Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe
This Hot Honey Fried Shrimp recipe features crispy, golden-fried shrimp coated in a flavorful seasoned flour and drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, this recipe blends the crunch of deep-fried shrimp with the vibrant kick of hot honey for a delightful sweet and spicy experience.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 pound large shrimp, thawed, peeled, deveined, tail-on
- 1 cup (245 g) buttermilk
Seasoned Flour Coating
- 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
Other Ingredients
- Vegetable oil, for frying (enough for 2 inches depth)
- ½ cup (170 g) hot honey (homemade or store-bought)
- Parsley, chopped for garnish
Optional Substitutions
- Buttermilk: Substitute with almond or coconut milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice for a dairy-free option.
- Flour: Use gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a medium bowl and pour the buttermilk over them, ensuring each shrimp is fully coated. Let them marinate at room temperature for about 15 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Season the Flour: In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. This mixture will form the crispy coating for the shrimp.
- Dredge the Shrimp: Remove shrimp from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each shrimp thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring even coating. Arrange dredged shrimp on a large baking sheet.
- Fry the Shrimp: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot or deep pan to 350°F (175°C) using a deep-fry thermometer. Fry the shrimp in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they turn crispy and golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels or a lined baking sheet.
- Add the Hot Honey: While the shrimp are still hot and freshly fried, immediately drizzle hot honey evenly over them to give a signature sweet and spicy glaze.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp and serve immediately. Pair with sides like French fries, coleslaw, or cornbread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Keep it Crispy: Maintain oil temperature at a consistent 350°F during frying for the crispiest shrimp.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Fry shrimp in small batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping and causing sogginess.
- Make it Extra Spicy: Increase cayenne pepper in the flour mixture or use a spicier variety of honey for added heat.
- Use fresh shrimp if possible for the best flavor and texture.
- If doubling dredging, dip shrimp again in buttermilk and flour for extra crispiness.
Keywords: hot honey fried shrimp, spicy fried shrimp, crispy shrimp, shrimp appetizer, sweet and spicy shrimp, fried seafood