and balances the heat from the shrimp. You can use either creamy or vinegar-based dressings.

2. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn complements the sweet notes of the hot honey glaze beautifully. Add some butter and seasoning for extra flavor.

3. Garlic Bread: The buttery richness of garlic bread pairs well with fried shrimp, allowing you to soak up any remaining sauce.

4. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges offer a hearty side that contrasts nicely with the lightness of the shrimp. Season them with herbs or spices for added taste.

5. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad packed with vegetables provides nutrients while keeping your meal light.

6. Cucumber Salad: A cool cucumber salad dressed in vinegar helps cut through the richness of fried food while adding crunch.

7. French Fries: Classic fries are always a hit! Their saltiness enhances the sweet-and-spicy flavors of the hot honey fried shrimp.

8. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring color to your plate while offering health benefits to balance out this indulgent dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, it’s easy to overlook some key details that can affect the outcome. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Skipping the marinating step: Marinating shrimp in buttermilk enhances flavor and tenderness. Don’t rush this step; a short marinade makes a big difference.
• Not using the right oil: Using the wrong oil can lead to poor frying results. Opt for oils with high smoke points like vegetable or canola oil for the best fry.
• Overcrowding the pan: Frying too many shrimp at once lowers the oil temperature, resulting in soggy shrimp. Fry in small batches for extra crispiness.
• Ignoring temperature fluctuations: If your oil isn’t hot enough, shrimp will absorb too much oil. Use a thermometer to maintain a consistent frying temperature.
• Skimping on seasoning: Shrimp can be bland without proper seasoning. Ensure you season both the batter and the shrimp before frying for maximum flavor.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Hot Honey Fried Shrimp in an airtight container.
• They will keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Freezing Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

• Place cooled shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze quickly.
• Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag and use within 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

• Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake on a foil-lined tray for about 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but this may result in less crispiness.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally for even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp.

Can I use frozen shrimp for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before coating them.

What is the best type of hot sauce to use?

Choose a hot sauce that matches your spice preference. A cayenne-based sauce adds heat without overpowering other flavors.

How can I customize my Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

Try adding different spices or herbs to the batter for unique flavors. You could also experiment with different types of honey for varied sweetness.

How spicy is Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

The spiciness can be adjusted based on how much hot sauce you add. Start with less if you’re sensitive to heat and add more as desired.

Final Thoughts

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is an exciting dish that combines crispy textures with sweet and spicy notes. It’s perfect as an appetizer or main dish and can be easily customized with your favorite spices or sauces. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy impressing your guests with its delightful flavors!