Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

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Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a dish that hits all the right notes—crispy, savory, sweet, and spicy. It’s a perfect blend of textures and flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. The succulent shrimp, fried to golden perfection, are bathed in a deliciously spicy, sweet hot honey sauce that elevates the dish to new heights. This dish is versatile too—it can be served as a tantalizing appetizer or as the star of your meal, accompanied by sides that complement its bold flavors. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a special occasion, or simply a flavorful snack, Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is sure to impress.

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This recipe takes only a few minutes to prep and cook, yet delivers big on flavor. The shrimp are marinated in buttermilk, which helps to tenderize the seafood and create a flavorful base. The seasoned flour coating adds that all-important crunch and enhances the flavor profile, while the hot honey drizzle brings a spicy sweetness that is simply addicting. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or just looking for something different, Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

If you’re looking for a dish that balances flavor, texture, and ease of preparation, look no further than Hot Honey Fried Shrimp. It delivers all the qualities that make for a great meal:

1. Crispy and Crunchy: The shrimp are coated in a seasoned flour mixture and fried until golden brown, resulting in a crispy, crunchy exterior that contrasts perfectly with the juicy, tender shrimp inside.
2. Sweet and Spicy: The hot honey drizzle takes this dish to another level, offering the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. It’s the ideal sauce to complement the fried shrimp, giving them an irresistible flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
3. Quick and Easy: With only 28 minutes of total preparation time, this recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight or a last-minute get-together. The ingredients are simple and accessible, so you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen.
4. Versatile: While Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is great on its own, it can also be paired with a variety of side dishes to suit your tastes. Whether you want to serve it as an appetizer or a main course, this dish is adaptable to any meal setting.
5. A Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is perfect for entertaining, as the crispy shrimp and flavorful hot honey sauce will satisfy guests with different tastes. It’s a fun, hands-on dish that everyone will enjoy.

Breakdown of Ingredients

To create the perfect Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, the ingredients you use are key. Each component adds something essential to the dish, from the tender shrimp to the crispy coating and the sweet-spicy sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:

Shrimp

• 1 pound large shrimp: For the best results, use large shrimp that are thawed, peeled, and deveined. Make sure to keep the tails on, as they add visual appeal and can be used as handles when eating. The size of the shrimp will ensure that they cook evenly and stay juicy inside while getting a crispy, golden coating on the outside.

Buttermilk Marinade

• 1 cup buttermilk: Buttermilk is a classic marinade for fried shrimp because it helps tenderize the shrimp and adds richness. The acidity of buttermilk also helps to neutralize any fishy taste, making the shrimp taste fresh and sweet.

Flour Coating

• 1 cup all-purpose flour: This is the base for the coating that will give the shrimp its crispy texture. All-purpose flour is ideal because it provides a light, crunchy coating that doesn’t overpower the shrimp.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Paprika adds a subtle smokiness and a mild heat to the coating. It contributes to the overall flavor profile and gives the shrimp a nice color.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder is a must-have in fried shrimp coatings, as it brings out a savory richness that enhances the shrimp’s natural flavor.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder: Onion powder adds a savory sweetness and rounds out the overall flavor of the shrimp coating.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Kosher salt enhances the natural flavors of the shrimp and the coating. Be sure to use kosher salt for its larger crystals, which provide a satisfying crunch.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle heat and depth to the flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: For an extra kick of spice, cayenne pepper brings heat that balances the sweetness of the hot honey drizzle.

Hot Honey Sauce

• ½ cup hot honey: Hot honey is a unique combination of honey and hot peppers, typically infused with chili or cayenne to add a spicy kick. You can use store-bought hot honey, but homemade hot honey is quick and easy to prepare, giving you full control over the spice level.

For Frying

• Vegetable oil: For frying the shrimp, you’ll need vegetable oil with a high smoke point. This ensures that the shrimp will fry evenly and crisp up without burning. Use enough oil to create a depth of 2 inches in your frying pot to ensure the shrimp cook properly on all sides.

Garnish

• Parsley, chopped: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a mild herbal note to balance the rich, spicy shrimp.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we know the ingredients, let’s dive into the preparation and cooking process. Follow these steps to make the most delicious Hot Honey Fried Shrimp.

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

• Start by placing your thawed, peeled, and deveined shrimp into a medium bowl. Pour the buttermilk over the shrimp, ensuring that each shrimp is coated thoroughly. Let the shrimp marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Flour Coating

• While the shrimp is marinating, prepare the flour mixture. In a separate medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix the ingredients well to ensure that the spices are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

• After the shrimp has marinated, remove each shrimp from the buttermilk, letting any excess liquid drip off. Then, dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, making sure to coat the entire surface of the shrimp. For an extra crispy coating, you can press gently on the shrimp as you coat it to ensure the flour sticks well. Place the coated shrimp on a large baking sheet and repeat with the remaining shrimp.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

• Next, prepare your frying station. In a large pot, add about 2 inches of vegetable oil. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches a temperature of 350°F, using a candy or deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature. It’s important that the oil reaches the correct temperature, as this ensures the shrimp fry evenly and become crispy without absorbing too much oil.

Step 5: Fry the Shrimp

• When the oil is ready, carefully lower the coated shrimp into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry the shrimp for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy. Be sure to check the temperature of the oil between batches, as it may need to heat up again after each batch of shrimp.

Step 6: Drain and Coat with Hot Honey

• Once the shrimp are fried, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to drain excess oil. Drizzle the hot honey generously over the fried shrimp. The hot honey will create a glossy, sweet, and spicy coating that perfectly complements the crispy shrimp.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

• Garnish the shrimp with chopped parsley to add a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while the shrimp is still warm and crispy. Hot Honey Fried Shrimp can be served as an appetizer with extra hot honey for dipping or as a main dish with a side of your choice.

Tips for Making the Perfect Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

1. Temperature Control: The key to perfect fried shrimp is maintaining the correct oil temperature. If the oil is too hot, the shrimp will cook too quickly on the outside but remain raw inside. If it’s too cool, the shrimp will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
2. Marinating Time: Don’t skip the marinating step! Buttermilk helps to tenderize the shrimp and adds moisture, which is essential for achieving juicy shrimp with a crispy coating.
3. Homemade Hot Honey: If you want to take your dish to the next level, try making your own hot honey by combining honey with your choice of chili flakes or hot sauce. This way, you can control the heat and sweetness to match your preferences.
4. Serving Suggestions: Hot Honey Fried Shrimp pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Try serving it with a refreshing cucumber salad, creamy coleslaw, or crispy French fries. For a more tropical flair, serve with coconut rice or a fresh mango salsa.
5. Leftovers: Leftover shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat them in a hot skillet or oven to retain their crispiness.

Variations on Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

• Baked Version: For a lighter option, you can bake the shrimp instead of frying them. Preheat the oven to 400°F, arrange the coated shrimp on a baking sheet, and bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.
• Different Proteins: While shrimp is the star of this recipe, you can easily swap it out for chicken tenders, fish fillets, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times for different proteins.

Conclusion

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a dish that has it all: crispy texture, bold flavor, and a sweet and spicy kick that will leave your guests craving more. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, a main dish, or a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can bring this delicious dish to life in your kitchen. So, grab your ingredients, fire up that fryer, and prepare to enjoy one of the most satisfying shrimp dishes you’ll ever make!