Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a delightful dish that brings together crispy textures and bold flavors. Perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to lively parties, this recipe stands out with its sweet heat and crunchy shrimp. The combination of hot honey glaze drizzled over perfectly fried shrimp creates an irresistible treat that will have your guests coming back for more. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Shrimp
• For the Hot Honey Glaze
• How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
• Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
• Step 2: Set Up Breading Station
• Step 3: Fry the Shrimp
• Step 4: Prepare Hot Honey Glaze
• Step 5: Drizzle Glaze Over Shrimp
• How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
• As an Appetizer
• In Tacos
• Over Rice
• With Salad
• On a Charcuterie Board
• How to Perfect Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
• Best Side Dishes for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
• Reheating Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use frozen shrimp for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
• How do I make the hot honey glaze?
• What can I serve with Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
• Can I customize the spice level?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture: The panko breadcrumbs create a light and crunchy coating that enhances the shrimp’s natural flavor.
• Flavors: The blend of spices and hot honey ensures every bite is packed with taste.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve as an appetizer, main dish, or part of a party platter—perfect for any occasion.
• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the hot sauce to suit your taste preferences, making it a great option for everyone.

Tools and Preparation

To make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure the cooking process goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Deep fryer or heavy pot
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Slotted spoon or tongs
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep fryer or heavy pot: Provides even heating for frying, ensuring crispy shrimp without excess oil.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients easily and keeping your workspace organized.
• Whisk: Helps blend the buttermilk with seasonings smoothly for better flavor distribution in the batter.
• Cooling rack: Allows fried shrimp to drain properly while maintaining their crispiness.

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

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the large shrimp to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.

Step 2: Set Up Breading Station

1. Prepare three bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with buttermilk, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
2. Dip each seasoned shrimp first into the flour, then into the buttermilk, and finally coat them thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Fry the Shrimp

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully place breaded shrimp into the hot oil in batches—avoid overcrowding.
3. Fry for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a cooling rack.

Step 4: Prepare Hot Honey Glaze

1. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, red pepper flakes (if using), and apple cider vinegar.
2. Stir until melted and well combined; let it simmer for about 2 minutes.

Step 5: Drizzle Glaze Over Shrimp

1. Once all shrimp are fried, place them on a serving platter.
2. Drizzle the hot honey glaze generously over the crispy shrimp before serving.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious Hot Honey Fried Shrimp! Serve immediately for maximum crunchiness and flavor!

How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to impress guests at a party or enjoy a casual meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.

As an Appetizer

• Serve alongside toothpicks for easy eating.
• Pair with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese for added flavor.

In Tacos

• Use corn or flour tortillas to wrap the shrimp.
• Add fresh toppings like avocado, cilantro, and lime for a zesty twist.

Over Rice

• Place the hot honey shrimp over fluffy white or brown rice.
• Drizzle with extra hot honey for an irresistible glaze.

With Salad

• Serve the shrimp atop a bed of mixed greens.
• Toss with a light vinaigrette to balance the sweetness.

On a Charcuterie Board

• Arrange the shrimp with cheeses, nuts, and fruits.
• Provide small bowls of hot sauce for guests to customize their bites.

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How to Perfect Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

To achieve the best results with your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, follow these handy tips:

• Marinate the shrimp: Letting the shrimp sit in buttermilk enhances flavor and tenderness.
• Use panko breadcrumbs: They provide an extra crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
• Heat the oil adequately: Ensure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F) for crispy frying.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and achieve even cooking.
• Adjust spice levels: Customize the amount of hot sauce based on your heat preference.
• Drizzle immediately: Coat with hot honey right after frying for maximum flavor absorption.

Best Side Dishes for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Pairing side dishes with your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Coleslaw: This crunchy and tangy salad complements the sweet and spicy flavors perfectly.
2. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness that balances out the heat of the shrimp.
3. Fried Green Tomatoes: Their tartness and crunch pair beautifully with fried shrimp.
4. Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery garlic bread serves as a delicious vehicle for those sweet drizzles of honey.
5. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges can soak up any excess sauce while providing hearty satisfaction.
6. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad cools down spicy bites and adds crisp texture.
7. Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese offers comfort food vibes alongside crispy shrimp.
8. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad provides protein and balances flavors without overwhelming the main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the Marination: Not marinating the shrimp can lead to bland flavors. Allow the shrimp to sit in the buttermilk with spices for at least 15 minutes before frying.
• Using the Wrong Oil Temperature: Frying at too low a temperature can make the shrimp greasy. Ensure your oil is hot enough, around 350°F (175°C), before adding the shrimp.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Adding too many shrimp at once can lower the oil temperature and result in uneven cooking. Fry in small batches for best results.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Failing to season the batter adequately leads to a lack of flavor. Be generous with spices like garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt.
• Not Draining Excess Oil: Serving shrimp straight from the frying pan without draining can make them soggy. Place fried shrimp on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb extra oil.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Hot Honey Fried Shrimp in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

• For longer storage, freeze cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag; they will last up to 2 months.

Reheating Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place shrimp on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-12 minutes until crispy.
• Microwave: Use this method only if you’re short on time. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes but expect less crispiness.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Add shrimp and cook for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making 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 marinating and frying.

How do I make the hot honey glaze?

To prepare the glaze, combine honey with hot sauce and apple cider vinegar in a saucepan over low heat until melted and well mixed.

What can I serve with Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

These delicious shrimp pair well with rice, salad, or as part of a party platter alongside dipping sauces.

Can I customize the spice level?

Absolutely! Adjust the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes based on your preference for heat.

Final Thoughts

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp offers an exciting blend of flavors that is sure to impress friends and family. It’s versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or main dish. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite spices or serving it with various dipping sauces. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!