There is nothing quite as satisfyingly crispy and sweet with a hint of heat as my Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe. This dish perfectly balances crunchy, golden-fried shrimp coated with a spicy, beautifully sticky hot honey glaze that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re craving a snack, an appetizer, or a vibrant main, this recipe combines simple ingredients into an unforgettable Southern-inspired delight that brings excitement to your plate with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient here plays a crucial role in building the texture and flavor that make this dish shine. From the tender shrimp to the zesty hot honey drizzle, these essentials come together easily and guarantee a mouthwatering experience.
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off): The star of the dish, offering a meaty, juicy bite when cooked right.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Tenderizes the shrimp and adds a subtle tang to balance the heat.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce: Infuses the marinade with a gentle, spicy kick that sets the tone for the dish.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the base for a crispy coating that seals in shrimp’s moisture.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: Adds extra crunchiness to the coating for that perfect golden finish.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Brings smoky undertones and vibrant color to the batter.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Offers aromatic depth and a touch of savory warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances every flavor layer without overpowering them.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild bite and balances the seasoning.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Vital for achieving that crisp exterior with a light, golden texture.
- Hot honey ingredients: 1/2 cup honey, 1–2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to heat preference), and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) to create the signature sticky glaze with a spicy punch.
How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Start by whisking together the buttermilk and hot sauce in a bowl. Add the shrimp and let them soak up these flavors for 15 to 30 minutes. This step is key to tender shrimp packed with subtle heat that will complement the crispy coating perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
While the shrimp marinates, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in another bowl. This mixture will be your secret weapon for creating an irresistible crunch with every bite.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Keeping the oil at the right temperature is crucial to ensure the shrimp cooks evenly without soaking up too much oil.
Step 4: Coat and Fry the Shrimp
Take the shrimp out of the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Press each shrimp lightly into the flour mixture to coat well. Fry the shrimp in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and achieve that perfect crispy texture. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on paper towels to drain any extra oil.
Step 5: Make the Hot Honey
Warm the honey gently in a small saucepan or microwave until it becomes thinner and easier to drizzle. Stir in the hot sauce and, if you like extra heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. This glaze will bring the signature sweet-spicy finish that makes this Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe so addictive.
How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like finely chopped scallions, a squeeze of lime, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds elevate the dish’s presentation and add layers of crisp, bright flavor that contrast beautifully with the rich shrimp and hot honey.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with crunchy slaws, creamy coleslaw, or even a refreshing cucumber salad. Consider serving it alongside cornbread or crispy fries for an indulgent but balanced meal that hits all the right notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, use this Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe as a topping for waffles or tacos. The combination of sweet, spicy, and crunchy shrimp with soft, warm bases creates a dynamic dish that delights guests and family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover fried shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain maximum crispiness, store the hot honey separately and drizzle just before serving.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked shrimp on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer them to a resealable bag once frozen solid. They stay delicious for up to one month. Freeze the hot honey in a separate container to keep the flavors pristine.
Reheating
To bring back the crispiness, reheat shrimp in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes rather than microwaving. Add the hot honey glaze afterward for that fresh, sticky finish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating to avoid excess moisture that can affect the coating’s crunch.
How spicy is the Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe?
The heat level is adjustable depending on how much hot sauce and red pepper flakes you include in the hot honey. You can make it mild or fiery to suit your taste buds perfectly.
Is buttermilk essential in the marinade?
Buttermilk tenderizes and adds a subtle tang that the shrimp coating loves. If you don’t have buttermilk, a mixture of milk and a splash of lemon juice or vinegar works well as a substitute.
Can I bake instead of frying the shrimp?
You can bake them, but frying gives the shrimp that unbeatable crisp texture. If baking, coat shrimp well and cook at a high temperature on a wire rack to help mimic the crispness.
What can I serve with this Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe for a full meal?
Try pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed greens, or a vibrant garden salad. This is a flexible dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, depending on what you crave.
Final Thoughts
You really owe it to yourself to try this Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe. It’s a perfect harmony of crispy, sweet, and spicy that will turn any meal into a special occasion. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just treating yourself, these shrimp bring big flavors and big smiles with every bite. Give it a go and enjoy the delicious buzz of hot honey magic!
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Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp offers a perfect balance of crispy golden shrimp with a spicy, sweet honey drizzle. Marinated in buttermilk and hot sauce, then coated in a seasoned flour and cornstarch mixture before frying to perfection, these shrimp deliver a Southern-inspired flavor ideal for appetizers, toppings for waffles, or delicious tacos.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Frying
- Vegetable oil (for frying, enough to fill 2–3 inches deep in a skillet or pot)
Hot Honey Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1–2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to heat preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, ensuring they are fully submerged, and marinate for 15 to 30 minutes to infuse flavor and tenderize the shrimp.
- Prepare the Coating: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful coating mixture for the shrimp.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot to a depth of 2 to 3 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer to maintain the correct temperature for frying.
- Coat the Shrimp: Remove shrimp from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each shrimp thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.
- Fry the Shrimp: Fry the coated shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each side for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp from the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare the Hot Honey: Gently warm the honey in a small saucepan or microwave until it becomes thin and pourable. Stir in the hot sauce and red pepper flakes (if using) until the mixture is well combined.
- Serve: Drizzle the hot honey over the freshly fried shrimp or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce, enhancing the dish with a spicy-sweet finish.
Notes
- These shrimp make a fantastic appetizer or a flavorful topping for waffles and shrimp tacos.
- For extra crunch, double-dip the shrimp by repeating the buttermilk soak and flour coating before frying.
- Adjust the hot sauce amount in the marinade and hot honey to control the spice level to your preference.
