Ingredients
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.
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
- Place the shrimp in a medium-sized bowl.
- Pour the buttermilk over the shrimp, ensuring each piece is fully coated.
- Let the shrimp marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors and tenderize.
Step 2: Prepare the Seasoned Flour
- In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Mix thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
- After marinating, remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, letting any excess liquid drip off.
- Dredge each shrimp in the seasoned flour, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Place the coated shrimp on a large baking sheet and repeat with the remaining shrimp.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
- In a large pot or deep-fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat.
- 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
- 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.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until the shrimp are golden brown and crispy.
- 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
- 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.
- Drizzle the hot honey over the fried shrimp, ensuring each piece is coated with the sweet and spicy sauce.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish the shrimp with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.
- Serve immediately while hot with extra hot honey on the side for dipping.
Notes
- 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. - 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. - 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! - 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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes