Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

If you’re looking for a delightful dish that brings together sweet and spicy flavors, then you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe: Hot Honey Fried Shrimp! This dish has quickly become a favorite in my home, and I can’t wait to share it with you. With its crispy texture and tantalizing drizzle of hot honey, every bite is an experience to savor.

Whether you’re hosting friends for game night or just whipping up something special for a family dinner, these shrimp are sure to impress. They’re quick to prepare, yet they feel like a treat worthy of any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This is a straightforward recipe that anyone can tackle! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have delicious shrimp ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the crunch and the sweet-heat combo. It’s a win-win!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether as an appetizer or a main course, this dish fits right in at parties or cozy dinners.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Marinate the shrimp earlier in the day! It’s easy to prepare ahead of time so you can spend more time with your loved ones.
• Endless Flavor: The combination of spices gives these shrimp an irresistible flavor that will keep everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create this mouthwatering Hot Honey Fried Shrimp. You might already have many of these items in your kitchen!

For the Shrimp

• 1 pound large shrimp (thawed, peeled, deveined, tail-on)
• 1 cup (245 g) buttermilk

For the Coating

• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

For Frying

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For Serving

• ½ cup (170 g) hot honey (homemade or store-bought)
• Parsley, (chopped for garnish)

Variations

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility! Here are a few fun variations you might enjoy:

• Swap the Protein: If shrimp isn’t your thing, try using chicken tenders or cauliflower for a vegetarian option!
• Spice it Up: Add more cayenne pepper or even some chopped jalapeños to the coating for an extra kick.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Mix fresh herbs like cilantro or basil into your hot honey for added flavor complexity.
• Try Different Sauces: Switch out the hot honey with your favorite dipping sauce—sweet chili sauce works wonderfully too!

How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

To start off, place your large shrimp into a medium bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. This step is crucial as marinating helps tenderize the shrimp and adds flavor. Let them soak at room temperature for at least 15 minutes while you prepare other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In another medium bowl, combine flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mixing these spices with flour creates a flavorful coating that will give your fried shrimp that yummy crunch we all crave. Set this aside until you’re ready to coat those shrimp.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

One by one, take each marinated shrimp from the buttermilk and allow any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each shrimp generously in your seasoned flour mixture. Make sure every bit is coated well because this will create that wonderful crispy outer layer when fried!

Step 4: Heat the Oil

In a large pot over medium heat, add about 2 inches of vegetable oil. Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to bring it up to 350°F. Getting the oil hot enough ensures that your shrimp fry up crispy instead of greasy.

Step 5: Fry the Shrimp

Once your oil is ready, gently tap off any excess flour from the coated shrimp. Carefully place them into the hot oil one at a time—be careful not to overcrowd! Fry them for about 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown and delightfully crispy. Remember to monitor the temperature after each batch; it may need some time to heat back up.

Step 6: Drizzle with Hot Honey

Using a slotted spoon, remove your perfectly fried shrimp from the oil and place them onto a lined baking sheet. While they’re still warm, drizzle them generously with hot honey—this is where all those sweet and spicy flavors come together beautifully!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Finish off by garnishing your tempting treat with chopped parsley before serving them hot. These crispy delights are best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer with extra hot honey on hand for dipping!

Now you’re ready to indulge in some fantastic Hot Honey Fried Shrimp! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll ensure every bite is absolutely perfect!

• Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp not only taste better but also have a firmer texture that holds up beautifully during frying.

• Maintain oil temperature: Keeping the oil at 350°F ensures the shrimp cook evenly and develop that coveted crispy exterior without becoming greasy.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Frying in small batches allows the shrimp to cook evenly and prevents the temperature of the oil from dropping, which can lead to soggy shrimp.

• Let them rest: After frying, allow the shrimp to rest on a paper towel-lined plate for a minute. This helps absorb any excess oil and keeps them crispy!

• Adjust hot honey to taste: Feel free to modify the amount of hot honey depending on your spice preference. You can even add some chili flakes for an extra kick!

How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Presenting your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp beautifully can elevate your dining experience. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or as a main dish, there are plenty of ways to impress your guests!

Garnishes

• Chopped green onions: Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions over the shrimp for a fresh crunch and burst of color.

• Lemon wedges: Serve lemon wedges on the side for guests who enjoy a zesty contrast to the sweetness of the hot honey.

Side Dishes

• Crispy coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that balances out the warm, spicy flavors of the shrimp.

• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers provide a colorful and nutritious accompaniment.

• Sweet potato fries: The natural sweetness of sweet potato fries pairs perfectly with the heat from the hot honey, creating a delightful flavor combination.

• Rice or quinoa salad: A light rice or quinoa salad with herbs and citrus dressing offers a hearty base that complements the shrimp beautifully.

By following these serving suggestions, you’ll create an unforgettable meal that will leave everyone wanting more! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Make Ahead and Storage

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is not only a delightful dish to enjoy fresh, but it also shines when prepared ahead of time. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prep or entertaining guests!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the fried shrimp to cool completely before storing.
• Place the shrimp in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Freezing

• Arrange the cooled shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Arrange the shrimp on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.
• Alternatively, reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp that might help you out!

Can I make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp without buttermilk?

Absolutely! You can substitute buttermilk with a mixture of regular milk and vinegar or lemon juice. Just let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.

How spicy is Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

The spiciness of Hot Honey Fried Shrimp can be adjusted based on your preference. The cayenne pepper adds heat, but you can reduce or omit it if you prefer milder flavors.

Can I use frozen shrimp for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before marinating them in buttermilk.

What can I serve with Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp pairs wonderfully with coleslaw, rice, or even a fresh salad. Enjoy it as an appetizer or as part of a main meal!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this irresistible Hot Honey Fried Shrimp recipe! It’s perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or just treating yourself to something special. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors will have everyone coming back for more. Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and experiences after trying this recipe—I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!