If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and crispy, look no further than this Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe. Each bite delivers shrimp fried to golden perfection, coated with a crunchy crust, and luxuriously drizzled with a warm, sticky hot honey glaze that wakes up your taste buds. This recipe is a guaranteed way to impress friends and family, transforming simple shrimp into a sensational treat that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential to create the signature flavor and texture of the Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe. Each component plays a critical role, from the seasoning that highlights the shrimp’s natural sweetness to the crispy panko coating that ensures that satisfying crunch.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the dish, fresh or thawed shrimp provide a tender, juicy bite.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds savory depth and subtle warmth to the shrimp seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Delivers a smoky, slightly sweet flavor profile complementing the heat.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for brightening and balancing all the flavors.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: Creates a base layer that helps the coating stick perfectly.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Tenderizes the shrimp and enhances crispiness when fried.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: The secret to achieving an irresistible crunch and golden crust.
- Vegetable oil, for frying: A neutral oil that fries the shrimp to crispy, golden perfection.
- â…“ cup honey: Provides the essential sweetness that contrasts with the heat.
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste): Brings the bold spicy kick that defines the hot honey glaze.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and smooth, velvety texture to the sauce.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Gives an extra layer of heat and vibrancy.
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar: Adds brightness and balances the sweetness in the glaze.
How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Start by patting your shrimp dry—this step is crucial for that perfect crisp. Then, toss them with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This simple seasoning rounds out the shrimp’s flavor, creating a savory foundation that pairs beautifully with the sweet glaze.
Step 2: Prepare the Dredging Stations
Set up three separate bowls: one with flour, one with buttermilk, and one with panko breadcrumbs. This classic dredging system ensures each shrimp is evenly coated for maximum texture and taste. The buttermilk tenderizes and helps the coating to stick, while the panko creates that signature crunch you’re aiming for.
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
One by one, dredge each shrimp first in the flour, then dip into the buttermilk, and finally coat with the panko breadcrumbs. Lay them out on a tray to keep their coating intact. This triple-layered process locks in moisture and creates a crispy, golden crust when fried.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the shrimp in batches, usually 2 to 3 minutes each, until they’re gorgeously golden and crisp. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil, keeping them light and crunchy.
Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, red pepper flakes (if using), and apple cider vinegar. Simmer over medium heat, stirring gently until everything melts and melds into a smooth, shiny glaze. This luscious sauce is the heart of the Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe, offering that irresistible combination of sweet heat and richness.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Drizzle the hot honey glaze generously over your hot fried shrimp right before serving or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. Either way, each bite bursts with sweet, spicy, and crunchy joy.
How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can really elevate this dish. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and freshness. A squeeze of lime juice over the top adds a bright, tangy twist that cuts through the richness, while thinly sliced green onions bring a mild oniony crunch.
Side Dishes
The Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides that complement its bold flavors. Try serving it alongside creamy coleslaw, garlic butter rice, or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. Even some roasted vegetables or corn on the cob will make it feel like a full, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress at your next gathering? Serve these shrimp on a platter with lemon wedges and small bowls of extra hot honey glaze for dipping. You can also load them into soft slider buns with a crunchy slaw for addictive shrimp sliders. For a fun appetizer option, skewer the shrimp and drizzle the glaze over the top just before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be tough), place the fried shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. For best texture, keep the hot honey sauce separately and drizzle just before serving again.
Freezing
While shrimp are best fresh, you can freeze the coated but uncooked shrimp on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to one month. For best results, fry them directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to your cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, avoid the microwave if you want to keep the crispiness. Instead, heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and warm the shrimp on a baking sheet for about 8–10 minutes until hot and crunchy again. Add the hot honey glaze just before serving to keep the flavors fresh and vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning and dredging for frying. Dry shrimp ensure a crisp coating and prevent oil splatter.
How spicy is the Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe?
The heat level can be adjusted easily by modifying the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes in the glaze. Start mild and increase to taste, especially if cooking for kids or less spice-tolerant guests.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, make a quick substitute by stirring one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar into one cup of milk, then let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This helps tenderize the shrimp and aids the coating.
Is there a gluten-free way to make this recipe?
Yes! Swap out the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. The cooking process remains the same, and the shrimp will still be delectably crispy.
Can I make the hot honey glaze ahead of time?
You can prepare the glaze a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Warm it gently before drizzling over the fried shrimp to restore its perfect drizzlable consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe is a total showstopper that brings together crunchy fried shrimp and a gorgeously sticky, spicy-sweet glaze. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve at any party. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will be on repeat in your kitchen because every bite is just that good. So go ahead, dive in, and enjoy the magic of hot honey and fried shrimp working together like old friends at your dinner table!
Print
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hot Honey Fried Shrimp recipe features crispy, golden shrimp coated in a flavorful mix of garlic, smoked paprika, and panko breadcrumbs. Fried to perfection and drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze, this dish offers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, making it a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Hot Honey Glaze
- â…“ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and evenly season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper for a flavorful base.
- Prepare Dredging Stations: Arrange three separate bowls—one with all-purpose flour, one with buttermilk, and one with panko breadcrumbs—to create a wet and dry coating station for the shrimp.
- Coat the Shrimp: Dredge each shrimp first in the flour, then dip into the buttermilk, and finally coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs. Place coated shrimp on a tray to set.
- Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the oil is hot enough for frying to achieve a crispy texture.
- Fry the Shrimp: Fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature. Drain shrimp on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare Hot Honey Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, red pepper flakes (if using), and apple cider vinegar. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until smooth and the butter is melted, then remove from heat.
- Serve: Drizzle the hot honey glaze over the crispy fried shrimp or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce for added flavor and heat. Enjoy immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness in the glaze.
- Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor, and ensure they are thoroughly dried before seasoning.
- Maintain the oil temperature during frying to avoid greasy shrimp.
- Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter, crispier coating than regular breadcrumbs.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the shrimp at their crispiest.
