Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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