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
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
- Flavors: The combination of crispy fried shrimp with hot honey creates a unique taste sensation that’s sure to impress your guests.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as an appetizer, main course, or part of a buffet spread; it fits seamlessly into any meal setting.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes according to your taste preference.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its delightful mix of sweet and spicy, Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is sure to be a favorite at parties and family dinners.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools at your disposal makes cooking much easier and more enjoyable. Below are essential items you’ll need for making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Slotted spoon
- Cooking thermometer (optional)
- Baking sheet
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients without making a mess.
- Frying pan or deep fryer: Ensures even cooking and crispy results for the shrimp.
- Slotted spoon: Perfect for removing fried shrimp from oil while allowing excess oil to drain.
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
Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they fry up crispy.
Step 2: Make the Seasoned Flour Mixture
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Set Up Your Frying Station
Place three separate bowls in your workspace:
1. In one bowl, pour in the buttermilk.
2. In another bowl, add the seasoned flour mixture.
3. In the third bowl, pour in the panko breadcrumbs.
Step 4: Coat the Shrimp
For each shrimp:
1. Dip it first into the buttermilk.
2. Next, dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture.
3. Finally, coat it with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 5: Heat Oil for Frying
In a frying pan or deep fryer:
1. Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). You can use a thermometer to check if you have one handy.
Step 6: Fry the Shrimp
Carefully place shrimp in batches into the hot oil:
1. Fry for about 2–3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
2. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from oil and transfer them onto a paper towel-lined baking sheet.
Step 7: Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze
In a small saucepan over low heat:
1. Combine honey, butter, hot sauce, red pepper flakes (if using), and apple cider vinegar.
2. Stir until melted together; remove from heat once combined.
Step 8: Drizzle and Serve
Once all shrimp are cooked:
1. Drizzle hot honey glaze over fried shrimp before serving.
2. Enjoy this delightful dish warm!
How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a casual meal, these flavorful shrimp will impress your guests and family alike.
As an Appetizer
- Serve the shrimp on a platter with toothpicks for easy eating.
- Pair with dipping sauces like ranch or extra hot sauce for added flavor.
On a Salad
- Toss the shrimp over a fresh green salad for a spicy twist.
- Add avocado slices and cherry tomatoes to enhance the dish.
With Rice or Quinoa
- Serve the shrimp atop a bed of jasmine rice or quinoa for a filling meal.
- Drizzle some hot honey glaze directly on the grains for extra flavor.
In Tacos
- Use warm tortillas to create delicious shrimp tacos.
- Top with shredded cabbage and avocado for crunch and creaminess.
As Part of a Party Platter
- Include the shrimp alongside other finger foods like wings and sliders.
- Garnish with lime wedges and cilantro to elevate presentation.
How to Perfect Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
To ensure your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp turns out perfectly every time, follow these essential tips.
- Choose quality shrimp: Fresh or frozen large shrimp work best for optimal flavor and texture.
- Use buttermilk: Soaking shrimp in buttermilk tenderizes them, enhancing their juiciness during frying.
- Heat oil properly: Ensure your oil reaches 350°F before frying. This ensures crispy coating and prevents greasy shrimp.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature, resulting in evenly cooked shrimp.
- Adjust spice levels: Feel free to increase or decrease hot sauce based on your heat preference.
- Let them rest: Allow fried shrimp to cool briefly on paper towels to absorb excess oil before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Pairing sides with your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options that complement the dish beautifully.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw made with cabbage and carrots provides a refreshing contrast.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn drizzled with butter enhances the overall sweetness of the dish.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread makes for an excellent dipping option when paired with hot honey glaze.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with lime and cilantro adds brightness to your plate.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness balances the spicy kick from the shrimp perfectly.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables grilled until tender create a colorful side that’s full of flavor.
- Macaroni Salad: A creamy macaroni salad complements the heat of the fried shrimp wonderfully.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts add texture while providing earthy flavors that go well together.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, it’s easy to overlook some important details that can affect the dish’s final outcome. Here are common mistakes to avoid.
- Using unpeeled shrimp: Always peel and devein your shrimp before cooking. This ensures better texture and flavor absorption.
- Skipping the buttermilk soak: Don’t skip soaking shrimp in buttermilk. This step adds moisture and tenderness to the shrimp, enhancing their taste.
- Not seasoning the batter: Ensure you season your flour mixture well. A bland batter can lead to dull-tasting shrimp.
- Overcrowding the frying pan: Avoid overcrowding when frying. Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature for crispy shrimp.
- Ignoring oil temperature: Always monitor your oil’s temperature. If it’s too cool, your shrimp will absorb too much oil; if too hot, they may burn.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Hot Honey Fried Shrimp in an airtight container.
- They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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 for up to 2 months.
Reheating Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
- Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals (30 seconds) until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and heat for about 5-7 minutes until crispy again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Hot Honey Fried Shrimp that may help enhance your cooking experience.
What is Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a delicious dish made with crispy fried shrimp drizzled with a sweet and spicy honey glaze. It’s perfect as an appetizer or main dish.
Can I make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a tasty alternative without gluten.
How do I adjust the spice level in Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
To control spiciness, adjust the amount of hot sauce in the honey glaze. You can also add or reduce red pepper flakes based on your preference.
How long does it take to prepare Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
This recipe takes around 30 minutes from start to finish, including preparation and cooking time.
Final Thoughts
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is an appealing dish that combines crunchy textures with sweet and spicy flavors. Its versatility makes it suitable for appetizers or main meals, ensuring everyone enjoys it. Feel free to customize the heat level or add different spices for unique variations!
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a delightful culinary creation that fuses crispy, golden-fried shrimp with a tantalizing hot honey glaze, delivering an explosion of sweet and spicy flavors. Perfect for any occasion, whether as an appetizer, main dish, or party platter, this dish is sure to be a crowd favorite. With its quick preparation time and easy customization options for heat levels, anyone can whip up this irresistible seafood treat. The crunchy panko coating adds texture while the honey glaze brings a sticky sweetness that keeps everyone coming back for more!
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, for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Rinse shrimp in cold water and pat dry.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Set up three bowls: one with buttermilk, one with seasoned flour mixture, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Dip each shrimp into buttermilk, then dredge in flour mixture, followed by panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown; remove to drain on paper towels.
- In a saucepan over low heat, combine honey, butter, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar until melted.
- Drizzle glaze over shrimp before serving warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 fried shrimp (100g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
