Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a delightful dish that brings together crispy textures and a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. This treat is ideal for various occasions, from casual gatherings to fancy dinners. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, the vibrant hot honey glaze enhances the shrimp, making it simply irresistible. With its quick preparation time and customizable options, Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is sure to be a crowd favorite that leaves everyone craving more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Texture: The panko breadcrumbs create an irresistible crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender shrimp.
- Sweet and Spicy Flavor: The hot honey glaze adds a unique combination of sweetness and heat that elevates this dish.
- Easy to Prepare: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as an appetizer, main course, or party platter—this dish fits any occasion.
- Customizable Heat Levels: Adjust the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes to suit your spice tolerance.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into cooking, gather your essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Shallow dish for breading
- Deep frying pan or Dutch oven
- Cooking thermometer
- Slotted spoon or tongs
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients evenly without making a mess.
- Shallow dish for breading: Makes coating the shrimp easier and ensures even coverage with batter.
- Deep frying pan or Dutch oven: Provides ample space for frying, ensuring shrimp cook thoroughly without overcrowding.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
For Frying and Glaze
- Vegetable oil for frying
- ½ cup honey
- 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by seasoning your shrimp. In a large mixing bowl, combine the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss until they are well coated with the spice mixture.
Step 2: Set Up Breading Station
Prepare three shallow dishes. Fill one with flour, another with buttermilk, and the third with panko breadcrumbs. Dip each seasoned shrimp first in flour, then in buttermilk, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Heat Oil for Frying
In a deep frying pan or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a cooking thermometer to check the temperature for optimal frying.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
Carefully add breaded shrimp to the hot oil in batches. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from oil and let excess oil drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Make Hot Honey Glaze
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter. Stir in honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes (if using), and apple cider vinegar. Mix well until heated through but not boiling.
Step 6: Serve
Drizzle the hot honey glaze over the fried shrimp just before serving. Enjoy your flavorful Hot Honey Fried Shrimp!
How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a casual meal at home, these delicious shrimp can shine in various presentations.
As an Appetizer
- Serve with toothpicks for easy eating at parties.
- Pair with a zesty dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese for added flavor.
On a Bed of Greens
- Create a vibrant salad by placing the shrimp on mixed greens.
- Drizzle with extra hot honey and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing touch.
In Tacos
- Use soft tortillas to make shrimp tacos.
- Top with slaw and avocado for a tasty crunch.
With Rice or Quinoa
- Serve over fluffy rice or quinoa for a hearty meal.
- Add steamed veggies on the side for balance.
How to Perfect Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
To achieve the best Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, follow these expert tips. They will help you create crispy, spicy, and sweet shrimp every time.
- Choose the right shrimp: Use large, fresh shrimp for better texture and taste.
- Marinate the shrimp: Let them sit in buttermilk for at least 10 minutes to tenderize before frying.
- Maintain oil temperature: Keep the frying oil between 350°F – 375°F to ensure even cooking without oily residue.
- Coat evenly: Ensure each shrimp is fully coated in flour, buttermilk, and panko breadcrumbs for that perfect crunch.
- Adjust heat level: Customize your hot sauce amount based on your spice preference; you can add more or less!
- Drizzle at the end: Pour hot honey just before serving to keep the coating crispy.
Best Side Dishes for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Pairing side dishes with Hot Honey Fried Shrimp enhances the meal experience. Here are some fantastic options that complement the flavors beautifully.
- Coleslaw – A crunchy cabbage slaw adds freshness and balances the heat from the shrimp.
- Corn on the Cob – Grilled or boiled corn brings sweetness that pairs well with spicy flavors.
- Garlic Bread – Toasted garlic bread offers a savory bite that complements fried shrimp perfectly.
- Macaroni Salad – Creamy pasta salad provides comfort and contrast to the crispy texture of shrimp.
- Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy sweet potato fries add sweetness and color to your plate.
- Pickles – Tangy pickles offer a great contrast to the sweetness of hot honey.
- Fried Rice – A flavorful side of fried rice can soak up any extra sauce while adding heartiness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, it’s easy to overlook some key details that can affect the outcome. Here are common mistakes to avoid for perfect results.
- Ignoring the Shrimp Size: Using shrimp that are too small may result in overcooking. Always choose large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture.
- Skipping the Buttermilk Soak: Not marinating shrimp in buttermilk can lead to a lack of flavor. Allow your shrimp to soak for at least 10-15 minutes before coating.
- Not Preheating the Oil: Cooking in oil that isn’t hot enough will make your shrimp greasy. Ensure your oil reaches 350°F before frying.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Placing too many shrimp in the pan can lower the oil temperature and cause uneven cooking. Fry in batches for optimal crispiness.
- Neglecting Spice Adjustments: Not adjusting the hot sauce level can make your dish either too spicy or not spicy enough. Taste and modify according to your preference.
- Forgetting to Drizzle Hot Honey: Skipping this final step removes the signature sweet and spicy kick. Always drizzle hot honey generously just before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Hot Honey Fried Shrimp in an airtight container.
- It will keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
- You can freeze fried shrimp for up to 2 months.
- Make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place shrimp on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until crispy.
- Microwave: Use this method only if you’re short on time. Microwave on high for about 1-2 minutes, but it may result in a softer texture.
- Stovetop: Heat a little oil in a pan and fry the shrimp briefly until heated through, ensuring they regain their crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, here are some common questions and answers.
What type of shrimp is best for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
Large or jumbo shrimp work best because they hold up well during frying and provide a satisfying bite.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp; just ensure they are fully thawed and dried before coating them.
How spicy is Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
The spice level depends on how much hot sauce you use. You can adjust it to suit your taste by adding less or more.
Can I customize the glaze on my Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different hot sauces or add spices like cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Final Thoughts
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Perfect as an appetizer or a main dish, it offers a delightful combination of flavors that everyone loves. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite spices or dipping sauces! Give this recipe a try, and enjoy its irresistible taste!
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a mouthwatering dish that perfectly blends crispy fried shrimp with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. This recipe is ideal for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to elegant dinner parties. The crunchy panko coating adds texture, while the hot honey glaze elevates the flavor profile, making every bite truly irresistible. Quick to prepare in just 30 minutes, this dish can be served as an appetizer or a main course, and it’s easily customizable to suit your spice preferences. Enjoy these delicious bites that are sure to impress your guests and keep them coming back for more!
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
- ½ cup honey
- 2–3 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Season shrimp with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl.
- Set up a breading station with flour, buttermilk, and panko breadcrumbs in separate shallow dishes.
- Coat each shrimp by dipping in flour, then buttermilk, and finally panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter; stir in honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes (if using), and apple cider vinegar until heated through.
- Drizzle the hot honey glaze over the fried shrimp just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 shrimp (approximately 100g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
