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Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe

4.4 from 74 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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.

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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