Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

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Introduction

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a bold and flavorful dish that combines the crispy crunch of golden-fried shrimp with the sweet, spicy kick of hot honey. Perfect for appetizers, parties, or even a main course, this dish delivers an irresistible balance of textures and flavors. The shrimp are lightly seasoned, coated in a crunchy batter, and fried to perfection before being drizzled (or tossed) in a homemade hot honey sauce that adds a delicious glaze. Whether you’re looking to spice up your dinner or impress guests with a standout dish, Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

I’ll never forget the first time I served these at a summer barbecue. The combination of the crisp shrimp and the sticky, spicy-sweet sauce had everyone asking for seconds—and the recipe! What’s amazing about this dish is how versatile it is. You can adjust the heat of the honey glaze to suit your preferences, from mild and sweet to fiery and bold. Plus, it pairs beautifully with just about anything—creamy coleslaw, fluffy cornbread, or even a cool, tangy dipping sauce.

Best of all, it’s simpler to make than you might think! With just a handful of ingredients and a little frying know-how, you can whip up a batch of these in no time. Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary meal into something truly unforgettable, making it perfect for any occasion. Get ready to dive into a plate of crispy, sticky, spicy perfection!

Perfect for:

  • Game day snacks
  • Appetizers
  • Seafood lovers
  • Dinner parties
  • Indulgent meals

Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Here’s why Hot Honey Fried Shrimp will become your favorite dish:

  • Perfectly Crispy Texture: A golden, crunchy coating that pairs beautifully with tender, juicy shrimp.
  • Bold and Flavorful Sauce: Sweet, spicy, and sticky hot honey elevates these shrimp to gourmet status.
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an impressive dish without the fuss.
  • Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the spiciness to your liking for a personalized dish.
  • Versatile Dish: Serve as a snack, appetizer, or main course—it’s always a hit!

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Servings: 4-6 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 20g, Carbs: 18g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp:

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, as preferred)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

  • ½ cup honey
  • 1-2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust based on spice preference)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Shrimp: Large shrimp work best for this recipe, as they’re meaty and hold up well to frying.
  • Cornstarch: Combines with flour to create an ultra-crispy coating.
  • Hot Honey Sauce: A mix of honey, hot sauce, and butter creates a luscious glaze with just the right balance of sweet and spicy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to prepare Hot Honey Fried Shrimp:

Prepare the Shrimp:

  1. Clean the Shrimp: Rinse the peeled and deveined shrimp under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure the coating adheres well.
  2. Prepare the Breading Station: In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and mix them with buttermilk.
  3. Coat the Shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the flour mixture, shaking off the excess. Then dip into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, before coating it again in the flour mixture. Press lightly to ensure the coating sticks. Place the coated shrimp on a plate or baking sheet.

Fry the Shrimp:

  1. Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature for even frying.
  2. Fry the Shrimp: Fry the shrimp in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Make the Hot Honey Sauce:

  1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey, hot sauce, butter, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the butter is melted and the sauce is well blended. Remove from heat.

Combine and Serve:

  1. Toss or Drizzle: Place the fried shrimp in a large bowl and drizzle the hot honey sauce over them. Toss gently to coat evenly, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
  2. Garnish: Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color.

How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp can be served in several delicious ways:

  • As an Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks and extra hot honey sauce for dipping.
  • Over Rice: Pair with steamed rice and sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
  • In Tacos: Use the shrimp as a filling for tacos, topped with coleslaw and avocado.
  • With a Salad: Add the shrimp to a fresh salad for a spicy and sweet protein boost.
  • Game Day Platter: Include these shrimp as part of a snack spread alongside wings, fries, and sliders.

Additional Tips for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the shrimp in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure crispiness.
  • Adjust Spice Level: Control the heat by adding more or less hot sauce and red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  • Use a Thermometer: A kitchen thermometer ensures the oil is at the right temperature for perfect frying.
  • Serve Immediately: These shrimp are best served fresh and hot for maximum crunch.
  • Double the Sauce: If you love extra sauce, make a larger batch to drizzle over rice or vegetables.

Recipe Variations for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Here are 10 creative ways to customize your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp:

  1. Coconut Hot Honey Shrimp: Add shredded coconut to the breading mixture for a tropical twist.
  2. Gluten-Free Fried Shrimp: Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch for a gluten-free version.
  3. Lemon Pepper Honey Shrimp: Add lemon zest and pepper to the hot honey sauce for a citrusy variation.
  4. Spicy Garlic Shrimp: Infuse the sauce with minced garlic for extra flavor.
  5. Buffalo Honey Shrimp: Replace hot sauce with buffalo sauce for a tangy, spicy glaze.
  6. Cajun Fried Shrimp: Add Cajun seasoning to the breading for a Southern-inspired twist.
  7. Air Fryer Hot Honey Shrimp: Cook the shrimp in an air fryer for a healthier, oil-free option.
  8. Asian-Inspired Honey Shrimp: Add soy sauce and sesame oil to the hot honey sauce for an umami kick.
  9. Nashville Hot Shrimp: Use Nashville hot chicken seasoning in the breading for a fiery flavor.
  10. Sweet Chili Shrimp: Mix sweet chili sauce into the honey for a milder, sweet-spicy variation.

Freezing and Storage for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

  • Freezing: Freeze fried shrimp on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for crispiness.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain texture.

Special Equipment for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

  • Thermometer: Ensures the frying oil is at the perfect temperature.
  • Deep Fryer: If you have one, it simplifies frying and maintains consistent heat.
  • Wire Rack: Allows shrimp to drain excess oil and stay crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

  1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
    Yes, but thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before coating.
  2. Can I bake instead of fry?
    Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes or until crispy, flipping halfway through.
  3. How do I make the shrimp spicier?
    Increase the hot sauce and cayenne pepper in the recipe.
  4. What can I substitute for honey?
    Maple syrup or agave can be used for a similar sweetness.
  5. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
    It’s not recommended, as the shrimp might overcook and become rubbery.

Conclusion

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a show-stopping dish that packs a punch of flavor in every bite. Juicy shrimp are coated in a perfectly seasoned batter, fried to golden perfection, and then drizzled with a luscious hot honey glaze. The combination of sweet heat and irresistible crunch creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.

This versatile dish can be served as an appetizer, snack, or even a main course, paired with sides like coleslaw, fries, or steamed veggies. Customize the heat level to suit your preference, whether you like it mild with a touch of sweetness or bold and spicy.

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is as fun to make as it is to eat. It’s sure to become a go-to recipe for entertaining or treating yourself to something special. Snap a photo of your creation, share it on social media, and tag me—I’d love to see how you’re enjoying this delicious dish. Happy cooking!