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
- Crispy Texture: The panko breadcrumbs create a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender shrimp.
- Sweet and Spicy Balance: The hot honey glaze adds a unique flavor profile that enhances the dish without overpowering it.
- Quick to Prepare: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these shrimp on their own or as part of a larger spread; they fit any occasion wonderfully.
- Customizable Heat Levels: Adjust the hot sauce and red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.
Tools and Preparation
Preparing Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is simple when you have the right tools at hand. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Deep frying pan or Dutch oven
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Slotted spoon
- Cooking thermometer (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Deep frying pan or Dutch oven: Essential for achieving even cooking and maintaining the right oil temperature for crispy shrimp.
- Mixing bowls: Used for combining ingredients; having multiple sizes helps streamline prep work.
- Whisk: Perfect for blending wet and dry ingredients smoothly without clumps.
- Slotted spoon: Ideal for removing shrimp from hot oil while allowing excess oil to drain off.
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
- In a mixing bowl, combine the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp in this spice mixture until well-coated.
Step 2: Set Up Breading Stations
- Place flour in one bowl.
- Pour buttermilk into another bowl.
- Put panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
Step 3: Bread the Shrimp
- Dredge each shrimp in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip in buttermilk until fully coated.
- Roll in panko breadcrumbs until covered completely.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
- Heat vegetable oil in your deep frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add breaded shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry until golden brown on both sides, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Glaze
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
- Stir in honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes (if using), and apple cider vinegar.
- Cook until heated through and slightly thickened.
Step 6: Serve
- Drizzle hot honey glaze over fried shrimp before serving or serve on the side for dipping.
- Enjoy your flavorful Hot Honey Fried Shrimp!
How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp can be enjoyed in various ways, making it a versatile dish suitable for different occasions. Whether you want to impress guests or simply enjoy a delicious meal at home, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.
As an Appetizer
- Serve with toothpicks for easy eating during parties.
- Pair with a tangy dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese for added flavor.
Over Rice
- Create a satisfying meal by serving the shrimp over fluffy white or brown rice.
- Drizzle extra hot honey sauce on top for an enticing glaze.
In Tacos
- Use warm tortillas to wrap the shrimp, adding slaw and avocado for crunch.
- Top with additional hot honey for a sweet and spicy kick.
On a Salad
- Toss the shrimp onto a bed of mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers.
- Drizzle with a light vinaigrette to balance the flavors.
With Dipping Sauces
- Offer a variety of dips such as spicy mayo or sriracha aioli for guests to enjoy.
- This allows everyone to customize their flavor experience.
How to Perfect Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
To ensure your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp will enhance the flavor and texture of your dish, making it more enjoyable.
- Adjust the spice level: Customize the heat by varying the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes in the glaze.
- Fry in batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry shrimp in small batches for even cooking and crispiness.
- Let them rest: Allow fried shrimp to rest on paper towels briefly after frying. This helps remove excess oil while keeping them crispy.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy them right after frying for the best texture and flavor experience.
- Experiment with glazes: Try adding different spices or ingredients to your hot honey glaze for unique variations.
Best Side Dishes for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Pairing side dishes with your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp can enhance your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some great options that complement this flavorful dish.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw adds freshness and balances the richness of fried shrimp. Consider using a vinegar-based dressing for extra zing.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn provides sweetness that pairs nicely with spicy shrimp. Slather with butter and seasonings before serving.
- Coconut Rice: This creamy rice dish brings tropical flavors that harmonize beautifully with hot honey shrimp. Top with toasted coconut flakes if desired.
- Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes contrasts well with the spiciness of the shrimp, creating a delicious combination.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread serves as a perfect vessel for soaking up any leftover hot honey glaze from your plate.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus add color and nutrition while complementing the main dish beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Avoid these pitfalls for the best results.
- Skipping the marination: Not allowing the shrimp to marinate can lead to bland flavors. Marinate in buttermilk with spices for at least 15 minutes before cooking.
- Using low-quality oil: Selecting the wrong oil can affect frying. Always use a high smoke point oil, like vegetable or canola oil, for crispy shrimp.
- Crowding the pan: Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking. Fry in small batches to maintain optimal temperature and achieve a crispy texture.
- Ignoring the temperature of the oil: If the oil isn’t hot enough, your shrimp will absorb excess oil. Use a thermometer to ensure your oil reaches 350°F (175°C) before frying.
- Underestimating spice level: Not adjusting hot sauce can result in an unbalanced flavor. Taste and modify according to your heat preference.
- Skipping the glaze: Failing to drizzle on hot honey can leave your dish lacking that final burst of flavor. Always finish with a generous drizzle of hot honey.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
- Place fried shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet before freezing.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place shrimp on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-12 minutes until crispy.
- Microwave: Not recommended as it may make the shrimp soggy. If necessary, use low power for short intervals.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Sauté shrimp for about 3-5 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp.
How do I make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp spicy?
Adding more hot sauce during preparation or mixing red pepper flakes into the honey glaze are great ways to boost heat levels.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before coating and frying.
What can I serve with Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
These shrimp pair well with coleslaw, rice, or fresh salads for a balanced meal.
How long does it take to prepare Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
The total time is approximately 30 minutes, including prep and cooking time.
Final Thoughts
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is an exciting dish that offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures. It’s perfect as an appetizer or main course and can easily be customized by adjusting spice levels or adding different seasonings. Give this recipe a try at your next gathering, and watch it disappear!
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a delectable dish that perfectly marries crispy texture with sweet and spicy flavors. The shrimp are coated in a light batter, fried to golden perfection, and finished with a drizzle of hot honey glaze that adds an irresistible kick. Ideal as an appetizer or main course, this quick-to-prepare dish will leave your guests clamoring for more. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. Plus, you can easily customize the heat level to suit your taste preferences, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 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
- ½ cup honey
- 2–3 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Season shrimp with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with buttermilk, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each shrimp in flour, dip in buttermilk, and roll in panko.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C) and fry shrimp until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes per side).
- For the hot honey glaze: melt butter in a saucepan; stir in honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes until heated.
- Drizzle glaze over shrimp before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 pieces (90g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
