Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe
Prepare to fall head-over-heels for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp—an irresistibly crispy, spicy, and sweet sensation that captures pure Southern comfort with every bite. This crowd-pleasing dish brings together succulent shrimp in a golden, crackly coating, drenched in homemade hot honey that packs just the right punch. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself to a creative weeknight dinner, this recipe manages to turn a handful of everyday ingredients into something truly special. If you’re longing for a dish with flavor fireworks, Hot Honey Fried Shrimp will fast become your new obsession.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how simple it is to whip up Hot Honey Fried Shrimp—most of the ingredients are kitchen staples with the power to transform shrimp into crispy, craveable perfection. Each element brings something essential, from the tenderizing buttermilk to that fiery honey drizzle. Here’s how it all comes together:
- Shrimp (1 pound large, peeled and deveined, tails on): Fresh, plump shrimp are the star of the show—tails stay on for a dramatic presentation and easy dipping.
- Buttermilk (1/2 cup): Tenderizes the shrimp and helps the coating cling for that unbeatable crunch.
- Hot sauce (1 teaspoon, plus 1 tablespoon for sauce): Infuses both the shrimp and honey glaze with the zesty backbone everyone loves.
- All-purpose flour (3/4 cup): The foundation for a crispy golden crust.
- Cornstarch (1/4 cup): Combines with flour for extra light and crunchy texture.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds color and a little earthy sweetness to the seasoned coating.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Lends savory depth to every bite for more flavor complexity.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for flavoring both the batter and the shrimp.
- Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A little heat goes a long way—adjust to taste if you like it spicier.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point to get the shrimp extra-crispy.
- Honey (1/4 cup): The key to the luscious hot honey glaze that sets this recipe apart.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Sprinkle into the hot honey for eye-popping heat—use more or less as you wish.
- Butter (1/2 tablespoon): Added to the honey sauce for rich, velvety gloss and a hint of savory balance.
How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Start by giving your shrimp a super-quick marinade in a bowl with buttermilk and hot sauce. This magical soak only needs 10–15 minutes but transforms the shrimp, making them juicy and flavorful while ensuring the coating sticks like a dream.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
While your shrimp are marinating, toss together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne in a wide bowl. Mixing the dry ingredients thoroughly means every single shrimp gets coated in even layers of bold, aromatic seasoning.
Step 3: Dredge the Shrimp
Take each shrimp from the buttermilk bath, gently shake off excess, and press it into the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure you really pack on the coating—don’t be shy! This step is the secret to those picture-perfect, crispy edges everyone fights over.
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat about two inches of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet or deep pot to 350°F. Fry the shrimp in small batches for 2–3 minutes per side, or until they’re puffed, gorgeously golden, and irresistibly crispy. Drain them on paper towels to keep them light and crunchy.
Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
In a small saucepan—just before serving—gently warm honey, the remaining hot sauce, red pepper flakes (if you want real heat), and a pat of butter. Stir until the butter melts and the sauce becomes glossy and pourable. Get ready for the best drizzle of your life!
Step 6: Sauce and Serve
Either drizzle the sizzling hot honey generously over your mountain of crispy shrimp or serve it on the side for happy dipping. No matter how you saucify, every bite of your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp will sing with fiery sweetness and savory crunch.
How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, thinly sliced green onions, or a pinch of flaky sea salt takes your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp from delicious to truly show-stopping. Don’t forget a squeeze of lemon for a pop of brightness that balances the honey’s sweetness and the savoriness of the fry.
Side Dishes
Serve your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp alongside fluffy rice, buttery grits, or a vibrant cabbage slaw for cool, crunchy contrast. They’re also irresistible with sweet potato fries or a scoop of creamy potato salad for a real Southern feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp into sliders piled high with pickles, tuck them into warm tortillas with crisp slaw for spicy tacos, or top a fresh green salad for a punchy lunch. This shrimp is as versatile as it is delicious, so let your imagination run wild!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Hot Honey Fried Shrimp in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the sauce separate if you can—it’ll help maintain that craveable crunch for longer.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the fried shrimp (without the honey sauce) on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a sealable bag. They’ll keep for up to 1 month. Just know the coating may lose a bit of its crispness upon thawing.
Reheating
To revive the crunch, reheat Hot Honey Fried Shrimp in a preheated 375°F oven or air fryer for 5–8 minutes, until hot and crispy again. Warm the honey sauce separately and drizzle it on just before serving for the full flavor experience.
FAQs
Can I make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp without buttermilk?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk, substitute with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar, or use your favorite plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.
What’s the best shrimp size for this recipe?
Large shrimp (16–20 per pound) work best—they’re easy to handle, cook quickly, and create a satisfying bite. Smaller shrimp are fine too; just be sure to cut down the frying time.
How spicy is the hot honey sauce?
The beauty of the hot honey sauce is that it’s totally adjustable. Add more hot sauce or red pepper flakes for extra heat, or dial it down to keep things mild and sweet.
Can I make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour, and ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free. The results will still be crispy and flavorful.
How do I prevent the shrimp from getting soggy?
Always let the shrimp drain completely after frying and wait to drizzle or dip them in the hot honey sauce just before serving. This helps keep the coating crispy and irresistible.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the sweet heat and shattering crunch of Hot Honey Fried Shrimp. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it on repeat—the combination is truly unforgettable! Gather your ingredients, invite some friends (or just treat yourself), and let this Southern-inspired showstopper spice up your next mealtime adventure.
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Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect combination of crispy, succulent shrimp coated in a spicy, sweet hot honey glaze. These hot honey fried shrimp are a crowd-pleaser, whether served as an appetizer or main dish. The crunchy exterior gives way to tender, flavorful shrimp with a kick of heat and a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- vegetable oil for frying
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (or more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine the shrimp, buttermilk, and hot sauce. Let it marinate for 10–15 minutes.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne.
- Fry the Shrimp: Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F. Dredge shrimp in the seasoned flour mixture and fry in batches for 2–3 minutes per side.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce: Combine honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until melted and warmed through.
- Serve: Drizzle hot honey over the fried shrimp or serve on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Adjust heat level by adding more or less hot sauce or chili flakes.
- Serve over rice, in tacos, or with slaw for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 6 shrimp
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
