Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe

Introduction

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a delightful combination of crispy, golden shrimp coated in a spicy-sweet glaze. This recipe marries the heat of cayenne with the sweetness of hot honey, creating a perfect balance of flavors that’s sure to please any crowd.

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

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, add the shrimp and pour the buttermilk over them, ensuring each shrimp is coated. Let marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes.
2. Step 2: In a separate medium bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well and set aside.
3. Step 3: Remove the shrimp from the marinade one at a time, letting any excess liquid drip off. Dredge each shrimp thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, coating evenly. Place coated shrimp on a large baking sheet and repeat with remaining shrimp.
4. Step 4: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat to 350°F (use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to check temperature).
5. Step 5: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside for cooked shrimp.
6. Step 6: Fry the shrimp in batches, avoiding overcrowding, for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and crispy. Allow oil to return to 350°F between batches if needed.
7. Step 7: Use a slotted spoon to transfer fried shrimp to the lined baking sheet. Drizzle hot honey over the shrimp while still warm.
8. Step 8: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a pinch more cayenne pepper or use a spicier hot honey variation.
• Try substituting buttermilk with plain yogurt thinned with a little milk if you don’t have buttermilk on hand.
• Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon for a bright contrast to the sweet and spicy flavors.
• Use a thermometer to maintain proper oil temperature for perfectly crispy shrimp without greasiness.

Storage

Store leftover fried shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, which can make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, thaw shrimp completely, peel, and devein before marinating. Pat them dry slightly for better coating adherence.

What can I use instead of hot honey?

If you don’t have hot honey, mix regular honey with a small amount of hot sauce or chili flakes to create a similar spicy-sweet glaze.

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe

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4.9 from 65 reviews

Crispy, golden fried shrimp coated in a flavorful seasoned flour and drizzled with sweet and spicy hot honey for a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. This Hot Honey Fried Shrimp recipe is quick, easy, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp and Marinade

• 1 pound large shrimp, thawed, peeled, deveined, tail-on
• 1 cup (245 g) buttermilk

Seasoned Flour Mix

• 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

For Frying and Serving

• Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 inches in pot)
• ½ cup (170 g) hot honey (homemade or store-bought)
• Parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

1. Marinate the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, place the shrimp and pour buttermilk over them, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Let the shrimp marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes to tenderize and add moisture.
2. Prepare the Seasoned Flour: In a separate medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices. Set aside.
3. Coat the Shrimp: Remove shrimp one at a time from the buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the seasoned flour mixture, coating evenly on all sides. Place the coated shrimp on a large baking sheet and repeat with the rest.
4. Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large pot to a depth of about 2 inches and heat over medium until it reaches 350°F, using a candy or deep-fry thermometer for accuracy.
5. Fry the Shrimp: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Carefully fry the shrimp in batches—avoid overcrowding—to maintain oil temperature. Cook each batch for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until shrimp are golden brown and crispy. Allow oil to return to 350°F between batches if needed.
6. Drain and Dress: Use a slotted spoon to transfer fried shrimp onto the lined baking sheet. Immediately drizzle hot honey over the shrimp to coat them with a spicy-sweet glaze.
7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the shrimp for a fresh, herbal finish. Serve hot for a crispy and flavorful appetizer or main dish.

Notes

• Ensure the oil temperature stays consistent at 350°F to achieve crispy shrimp without oily residue.
• Do not overcrowd the pot while frying to maintain proper cooking temperature and even crispiness.
• If hot honey is unavailable, you can quickly make your own by mixing honey with a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste.
• Use tails-on shrimp for easier handling and a nicer presentation.
• For a lighter version, use an air fryer but expect texture slightly different from deep-fried.

Keywords: fried shrimp, hot honey shrimp, spicy shrimp, appetizer, quick fried shrimp, buttermilk shrimp