Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

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Looking for an appetizer or main dish that packs a flavorful punch? These Hot Honey Fried Shrimp are the perfect balance of crispy, sweet, and spicy. Large shrimp are deep-fried until golden and crispy, then coated with a homemade or store-bought hot honey for that sweet-and-spicy kick in every bite. Whether you serve them as an appetizer with extra hot honey for dipping or as the star of your meal, these shrimp are sure to impress your guests and become a new favorite.

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Why You’ll Love These Shrimp

• Crispy Perfection: These shrimp are perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside.
• Sweet and Spicy: The hot honey adds a delicious balance of heat and sweetness that elevates the flavor of the shrimp.
• Quick and Easy: With just 28 minutes of total prep and cook time, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
• Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or main dish – they’re perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s a closer look at the ingredients that come together to create these irresistible Hot Honey Fried Shrimp:

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound Large Shrimp (thawed, peeled, deveined, tail-on):Large, juicy shrimp are ideal for this recipe, offering the perfect texture when fried.

For the Buttermilk Marinade:

• 1 cup Buttermilk:Buttermilk tenderizes the shrimp and creates a creamy coating for the flour to adhere to.

For the Seasoned Flour:

• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour:Provides the base for the crispy coating on the shrimp.
• 1 teaspoon Paprika:Adds a mild smoky flavor to the shrimp coating.
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder:Brings a savory flavor that complements the fried shrimp perfectly.
• ½ teaspoon Onion Powder:Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle oniony undertone.
• ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt and ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper:Seasonings that bring out the shrimp’s natural flavors.
• ¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper:Adds a touch of heat that balances the sweet honey drizzle.

For Frying:

• Vegetable Oil:Used for frying the shrimp to crispy perfection. You’ll need about 2 inches of oil in your pot.

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

• ½ cup Hot Honey:Hot honey is a blend of honey and chili peppers, giving it a sweet and spicy kick. You can use store-bought or make your own by adding chili flakes to honey.

For Garnish:

• Parsley (chopped):Adds a fresh, vibrant color and a bit of brightness to the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

1. Place the shrimp in a medium-sized bowl.
2. Pour the buttermilk over the shrimp, ensuring each piece is fully coated.
3. Let the shrimp marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors and tenderize.

Step 2: Prepare the Seasoned Flour

1. In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
2. Mix thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

1. After marinating, remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, letting any excess liquid drip off.
2. Dredge each shrimp in the seasoned flour, ensuring it is fully coated.
3. Place the coated shrimp on a large baking sheet and repeat with the remaining shrimp.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

1. In a large pot or deep-fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to monitor the oil temperature. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).

Step 5: Fry the Shrimp

1. When the oil is hot, tap off any excess flour from the shrimp and carefully place them into the oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding.
2. Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until the shrimp are golden brown and crispy.
3. After each batch, you may need to allow the oil to heat back up to 350°F.

Step 6: Drain and Drizzle with Hot Honey

1. Once the shrimp are fried, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a lined baking sheet to drain.
2. Drizzle the hot honey over the fried shrimp, ensuring each piece is coated with the sweet and spicy sauce.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish the shrimp with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.
2. Serve immediately while hot with extra hot honey on the side for dipping.

Tips & Tricks

1. Adjust the Heat:
   If you like things spicier, add more cayenne pepper to the flour or use a hotter variety of chili flakes in the hot honey.
2. Make Your Own Hot Honey:
   To make homemade hot honey, simply heat up honey and infuse it with chili flakes or your favorite hot peppers. Let it steep for a few hours for maximum flavor.
3. Double the Recipe:
   If you’re serving a crowd, consider doubling the recipe to make sure there’s plenty to go around. These shrimp disappear fast!
4. Air Fryer Option:
   For a lighter version, you can cook the shrimp in an air fryer at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as an Appetizer:
  These crispy shrimp are perfect on their own or served with a side of dipping sauce like ranch, blue cheese, or extra hot honey.
• Make It a Meal:
  Pair with a side of coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or French fries for a full meal. A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette would also complement the richness of the shrimp.
• Add Some Heat:
  For extra spice, sprinkle more cayenne or red pepper flakes over the shrimp just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
   Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them fully before marinating.
2. Can I make the hot honey in advance?
   Absolutely! Hot honey can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
3. What’s the best oil for frying?
   Vegetable oil is ideal because it has a neutral flavor and high smoking point. You can also use canola oil or peanut oil.

Conclusion

These Hot Honey Fried Shrimp are a must-try for anyone who loves the combination of sweet and spicy flavors. The crispy shrimp coated in hot honey are absolutely addictive, whether served as an appetizer or a main dish. With just a few simple ingredients and quick preparation, you can make this flavorful dish at home and enjoy a restaurant-quality experience!