Introduction

Welcome to another mouth-watering recipe that combines the best of crispy fried shrimp with a flavorful twist of hot honey. Whether you’re looking for a tasty appetizer or a main dish with a punch, this Hot Honey Fried Shrimp recipe will soon become a favorite in your kitchen. Get ready to experience the perfect blend of sweet and spicy in every crunchy bite!

The image shows a close-up of golden brown fried fritters stacked on top of each other in a white bowl, each fritter crispy with a rough texture and small bits of green herbs visible inside. The fritters have an uneven shape with a crunchy, bubbly surface and a few lighter spots where the batter is thinner. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with a glimpse of a woman's hand reaching from the side to pick one. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, thawed, peeled, deveined, tail-on
1 cup (245 g) buttermilk
1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Vegetable oil, for frying
½ cup (170 g) hot honey (homemade or store-bought)
Parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Place your shrimp in a medium bowl and pour buttermilk over them, ensuring every shrimp is well-coated. Let it marinate at room temperature for about 15 minutes for tender, flavorful shrimp.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. This will be your dredging mixture to give the shrimp their crispy coating.
Step 3: Remove the shrimp from the marinade, allowing any excess buttermilk to drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring each one is thoroughly coated. Set them aside on a large baking sheet.
Step 4: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot to 350°F using a deep-fry thermometer. Carefully fry the shrimp in batches for about 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are crispy and golden brown.
Step 5: Remove the shrimp from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a lined baking sheet. Immediately drizzle with hot honey for that signature sweet and spicy finish.
Step 6: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot. You can enjoy these shrimp on their own, or pair them with a side dish like fries or coleslaw.

Tips & Variations

Keep it Crispy: For the crispiest shrimp, ensure that the oil stays at a consistent 350°F throughout frying.
Avoid Overcrowding: Fry the shrimp in small batches to prevent the temperature of the oil from dropping, which can lead to soggy shrimp.
Make it Extra Spicy: If you love extra heat, add more cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or use a hotter variety of honey.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute buttermilk with almond or coconut milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose flour.
Double Dredging: For an extra crispy coating, dip shrimp back in buttermilk and dredge again before frying.

Storage

Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F, place the shrimp on a baking sheet, and heat for 5-7 minutes until they regain their crispy texture. Avoid microwaving as it can make the shrimp soggy.

How to Serve

A close-up of multiple golden-brown fritters stacked closely together on a white plate, each fritter showing a crispy texture with small green and red bits visible inside, indicating herbs or vegetables mixed in, the fritters appear uneven and homemade with a crunchy outer layer and soft inside, the background is a white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure they are fully thawed before marinating.

How can I make homemade hot honey?

Simply mix honey with your favorite hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a quick homemade version.

What’s the best oil for frying shrimp?

Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are ideal due to their high smoke points.

How do I know when the shrimp are done?

The shrimp will turn golden brown and will feel firm to the touch when done.