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, fried to crunchy perfection, and 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: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Flavors: The combination of hot honey and spices creates a unique flavor profile that excites your taste buds.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these shrimp as an appetizer at parties, as a main dish with sides, or even on top of salads for a delightful meal.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes to suit your preference.
• Crispy Texture: The panko breadcrumbs create an irresistible crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender shrimp inside.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, having the right tools is essential for achieving crispy and delicious results. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large bowl
• Whisk
• Shallow dish for breading
• Deep frying pan or pot
• Slotted spoon or tongs
• Paper towels for draining

Importance of Each Tool

• Large bowl: Ideal for mixing ingredients thoroughly without spills.
• Deep frying pan or pot: Provides enough space for frying multiple shrimp at once while maintaining oil temperature.
• Slotted spoon or tongs: Perfect for safely lifting shrimp out of hot oil without losing any crispy coating.

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
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Hot Honey Glaze

• 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 shrimp under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss the shrimp in this spice mix until evenly coated.

Step 2: Set Up Breading Station

In one shallow dish, pour in the buttermilk. In another shallow dish, add flour. Lastly, place panko breadcrumbs in a third dish.

Step 3: Bread the Shrimp

Dip each seasoned shrimp into the flour first to coat lightly. Shake off excess flour before dipping it into buttermilk. Finally, dredge it through panko breadcrumbs until fully covered.

Step 4: Heat Oil

In a deep frying pan or pot over medium heat, pour vegetable oil until it’s about 2 inches deep. Heat oil until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.

Step 5: Fry the Shrimp

Carefully add breaded shrimp to the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown and crispy—about 3–4 minutes per side. Use slotted spoon or tongs to remove cooked shrimp and let them drain on paper towels.

Step 6: Make Hot Honey Glaze

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter. Stir in honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes (if using), and apple cider vinegar. Mix until well blended and heated through.

Step 7: Serve

Drizzle hot honey glaze over fried shrimp just before serving or serve on the side for dipping. Enjoy your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp!

How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. You can enjoy it in various ways that enhance its unique flavors and make any meal special.

As an Appetizer

• Serve in small portions with toothpicks for easy eating.
• Pair with dipping sauces like ranch or spicy mayo for added flavor.

In Tacos

• Use warm tortillas and fill them with shrimp, avocado, and a drizzle of hot honey.
• Add fresh cilantro and lime juice for a zesty kick.

Over Rice

• Create a hearty meal by serving the shrimp over a bed of fluffy jasmine or brown rice.
• Drizzle extra hot honey on top for a sweet finish.

On a Salad

• Toss the fried shrimp onto a fresh garden salad for a crunchy texture.
• Complement with a citrus vinaigrette to balance the sweetness.

As Part of a Platter

• Arrange the shrimp on a large platter with assorted vegetables and dipping sauces.
• Perfect for parties or gatherings where guests can help themselves.

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How to Perfect Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

To make your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp truly outstanding, consider these helpful tips:

• Choose Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will provide better flavor and texture than frozen options.
• Use Buttermilk Marinade: Soaking shrimp in buttermilk adds moisture and enhances flavor before battering.
• Double Dip for Crunch: For an extra crispy coating, dip the shrimp in flour, then buttermilk, and finally breadcrumbs.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at 350°F (175°C) while frying to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Add Extra Spice: For those who love heat, include red pepper flakes or more hot sauce in your honey glaze.
• Let It Rest: Allow fried shrimp to rest on paper towels briefly to remove excess oil before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp pairs well with a variety of side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Coleslaw: A refreshing crunchy slaw adds texture and balances the sweetness of the shrimp.
2. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread provides a comforting contrast to the spicy glaze on the shrimp.
3. Grilled Veggies: Seasonal grilled vegetables bring color and health benefits to your meal.
4. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges are perfect for soaking up any extra hot honey sauce.
5. Garlic Bread: Slices of garlic bread are great for sopping up sauces while adding rich flavor.
6. Macaroni Salad: Creamy macaroni salad offers coolness that complements the spicy shrimp well.
7. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with veggies makes for a nutritious side option without overshadowing the main dish.
8. Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: Classic fries or sweet potato fries add crunch and pair nicely with dipping sauces.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make mistakes when preparing Hot Honey Fried Shrimp. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping the marinade: Not allowing the shrimp to soak in buttermilk can result in less flavorful shrimp. Always marinate for at least 15 minutes for better taste.
• Overcrowding the pan: Frying too many shrimp at once can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy results. Fry in batches for crispy perfection.
• Neglecting seasoning: Forgetting to season the flour or batter can result in bland shrimp. Make sure to incorporate spices like garlic powder and paprika.
• Using the wrong oil: Not all oils are suitable for frying. Use vegetable oil with a high smoke point for the best results.
• Ignoring temperature control: Cooking shrimp at too high or too low a temperature can ruin their texture. Aim for medium heat to achieve that perfect crunch.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store leftover Hot Honey Fried Shrimp in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Container: Use an airtight container to keep them fresh and prevent moisture loss.

Freezing Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

• Duration: You can freeze fried shrimp for up to 2 months.
• Container: Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible.

Reheating Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the shrimp on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but be aware this may make them slightly less crispy.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil, turning occasionally until warmed and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp.

Can I use frozen shrimp for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking for even frying.

What type of hot sauce is best for this recipe?

Choose a hot sauce that suits your taste. A mild sauce adds flavor without overpowering the dish, while a hotter option gives it an extra kick.

How can I customize my Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

You can add spices like cayenne pepper or change the sweetener from honey to maple syrup for different flavors.

What’s the best way to serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

These shrimp are great on their own but pair well with coleslaw, rice, or as part of a seafood platter.

Can I make this dish healthier?

Certainly! You can bake the shrimp instead of frying them or use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.

Final Thoughts

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is not just delicious; it’s also highly versatile and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or main dish, this recipe allows room for customization with spices and sauces. Don’t hesitate to try it out — your taste buds will thank you!