If you are craving a snack that is crispy, sweet, spicy, and utterly addictive, look no further than this Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe. Imagine golden, crunchy shrimp simmered in a perfectly balanced glaze of honey and hot sauce that delivers a delightful kick with every bite. This dish manages to be simple yet packed with bold flavors and textures that make it an instant favorite for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something truly special. Trust me, once you try this Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe, it will quickly become a go-to in your cooking rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a vital role in creating the unforgettable taste and texture of the dish. From the seasoning that adds depth to the crispy panko coating and the sweet-spicy glaze, every element brings something unique to the plate.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the dish, bringing natural sweetness and tender texture.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, aromatic depth without overpowering the shrimp’s delicate flavor.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Provides a subtle smoky undertone and vibrant color to the shrimp seasoning.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: Helps to create the initial coating for extra crispiness.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Tenderizes the shrimp while helping the breadcrumbs stick perfectly.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: The secret to a light, airy, and irresistible crunch.
- Vegetable oil, for frying: Neutral oil for frying shrimp to golden perfection.
- â…“ cup honey: Brings a natural sweetness that balances the heat in the glaze.
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce: Adds that much-needed spicy kick; adjust to your heat preference.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Enriches the glaze and adds a luxurious mouthfeel.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who want extra heat and a bit of texture in the glaze.
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that rounds out the sauce beautifully.
How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Begin by patting your shrimp dry, which is key for a crispy coating. Then, sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over them. This seasoning combo sets the foundation for rich flavor, ensuring every bite bursts with a blend of sweetness, smokiness, and spice.
Step 2: Prepare the Dredging Stations
Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, another with buttermilk, and the last with panko breadcrumbs. This classic triple dredging method is what creates that irresistible, crunchy texture we all crave in fried shrimp. The flour clings first, buttermilk tenderizes and helps the breadcrumbs stick, and the breadcrumbs provide the final crunch.
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
Dredge each shrimp first in flour, making sure it is fully covered. Next, dip it into the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off, then transfer it immediately to the panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well. Place each coated shrimp on a tray to keep things organized and avoid sogginess before frying.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in small batches for about 2 to 3 minutes until they are golden brown and irresistibly crispy. Overcrowding the pan lowers the temperature and leads to soggy shrimp, so patience is key here. Once fried, drain the shrimp on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, red pepper flakes if using, and apple cider vinegar. Warm over medium heat, stirring until everything melts into a smooth, glossy glaze. This sauce is where sweet meets heat in the most delightful way, perfectly complementing the crispy shrimp. Turn off the heat once combined.
Step 6: Dress and Serve
Either drizzle the hot honey glaze generously over the fried shrimp or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. Both ways work wonderfully, letting you enjoy every crispy, spicy, and sweet bite just the way you like it.
How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a vibrant pop of color and freshness that brightens the dish. For an extra touch of flavor, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice will enhance the shrimp’s natural savoriness while balancing the sweetness of the glaze.
Side Dishes
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp goes beautifully with simple sides like creamy coleslaw, which adds a crunchy, cooling contrast, or a fresh green salad to lighten things up. For something heartier, pair it with garlic mashed potatoes or even steamed jasmine rice to soak up every last bit of that delicious hot honey sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these shrimp on a platter lined with parchment paper for a casual finger-food vibe perfect for parties. You can also build a crunchy shrimp po’ boy sandwich with pickles and lettuce, drizzled with the hot honey glaze for a southern twist that will wow your taste buds. Another fun idea is to skewer the shrimp before frying and glaze them for an impressive appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hot Honey Fried Shrimp tastes fantastic the next day when stored properly. Place the shrimp in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days. The coating might lose some crispness but reheating properly can bring back much of that original crunch.
Freezing
If you want to store the shrimp longer, freeze them after frying on a baking sheet laid flat. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to one month. Freeze the hot honey glaze separately in a small container to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess on reheating.
Reheating
To revive that crispy texture, reheat shrimp in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5 to 7 minutes rather than using a microwave. Warm the hot honey glaze gently on the stove or microwave and drizzle over the shrimp right before serving. This method keeps the shrimp deliciously crisp and saucy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and coating. Excess moisture can prevent a crispy crust, so drying is key.
How spicy is the Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe?
The heat level is quite customizable. The combination of hot sauce and optional red pepper flakes can be dialed up or down according to your preference, making it perfect for all spice levels.
What type of hot sauce works best?
Use your favorite hot sauce, but something like a classic Louisiana-style or a smoky chipotle hot sauce complements the honey beautifully for a balanced flavor profile.
Can I bake instead of fry the shrimp?
You can bake the shrimp for a healthier version, but frying gives that unbeatable crunch. To bake, coat shrimp the same way and bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely! The shrimp can be cooked ahead and stored in the fridge, while the hot honey glaze can be made in advance too. Just reheat before serving for a quick and delicious meal.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe is one of those dishes that brings joy with every bite thanks to its perfect harmony of crunch, sweetness, and spice. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a flavorful delight, it’s easy to make and even easier to fall in love with. So grab your ingredients, follow these steps, and get ready to impress yourself and others with this unforgettable shrimp recipe!
Print
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hot Honey Fried Shrimp recipe offers a perfect balance of crispy fried shrimp coated in a crunchy panko breadcrumb crust and drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. Ideal for a quick 30-minute meal, it combines bold flavors with a satisfying crunch, making it a delightful appetizer or main dish for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Hot Honey Glaze
- â…“ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Season Shrimp: Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels. Season them evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to infuse flavor prior to coating.
- Prepare Dredging Stations: Set up three separate bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with buttermilk, and one with panko breadcrumbs. These stations will help create a crispy and delicious crust on the shrimp.
- Coat the Shrimp: Dredge each shrimp first in the flour, then dip it into the buttermilk, and finally coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs. Place the coated shrimp on a tray, ready for frying.
- Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot and heat it to 350°F (175°C). This is the ideal temperature for frying shrimp to ensure they cook quickly and stay crispy.
- Fry the Shrimp: Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes each until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oil and let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make Hot Honey Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, red pepper flakes (if using), and apple cider vinegar. Stir continuously until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat once well combined.
- Serve: Drizzle the hot honey glaze over the fried shrimp or serve it as a dipping sauce on the side for added flavor and a spicy-sweet kick.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- Use a thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature to avoid greasy or undercooked shrimp.
- For extra crispy shrimp, you can double coat by repeating the buttermilk and panko step.
- Serve this shrimp immediately for the best texture; coating and fried shrimp can become soggy if set aside too long.
- Substitute vegetable oil with canola or peanut oil for frying if desired.
