Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a delightful dish that brings the perfect balance of crispy, sweet, and spicy flavors. This crowd-pleaser is ideal for various occasions, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking for a delicious meal at home. The golden-fried shrimp are coated with a flavorful batter and drizzled with a unique hot honey glaze that adds an irresistible kick. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, this dish will surely impress your guests and keep them coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Delight: The panko breadcrumbs create an extra crunch, making each bite satisfying.
- Sweet and Spicy: The hot honey glaze offers a perfect blend of sweetness and heat to tantalize your taste buds.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve as an appetizer, main dish, or part of a party platter to suit any occasion.
- Quick Preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Easily Customizable: Adjust the level of heat by varying the hot sauce and red pepper flakes to suit your palate.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, gather your kitchen tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Shallow dish
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Slotted spoon or tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Essential for mixing the shrimp with seasonings and the batter without spilling.
- Frying pan or deep fryer: A good frying surface ensures even cooking and helps achieve that crispy texture.
- Slotted spoon or tongs: These tools make it easy to safely remove the fried shrimp from the hot oil without splattering.
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 Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
For Frying & 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 the shrimp. In a large mixing bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss in the shrimp until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mix.
Step 2: Set Up Breading Station
Prepare three shallow dishes:
1. Place the flour in one dish.
2. Pour buttermilk into another.
3. Put panko breadcrumbs in the last dish.
Step 3: Bread the Shrimp
Take each seasoned shrimp:
Dredge it in flour, shaking off excess.
Dip it into buttermilk until fully coated.
Finally, roll it in panko breadcrumbs until covered evenly.
Step 4: Heat Oil for Frying
In a frying pan or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Ensure there is enough oil to submerge half of the shrimp when frying.
Step 5: Fry the Shrimp
Carefully place breaded shrimp into the hot oil:
1. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding.
2. Cook each side for about 2–3 minutes until golden brown.
3. Use slotted spoon or tongs to remove fried shrimp; place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Make Hot Honey Glaze
In a small saucepan over low heat:
1. Combine honey, hot sauce, butter, red pepper flakes (if using), and apple cider vinegar.
2. Stir until butter melts and mixture heats through.
Step 7: Drizzle and Serve
Drizzle the hot honey glaze over fried shrimp just before serving. Enjoy these delicious Hot Honey Fried Shrimp while they’re still warm!
How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is not only delicious on its own but also pairs wonderfully with various dishes and beverages. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.
As an Appetizer
- Serve the shrimp in a small basket lined with parchment paper for a rustic look. Pair it with dipping sauces like ranch or spicy mayo for added flavor.
On a Salad
- Toss hot honey fried shrimp onto a fresh green salad. The contrast of crispy shrimp with crunchy vegetables makes for a satisfying meal.
With Tacos
- Use the shrimp as a filling for tacos. Top with slaw and drizzle extra hot honey for a sweet and spicy kick.
Over Rice or Quinoa
- Place the shrimp over a bed of rice or quinoa. Drizzle with the hot honey glaze to enhance each bite, creating a filling dish.
In a Wrap
- Wrap the fried shrimp in a tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado. This makes for an easy, handheld meal that’s packed with flavor.
Accompanied by Beer or Wine
- Pair your dish with a cold beer or crisp white wine. The refreshing drinks balance out the heat from the shrimp beautifully.
How to Perfect Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
To ensure your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp turns out perfectly every time, follow these essential tips.
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Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will provide the best flavor and texture. Look for large, firm shrimp that are pink and translucent.
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Make Your Batter Right: A light batter made from flour, buttermilk, and seasonings creates that perfect crunch. Ensure it’s well mixed without lumps.
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Heat Your Oil Properly: The oil should be around 350°F (175°C) before frying. This ensures even cooking and prevents greasy shrimp.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and achieve even cooking. Overcrowding can lead to soggy shrimp.
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Drizzle Generously: After frying, don’t skimp on the hot honey glaze. It adds that signature sweet-spicy flavor that makes this dish special.
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Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp right after frying while they’re still warm and crispy.
Best Side Dishes for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its bold flavors. Here are some excellent options:
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Coleslaw: This crunchy side adds freshness and balances the heat of the shrimp perfectly.
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Cornbread: The sweet flavor of cornbread pairs nicely with spicy dishes, making it an ideal companion.
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French Fries: Crispy fries are always a hit! Serve them alongside the shrimp for a classic comfort food experience.
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Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread provides a great textural contrast while soaking up any extra hot honey glaze.
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Grilled Vegetables: Lightly charred veggies add color and nutrition to your plate while enhancing the flavors of the dish.
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Rice Pilaf: A herbed rice pilaf offers a mild base that complements the boldness of Hot Honey Fried Shrimp beautifully.
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Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad can cool down any spice while adding richness to your meal.
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Pickles: Tangy pickles can cut through the sweetness of the honey glaze, providing an interesting flavor dynamic.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, it’s easy to overlook a few details that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the seasoning: Always season your shrimp before coating them. This boosts flavor and prevents blandness in your fried shrimp.
- Not using panko breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs won’t give you the same crunch. Opt for panko for that crispy texture that everyone loves.
- Overcrowding the frying pan: Frying too many shrimp at once lowers the oil temperature. Fry in batches to ensure each piece gets crispy.
- Ignoring oil temperature: If the oil is too hot, the exterior will burn before cooking through. Use a thermometer to maintain a steady frying temperature around 350°F.
- Rushing the glaze: Letting the glaze simmer helps develop flavors. Don’t skip this step; it enhances the overall taste of your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Hot Honey Fried Shrimp in an airtight container.
- They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Freezing Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
- For longer storage, freeze shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months.
Reheating Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
- Oven: Preheat to 375°F and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
- Microwave: Heat on high for about 1 minute, but this may result in sogginess.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, adding a little oil if needed to regain crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Hot Honey Fried Shrimp so special?
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp combines crispy fried shrimp with a sweet and spicy honey glaze, creating an irresistible flavor profile that appeals to many.
Can I adjust the heat level?
Yes! You can modify the amount of hot sauce in the glaze according to your heat preference. Start with less and add more as needed.
What should I serve with Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
These shrimp pair well with coleslaw, rice, or even on tacos. Feel free to get creative with your sides!
How can I customize this recipe?
You can add different spices or herbs to the batter or even mix in various hot sauces into the glaze for unique flavors.
Final Thoughts
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or main dish, its unique flavor blend is sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite spices or sauces!
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a mouthwatering dish that perfectly balances crispy textures with sweet and spicy flavors. This delectable recipe features golden-fried shrimp coated in a flavorful batter and drizzled with a unique hot honey glaze, creating an irresistible combination that will leave everyone wanting more. Whether served as an appetizer for parties or as a main dish for family dinners, these shrimp are quick to prepare and easily customizable to suit your taste. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can impress your guests or enjoy a delightful meal at home.
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 (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Season the shrimp with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Set up a breading station with flour, buttermilk, and panko breadcrumbs in separate shallow dishes.
- Dredge each shrimp in flour, dip in buttermilk, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- In a saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, red pepper flakes (if using), and apple cider vinegar to create the glaze.
- Drizzle the hot honey glaze over fried shrimp before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 4 fried shrimp (150g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
