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
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of sweet honey and spicy sauce creates a delightful taste experience.
- Quick Preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy as an appetizer, main course, or snack at any event.
- Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the hot sauce to cater to your spice tolerance.
- Crispy Texture: The panko breadcrumbs ensure each shrimp is perfectly crunchy every time.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes preparing Hot Honey Fried Shrimp easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Deep frying pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Slotted spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Deep frying pan: Ensures even cooking and proper oil temperature for crispy shrimp.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess.
- Whisk: Helps create a smooth batter that clings well to the shrimp.
- Tongs: Perfect for flipping shrimp in hot oil safely.
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
For the Hot Honey Glaze
- 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
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 evenly coated.
Step 2: Set Up Breading Station
- In a separate bowl, pour in the buttermilk.
- In another bowl, place the all-purpose flour.
- Add panko breadcrumbs to yet another bowl.
Step 3: Bread the Shrimp
- Dip each shrimp first into the flour to coat lightly.
- Next, submerge it in buttermilk.
- Finally, roll it in panko breadcrumbs until well coated.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Once hot (about 350°F), carefully add shrimp in batches.
- Fry until golden brown and crispy (about 2–3 minutes per side).
- Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Make Hot Honey Glaze
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter.
- Stir in honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes (if using), and apple cider vinegar.
- Mix well until combined; let it warm up slightly without boiling.
Step 6: Drizzle and Serve
- Place fried shrimp on a serving platter.
- Drizzle with hot honey glaze generously before serving.
This Hot Honey Fried Shrimp recipe promises not only delightful flavors but also an exciting culinary adventure that can be enjoyed on any occasion!
How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp can be enjoyed in many delightful ways. Whether you prefer it as an appetizer, a main course, or part of a bigger feast, these shrimp will surely impress your guests with their crunchy texture and sweet-spicy flavor.
As an Appetizer
- Serve with toothpicks for easy eating.
- Pair with a creamy dipping sauce like ranch or aioli for added richness.
In Tacos
- Use warm tortillas to wrap the fried shrimp.
- Top with fresh slaw and a drizzle of hot honey for extra flavor.
Over Rice
- Serve on a bed of jasmine or brown rice.
- Add steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
On a Salad
- Toss the fried shrimp over mixed greens.
- Drizzle with vinaigrette or more hot honey to enhance the flavors.
How to Perfect Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
To achieve the best Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, follow these essential tips. They will help ensure that your shrimp turn out perfectly crispy and flavorful every time.
- Use fresh shrimp: Freshly peeled and deveined shrimp yield the best texture and taste.
- Marinate before frying: Letting the shrimp sit in buttermilk enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Heat oil properly: Ensure your oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F) to achieve that golden crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust spices in the batter to suit your taste preferences.
- Drizzle hot honey just before serving: This keeps the coating crispy while adding that signature kick of sweetness.
Best Side Dishes for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Choose from these delicious options to create a complete meal that everyone will love.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy slaw complements the sweetness of the shrimp beautifully.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and pairs well with spicy flavors.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread makes for a delightful accompaniment to soak up any extra hot honey sauce.
- Fried Rice: A flavorful fried rice dish brings additional texture and taste that balances the shrimp’s sweetness.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad provides a cool contrast to the spicy flavors of the fried shrimp.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese offers comfort alongside your crispy shrimp, making it a satisfying choice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, it’s easy to overlook some simple steps. Here are common mistakes you should avoid for the best results.
- Ignoring shrimp size: Using shrimp that are too small can lead to overcooking. Opt for large shrimp for a perfect crunch and texture.
- Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season the batter can make your dish bland. Always season the flour and breadcrumbs for maximum flavor.
- Not letting the oil heat properly: Insufficiently heated oil can result in greasy shrimp. Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying for a crispy finish.
- Overcrowding the pan: Frying too many shrimp at once lowers the oil temperature. Cook in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Neglecting to adjust hot sauce: Using too much or too little hot sauce can affect the flavor balance. Taste as you go and adjust according to your heat preference.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Place a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture.
Freezing Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
- Can be stored for up to 3 months; just label with date.
Reheating Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until crispy.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power, but expect less crunchiness; use for quick reheating.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of oil for crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about preparing Hot Honey Fried Shrimp.
Can I use frozen shrimp for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before coating.
What type of hot sauce works best?
Any hot sauce can work, but choose one that complements your taste preference. Options like Sriracha or Frank’s RedHot are popular choices.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To increase the heat level, add more hot sauce or include red pepper flakes in the batter or glaze.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Final Thoughts
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp offers an irresistible mix of sweet and spicy flavors that everyone will love. This versatile dish works well as an appetizer or main course. Feel free to customize it by adjusting spice levels or adding different seasonings. Give it a try, and enjoy the delightful crunch!
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a delightful dish that brings together crispy shrimp with a sweet and spicy glaze, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Coated in a flavorful batter, these golden-brown morsels are perfect as appetizers or part of a main course. With just a hint of heat from the hot honey glaze, every bite offers a burst of flavor that will leave your guests craving more. Easy to prepare and customize, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining friends. Get ready to impress with this mouthwatering seafood sensation!
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup honey
- 2–3 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper for seasoning
Instructions
- Season shrimp with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with buttermilk, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each shrimp in flour, then dip into buttermilk, and coat with panko crumbs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat (about 350°F).
- Fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- For the hot honey glaze, melt butter in a saucepan and mix in honey and hot sauce; warm without boiling.
- Drizzle the glaze over fried shrimp before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 shrimp (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
