The moment that sweet and spicy drizzle hits the crunchy coating of the shrimp, it’s pure bliss on your plate! I first whipped up this Hot Honey Fried Shrimp during a weekend get-together when I realized I was tired of the same old appetizers. The vibrant combination of crispy fried shrimp paired with a fiery honey sauce creates a sensational contrast that never fails to impress.
Biting into these succulent morsels, you’ll taste layers of flavor that dance together like the perfect melody—crunchy outside, tender inside, with a delightful kick. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself to a well-deserved meal, this recipe is incredibly easy, taking just over 20 minutes from prep to plate!
Join me as we dive into this delicious and versatile dish that’s sure to become your new favorite. Grab some fresh shrimp, and let’s create this masterpiece that will definitely elevate your home dining experience!
Why is Hot Honey Fried Shrimp so amazing?
Flavor Explosion: The combination of crispy shrimp with spicy-sweet hot honey creates a mouthwatering flavor experience that will astonish your taste buds.
Quick and Easy: With just 21 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for a last-minute dinner or a quick snack.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for a dinner party or family meal, this dish is sure to wow your guests and family alike.
Versatile Pairing: Serve it as an appetizer or main course alongside your favorite sides—it’s delicious any way you serve it!
Homemade Touch: Enjoy the satisfaction of making your own dish, and feel free to customize your hot honey to match your spice level.
Dive into this delightful recipe and savor the blend of textures and flavors that will redefine your notion of comfort food!
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Ingredients
For the Shrimp
• Large shrimp – Use thawed, peeled, and deveined shrimp for that juicy bite.
• Buttermilk – Marinating in buttermilk helps tenderize the shrimp and add flavor.
For the Coating
• All-purpose flour – This is the base for the crispy coating.
• Paprika – Adds a hint of smokiness and color to the shrimp.
• Garlic powder – A must-have for that irresistible aroma and taste.
• Onion powder – Complements the garlic with its mild sweetness.
• Kosher salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Black pepper – Adds a subtle heat and depth to the seasoning.
• Cayenne pepper – This gives a spicy kick, so adjust to your taste!
For Frying
• Vegetable oil – Ideal for frying due to its high smoke point, ensuring crispy shrimp.
For the Topping
• Hot honey – The star of the show! Use homemade or store-bought for that sweet and spicy drizzle.
• Parsley – Chopped parsley not only garnishes but also adds a fresh flavor contrast.
Now you’re all set to create a delicious dish of Hot Honey Fried Shrimp! Get your ingredients ready and let’s fry up some happiness!
How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
-
Marinate: Begin by placing the large shrimp in a medium bowl, then cover them with buttermilk. Let them marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes to infuse that delightful flavor.
-
Prepare Coating: In a separate medium bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. This seasoned flour will create a beautiful crispy coating for your shrimp.
-
Coat Shrimp: Take each marinated shrimp one at a time, letting any excess buttermilk drip off before dredging them generously in the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure each shrimp is fully coated and then place them on a large baking sheet. Repeat until all are coated.
-
Heat Oil: In a large pot, add about 2 inches of vegetable oil and heat it over medium heat. Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature until it reaches 350°F. Always line a baking sheet with parchment paper to catch the fried shrimp later.
-
Fry Shrimp: Carefully transfer the coated shrimp into the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy. The sizzling sound will be music to your ears!
-
Drizzle & Serve: Once they’re perfectly crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove the fried shrimp and transfer them onto the lined baking sheet. Drizzle them generously with hot honey, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve them hot for the ultimate experience!
Optional: Serve with lemon wedges for an extra zesty kick.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Hot Honey Fried Shrimp are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can marinate the shrimp in buttermilk up to 24 hours in advance, which not only intensifies the flavor but also keeps the shrimp tender. Additionally, you can pre-mix the seasoned flour coating and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To maintain quality, ensure the shrimp is kept refrigerated until you’re ready to fry, as this helps prevent any moisture loss. When you’re ready to serve, simply dredge the marinated shrimp in the flour, fry them per the original instructions, and drizzle with hot honey for that irresistible finishing touch. Enjoy the ease of meal prep while treating your family to this delightful dish!
What to Serve with Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
Creating a delightful meal around crispy, spicy shrimp can make any gathering feel special!
- Creamy Coleslaw: This refreshing side adds a crunchy, cool contrast to the hot shrimp, enhancing the overall flavor experience.
- Zesty Cornbread: Serve warm with a drizzle of honey butter for a sweet, buttery bite that complements the shrimp perfectly.
- Garlic Butter Rice: The rich, savory flavor of this rice dish serves as a great canvas for the shrimp, soaking up that hot honey sauce. A perfect pairing!
- Grilled Asparagus: Charred veggies bring a smoky element that balances the sweetness, making your meal not only delicious but visually appealing too.
- Crispy Potato Wedges: Their hearty texture and familiar flavor make a comforting side that everyone will love. Sprinkle with a bit of salt to elevate the enjoyment.
- Sangria: A glass of chilled sangria infused with fresh fruits can amplify the spicy notes of the shrimp, creating a wonderful symphony of flavors.
- Honey-Lemon Tart: For dessert, this citrusy delight can cleanse the palate with a sweet and tart finish that rounds out your meal beautifully.
Before you dive into frying, these pairings will take your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp to new culinary heights!
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Variations
Feel free to take this delightful dish to new heights with your own creative twists and substitutions!
-
Spicy Kick: Add extra cayenne pepper to the flour mix for a hotter version that tantalizes your taste buds.
-
Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring everyone can enjoy this crispy delight.
-
Coconut Flakes: Include shredded coconut in the coating mixture for a tropical flair and extra texture.
-
Air Fryer: Instead of deep frying, toss the coated shrimp in an air fryer for a lighter, equally crispy option.
-
Herbed Twist: Mix fresh herbs like dill or cilantro into the buttermilk for an aromatic layer of flavor that elevates the dish.
-
Sweet & Savory: Add a dash of soy sauce to the hot honey for a savory twist that complements the shrimp’s sweetness.
-
Lemon Zest: Incorporate lemon zest into the flour mixture for a refreshing citrus note that pairs beautifully with the honey.
-
Fruit Salsa: Serve with a fresh fruit salsa made of diced mango or pineapple for a vibrant side that adds brightness to the meal.
Each of these variations brings a new dimension to your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, inviting you to explore flavors and textures that suit your taste!
How to Store and Freeze Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Fridge: Store any leftover hot honey fried shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until crispy.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They can be kept for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the fridge before reheating. For best results, warm in the oven or air fryer until heated through and crisp.
Room Temperature: Fried shrimp are best enjoyed hot, but if you need to leave them out, serve at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to ensure safety.
Expert Tips for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
- Perfect Marinade: Ensure shrimp are thoroughly coated in buttermilk and marinate for a full 15 minutes to enhance their flavor and tenderness.
- Coating Consistency: Avoid clumping by ensuring even coverage of the shrimp in the seasoned flour. Tap off excess flour for a light, crispy texture.
- Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to verify the oil reaches 350°F; too hot will burn the coating, while too cool will result in soggy shrimp.
- Batch Frying: Fry shrimp in small batches to maintain the oil temperature, ensuring each piece gets the perfect golden crust.
- Hot Honey Serving: Drizzle the hot honey immediately after frying for the best flavor impact, and feel free to adjust the spice according to your liking!
- Garnishing Tip: Fresh parsley not only looks pretty but adds a fresh burst of flavor that contrasts beautifully with the spicy sweetness of the hot honey.
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right shrimp for frying?
Absolutely! When choosing shrimp, look for large shrimp that are fresh, ideally with a slight ocean scent. Opt for shrimp that are firm and have a translucent appearance. Avoid any shrimp with black spots or a pungent smell, as these indicate spoilage.
What is the best way to store leftover Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
You can store leftover hot honey fried shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Can I freeze Hot Honey Fried Shrimp for later use?
Very! To freeze, first lay the cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours), then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be kept for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or air fryer until crispy again.
What should I do if my shrimp coating is soggy?
If you find your shrimp coating is soggy, it could be due to the oil temperature being too low while frying. Make sure your oil is at 350°F for a crispy texture. Additionally, ensure you’re not overcrowding the pot, which can lower the oil temperature. Fry in smaller batches for the best result!
Are there any dietary considerations for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
Absolutely! If you’re serving to guests, be mindful of allergies such as shellfish; shrimp can be a common allergen. For a spicy alternative to hot honey, consider using a mixture of maple syrup and hot sauce—which can be a great option for those who may prefer it.
How can I ensure my shrimp are perfectly crispy?
To achieve that ideal crispy texture, make sure to marinate shrimp in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes. When coating, ensure an even distribution of the flour mixture on the shrimp, and gently tap off any excess before frying. Frying in hot oil (350°F) and in small batches ensures that every piece gets the perfect golden crust!
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp: Crispy Bliss You Can't Resist
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by placing the large shrimp in a medium bowl, then cover them with buttermilk. Let them marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes to infuse flavor.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Take each marinated shrimp, letting excess buttermilk drip off before dredging in the seasoned flour mixture. Place coated shrimp on a baking sheet.
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat until it reaches 350°F.
- Carefully transfer shrimp into the hot oil in batches, frying for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove the fried shrimp using a slotted spoon and place on a lined baking sheet. Drizzle with hot honey and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.