Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is the perfect combination of crispy, sweet, and spicy flavors, making it an irresistible crowd-pleaser. These golden-fried shrimp are coated in a flavorful batter and fried to crunchy perfection, then drizzled with a mouthwatering hot honey glaze. Whether served as an appetizer, a main dish, or part of a party platter, this dish offers a delicious kick that will leave everyone asking for seconds. It’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and delivers bold flavors with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 30 minutes total time, you can whip up Hot Honey Fried Shrimp in no time for any occasion.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of crispy shrimp and the sweet heat of hot honey creates a unique taste that delights the palate.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or main course; these shrimp fit perfectly into any meal plan.
- Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the hot sauce to your liking, making it suitable for all spice tolerances.
- Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Perfect for parties or gatherings where everyone can enjoy these flavorful bites.
Tools and Preparation
To create the best Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure perfect results. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Shallow dish for buttermilk
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Tongs
- Cooking thermometer (optional)
- Paper towels
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients evenly without making a mess.
- Frying pan or deep fryer: Ensures even cooking and proper frying of the shrimp for that desired crunch.
- Tongs: Perfect for flipping shrimp without damaging their coating and helps prevent burns.
- Cooking thermometer (optional): Allows you to check oil temperature accurately for optimal frying results.
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
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
For the Hot Honey 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
Begin by placing the peeled and deveined shrimp in a large mixing bowl. Season them with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss until all shrimp are evenly coated.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
In one shallow dish, pour the buttermilk. In another shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour. In a third shallow dish, add panko breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Bread Each Shrimp
Dip each shrimp into the flour first, shaking off excess. Then dip it into the buttermilk before finally rolling it in panko breadcrumbs until fully coated.
Step 4: Heat Oil for Frying
Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can use a cooking thermometer to check the temperature.
Step 5: Fry the Shrimp
Carefully place breaded shrimp in hot oil without overcrowding. Fry until golden brown and crispy on both sides—about 2–3 minutes per side.
Step 6: Make the Hot Honey Glaze
While shrimp is frying, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, red pepper flakes (if using), and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until melted together and well mixed.
Step 7: Drizzle On The Glaze
Once fried shrimp are done cooking, remove them from oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Drizzle hot honey glaze over each batch before serving.
Enjoy your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp as a delightful treat at your next gathering!
How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is versatile and can be served in numerous ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual meal at home, these shrimp will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
As an Appetizer
- Serve the shrimp on a platter with toothpicks for easy eating.
- Pair them with a tangy dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese for added flavor.
Over Rice or Noodles
- Create a delicious meal by serving the shrimp over steamed rice or noodles.
- Drizzle additional hot honey on top for an extra kick and sweetness.
On Tacos
- Use corn or flour tortillas to make shrimp tacos.
- Top with fresh cilantro, avocado, and cabbage for crunch and freshness.
In a Salad
- Toss the shrimp into a fresh green salad for a protein boost.
- Add ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette for balance.
As Part of a Platter
- Include Hot Honey Fried Shrimp in a mixed platter alongside other finger foods.
- Complement with items like sliders, veggies, and dips to create a party spread.
How to Perfect Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
To achieve the best results with your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, follow these simple tips that enhance both flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will provide better flavor than frozen. Look for shrimp that smell clean and have firm flesh.
- Marinate for Flavor: Let the shrimp marinate in buttermilk before cooking. This step adds moisture and enhances taste.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the frying oil at around 350°F (175°C) to ensure crispy shrimp. Too low will make them greasy; too high can burn them.
- Double-Dip for Crunch: For extra crunchiness, dip the shrimp in flour, then buttermilk again, followed by panko breadcrumbs before frying.
- Adjust Hot Sauce: Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of hot sauce in the glaze. Taste as you go!
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy the shrimp right after frying for maximum crispiness. Reheating can lead to sogginess.
Best Side Dishes for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Pairing side dishes with Hot Honey Fried Shrimp elevates your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:
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Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that complements the sweet and spicy flavors of the shrimp.
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Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and is easy to prepare alongside your fried shrimp.
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Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread as an easy-to-make side that pairs well with all seafood dishes.
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Sweet Potato Fries: The sweetness of sweet potato fries balances out the heat from the shrimp while adding extra texture.
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Coconut Rice: This tropical rice dish adds creaminess that pairs wonderfully with fried foods.
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Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with vegetables offers a healthy contrast to rich fried shrimp while adding color to your plate.
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring earthy flavors that complement the dish beautifully.
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Pickled Vegetables: A small side of pickled veggies adds acidity that cuts through richness while enhancing overall flavor profiles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the marination: Failing to marinate the shrimp in buttermilk can lead to dryness. Marinating helps tenderize the shrimp and enhances flavor.
- Using too much oil: Overcrowding the frying pan with shrimp can lower the oil temperature. This results in soggy shrimp instead of crispy bites. Fry in batches for better results.
- Neglecting seasoning: Not seasoning your flour or breadcrumbs can leave the dish bland. Be sure to incorporate spices into your batter for a flavor boost.
- Not monitoring cooking time: Overcooking shrimp makes them rubbery. Fry until they are golden brown and just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Forgetting about the glaze: Skipping the hot honey glaze means missing out on that sweet and spicy kick. Always drizzle it generously over the fried shrimp before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftover Hot Honey Fried Shrimp in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
- Place the cooled shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet, then freeze until solid.
- Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months.
Reheating Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place shrimp on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until crispy.
- Microwave: Place shrimp on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and sauté for about 3-5 minutes until heated evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re wondering more about Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, here are some common questions answered.
What is Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a delightful dish where crispy fried shrimp are drizzled with a sweet and spicy honey glaze, creating an irresistible flavor combination.
How can I make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp spicier?
To increase the heat level, add more hot sauce or red pepper flakes to your hot honey glaze according to your taste preference.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just ensure they are thawed completely and patted dry before marinating and frying.
What should I serve with Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
These flavorful shrimp pair well with rice, coleslaw, or even as part of a seafood platter with dipping sauces.
Final Thoughts
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp offers an amazing blend of flavors that everyone will love. Its versatility allows it to shine as an appetizer or main dish. Feel free to customize it by adjusting spice levels or trying different dipping sauces. Enjoy this delightful recipe at your next gathering!
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a delightful fusion of crispy textures and bold flavors, sure to win over any crowd. These succulent shrimp are coated in a seasoned batter, fried to golden perfection, and generously drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. This dish can easily transition from appetizers to main courses, making it perfect for any gathering or family dinner. With its quick preparation time and customizable heat levels, Hot Honey Fried Shrimp not only satisfies the taste buds but also offers versatility in serving options—from tacos to salads.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup honey
- 2–3 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Season shrimp with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Set up a breading station with flour, buttermilk, and panko breadcrumbs in shallow dishes.
- Dip each shrimp into flour, then buttermilk, and finally coat with panko.
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry shrimp for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- In a saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, red pepper flakes (if desired), and apple cider vinegar over low heat until mixed.
- Drizzle the hot honey glaze over the fried shrimp before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 shrimp (approximately 120g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
