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
Scale
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
