If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet and spicy flavors with a satisfying crunch, this Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine golden, crispy shrimp coated in a crunchy panko crust, kissed by smoky spices, and finally glazed with a luscious hot honey sauce that tingles your taste buds just right. It’s a festival of textures and tastes that’s quick to prepare yet utterly impressive, making it a go-to comfort food that’s guaranteed to become a favorite at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe plays a vital role, whether it’s lending the perfect crunch, infusing smoky warmth, or delivering that irresistible sweet-heat glaze. These simple but essential components combine to achieve a harmony of flavors and textures that come alive in every bite.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh shrimp creates the tender and juicy base for this dish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth of savory flavor that complements the shrimp perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a warm, smoky undertone that sets the tone for the fried coating.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavors throughout.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: Acts as the first layer in the dredging process, helping everything stick.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Tenderizes the shrimp and ensures the breadcrumbs cling perfectly.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: Gives the shrimp that irresistibly crunchy and flaky crust.
- Vegetable oil, for frying: Neutral oil that achieves the perfect crisp without overpowering flavors.
- ⅓ cup honey: Sweetens and balances the heat in the signature hot honey glaze.
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce: Adds that fiery kick that makes this dish truly memorable.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Brings richness and helps blend the hot honey sauce smoothly.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who want to dial up the heat even more.
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar: Adds a touch of tanginess to brighten the glaze flavor.
How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season Your Shrimp
Start by patting the shrimp dry—this step is crucial for getting that crispy coating to stick and fry up nicely. Then, season them evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This seasoning blend lays down a rich, smoky foundation that infuses into every bite of shrimp.
Step 2: Get Your Dredging Station Ready
Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with buttermilk, and one with panko breadcrumbs. This classic dredging system is what transforms ordinary shrimp into golden, crunchy delights. The flour creates a dry base, the buttermilk tenderizes and helps the crumbs stick, and the panko breadcrumbs deliver maximum crunch.
Step 3: Coat Each Shrimp Perfectly
Dip each shrimp first in the flour, making sure it’s coated evenly. Next, submerge it into the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off just a bit. Finally, press the shrimp into the panko breadcrumbs until fully covered. This triple coating yields a gorgeously crispy crust once fried.
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep skillet or pot—maintaining this temperature is key for achieving a crispy exterior without the shrimp becoming greasy. Fry the shrimp in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes each until they turn golden brown. Drain on paper towels to remove any excess oil, preserving that perfect crunch.
Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Glaze
While your shrimp are frying, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, red pepper flakes (if using), and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan. Simmer gently over medium heat, stirring until all the ingredients melt and blend into a luscious sauce that’s sweet, spicy, and tangy all at once. Once smooth, remove from heat and get ready for the magic touch.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
Drizzle the hot honey glaze generously over the fried shrimp or serve it alongside as a dipping sauce. Either way, that glossy, sticky coating is the final flourish that takes these crispy shrimp from delicious to unforgettable.
How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro adds a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that balances the richness and spice of the dish. A few lemon wedges on the side invite a bright, citrusy squeeze that awakens the palate and complements the hot honey glaze beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp coleslaw, which adds a cool crunch and tang that contrasts the warm, sticky shrimp. For something heartier, serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the heat and sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Try serving these shrimp on a bed of steamed jasmine rice topped with scallions and sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired touch. Or pile them into soft slider buns with lettuce and pickles to create addictive hot honey shrimp sandwiches. Either way, presentation can turn this crowd-pleaser into a showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To help retain as much crispiness as possible, place the shrimp in a single layer separated by parchment paper.
Freezing
If you want to keep your shrimp longer, freezing is an option. Freeze the fried shrimp on a baking sheet first so they don’t stick together, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen shrimp are best eaten within 1 month for optimal taste and texture.
Reheating
To revive the crunch, reheat your shrimp in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the crust soggy. Once warm and crisp, drizzle fresh hot honey glaze over the top for that freshly made flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning and dredging. Excess moisture can prevent the coating from sticking properly and affect the crispiness when frying.
How spicy is the hot honey glaze?
The heat level depends on the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes you use. This recipe balances sweet and spicy, but you can always adjust the heat to your preference by adding more or less hot sauce and red pepper flakes.
Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?
While frying gives the crispiest result, you can bake the shrimp in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crunchy but will still taste delicious topped with the hot honey glaze.
What’s the best type of hot sauce to use?
Any good-quality hot sauce with a balanced vinegar tang works great. Classic options like Frank’s RedHot or Texas Pete complement the honey perfectly, but feel free to experiment with your favorite hot sauce to customize the flavor.
Can I make the hot honey sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Warm it gently before drizzling or serving as a dip to bring back its silky texture and vibrant flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe has quickly become a beloved favorite for good reason. It’s simple to make but packs so much flavor and texture that every bite is a little celebration. Whether you’re feeding family, impressing friends, or just treating yourself, these crispy, sweet, and spicy shrimp are pure comfort with a kick. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to dish that everyone asks for again and again.
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Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy fried shrimp coated in a spicy and sweet hot honey glaze, combining the bold flavors of smoked paprika, garlic, and a kick of heat from hot sauce and red pepper flakes. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, this recipe delivers a satisfying crunch and balanced sweetness with every bite.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Hot Honey Glaze
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Season the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly using paper towels. Season evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, ensuring each piece is well-coated to build flavor.
- Prepare dredging stations: Set up three separate bowls—one with all-purpose flour, one with buttermilk, and one with panko breadcrumbs. This assembly line will help achieve the perfect crispy coating.
- Coat the shrimp: Dredge each seasoned shrimp first in flour, then dip it into buttermilk, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs. Place the breaded shrimp on a tray, ready for frying.
- Heat the oil: In a deep skillet or pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for frying the shrimp to crisp golden perfection without absorbing excess oil.
- Fry the shrimp: Carefully fry the shrimp in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Cook each batch for 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp are golden, crispy, and cooked through. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the hot honey glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and butter has melted. Remove from heat to prevent burning.
- Serve: Drizzle the hot honey glaze over the fried shrimp or serve it on the side as a flavorful dipping sauce. Enjoy immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the amount of hot sauce or red pepper flakes in the glaze.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature for consistent frying results.
- Panko breadcrumbs give a lighter, crunchier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Adjust seasoning on shrimp according to your taste preferences.
- Serve with a side of fresh lemon wedges for added brightness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
