If you’re searching for a dish that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, spicy, and irresistibly crispy, look no further than Hot Honey Fried Shrimp. This recipe takes plump, tender shrimp, envelopes them in a crackling golden crust, and finishes everything with a glistening drizzle of spicy honey. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for appetizers, party platters, or whenever you need a flavor-packed pick-me-up. Trust me, after one bite you’ll understand why this dish is a personal favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of easy-to-find staples, you get bold flavor and beautiful color in every bite. These thoughtfully chosen ingredients each play a role in giving Hot Honey Fried Shrimp its signature taste and texture, from the creamy buttermilk to the fiery finishing sauce.
- Large Shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined, tails on): Go for large, fresh shrimp for optimal juiciness and dramatic presentation.
- Buttermilk (1 cup): This helps tenderize the shrimp and provides the base for the flavorful marinade.
- Hot Sauce (1 teaspoon for marinade + 2 tablespoons for sauce): Brings a vinegary kick and depth to both the shrimp and the drizzle.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): The main component for that crispy outer layer.
- Cornstarch (1/2 cup): Makes the breading extra light and shatteringly crisp.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds color and a gentle smokiness to the breading.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses the coating with savory, aromatic flavor.
- Cayenne Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a fiery punch, adjustable to your heat preference.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out all the other flavors.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the seasoning with a bit of bite.
- Vegetable Oil (for frying): Neutral-tasting and perfect for frying up shrimp to golden perfection.
- Honey (1/3 cup): The star for the sauce; its sweetness tames the heat and brings everything together.
- Butter, Melted (1 tablespoon): Creates a rich, silky base for the hot honey glaze.
- Red Pepper Flakes (1 teaspoon, optional): For those who like it extra spicy, sprinkle these in!
How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Combine the buttermilk with a teaspoon of hot sauce in a bowl, then toss in all the shrimp, making sure each one is thoroughly coated. Don’t just dunk them and run—let the shrimp soak up those flavors in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. This step is the secret to juicy, flavorful Hot Honey Fried Shrimp that stays tender under its crispy exterior.
Step 2: Make the Seasoned Breading
In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Each of these pantry staples brings something special: the cornstarch for crispiness, the spices for a gentle hum of heat, and the flour to bind it all. Pro tip: Take a moment to smell the mix—you’ll know you’re on the path to flavor excellence!
Step 3: Dredge the Shrimp
Take each marinated shrimp out of the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off, then firmly press them into the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure they’re completely coated. For an extra thick crunch (highly recommended!), give each shrimp a second dip in buttermilk followed by another dredge in flour—that’s restaurant-level crispy right at home.
Step 4: Fry Until Crispy and Golden
Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven until it’s 2 to 3 inches deep and heat it up to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lay in the coated shrimp in batches, frying each for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Once they’re golden, lift them out with a slotted spoon and lay them on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any extra oil. Resist the urge to crowd the pan—giving each shrimp room means super crisp results!
Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt together the honey, 2 tablespoons of hot sauce, the melted butter, and red pepper flakes if you love heat. Stir until everything is smoothly blended and glossy. This Hot Honey Fried Shrimp sauce is ridiculously addictive—taste and adjust the spice level if you want to dial it up or down.
Step 6: Serve with a Drizzle or Dip
The final moment! Either pile the fried shrimp onto a platter and lavish them with hot honey sauce, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping (if you love that extra crunch on first bite). Watch them disappear fast—these Hot Honey Fried Shrimp are hard to resist!
How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Garnishes
Sprinkle your finished Hot Honey Fried Shrimp with sliced green onions, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives. A squeeze of fresh lemon adds brightness and balances the sweet-spicy glaze. Don’t underestimate a shower of flaky sea salt for even more flavor pop!
Side Dishes
These shrimp shine as an appetizer but also make a killer main course. Serve over a bed of steaming jasmine rice, creamy grits, or even atop crispy waffles for a savory-sweet brunch twist. Pair with a fresh slaw, pickles, or a bright arugula salad to add crunch and lighten things up.
Creative Ways to Present
Try skewering Hot Honey Fried Shrimp for party-ready bites, or pile them high on slider buns with extra sauce for sensational sandwiches. Top tacos with the shrimp and your favorite slaw for a spicy seafood spin, or stack them on a platter as the centerpiece for a celebratory spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers (it’s rare!), store cooked Hot Honey Fried Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the sauce separate so the coating stays as crisp as possible.
Freezing
To freeze, first let the shrimp cool completely. Arrange in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their best flavor and texture for up to 1 month.
Reheating
To recapture that signature crispness, reheat shrimp in a 400°F (200°C) oven or air fryer for about 5-7 minutes, until hot and crunchy. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but it won’t deliver that same satisfying crunch. Warm your hot honey sauce separately and drizzle just before serving.
FAQs
Can I make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp less spicy?
Absolutely! Simply reduce the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes in both the marinade and the sauce. You can also skip the cayenne in the breading for a milder version that still packs plenty of flavor.
What’s the best oil for frying the shrimp?
Use a neutral, high-heat oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These oils don’t impart extra taste and let the flavors of the Hot Honey Fried Shrimp shine through while delivering an ultra-crisp crust.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them very dry before marinating. Any excess moisture can make the coating soggy instead of crispy!
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and double-check that your hot sauce is gluten-free. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free and works perfectly in this recipe.
Is there a way to bake instead of fry?
For a lighter twist, arrange breaded shrimp on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, mist with oil, and bake at 425°F (220°C) until golden and crispy (about 10-12 minutes). You won’t get quite the same crunch, but the flavor is still sensational.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re serving them as the star attraction at your next party or simply indulging in a weeknight treat, Hot Honey Fried Shrimp never fail to wow. The combination of textures and layers of sweet, spicy flavor just can’t be beat. Give this recipe a try, share it with friends, and watch it become an instant favorite in your kitchen!
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Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Hot Honey Fried Shrimp are a tantalizing blend of crispy, succulent shrimp coated in a spicy-sweet hot honey glaze. Perfect for a flavorful appetizer or main dish!
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- vegetable oil for frying
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp: Combine buttermilk and hot sauce in a bowl. Add shrimp, coat well, and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
- Fry the Shrimp: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Dredge marinated shrimp in the flour mixture and fry until golden brown and crispy.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce: In a saucepan, warm honey, hot sauce, melted butter, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
- Serve: Drizzle hot honey sauce over fried shrimp or use as a dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-dip shrimp in buttermilk and flour.
- Adjust hot honey sauce heat by varying hot sauce and red pepper flakes.
- Enjoy shrimp as an appetizer or with rice or waffles.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 175mg
