Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is the perfect combination of crispy, sweet, and spicy flavors, making it an irresistible crowd-pleaser. These golden-fried shrimp are coated in a flavorful batter, fried to crunchy perfection, and then drizzled with a mouthwatering hot honey glaze. Whether served as an appetizer, a main dish, or part of a party platter, this dish offers a delicious kick that will leave everyone asking for seconds. It’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and delivers bold flavors with every bite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish—perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavorful Experience: The combination of spices and hot honey creates a unique taste that everyone will adore.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these shrimp as an appetizer, main course, or party snack.
Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the hot sauce and red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Perfect for gatherings, this recipe ensures all your guests will be satisfied.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools makes cooking Hot Honey Fried Shrimp easier and more enjoyable. Below are the essential items you will need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Deep frying pan or Dutch oven
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Tongs or slotted spoon
Cooking thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

Deep frying pan or Dutch oven: Ensures even cooking and proper oil depth for crispy shrimp.
Mixing bowls: Ideal for combining ingredients without mess.
Whisk: Helps create a smooth batter by thoroughly mixing wet and dry ingredients.
Tongs or slotted spoon: Perfect for flipping shrimp while frying without breaking them.

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
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil for frying

For the Hot Honey Glaze

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

Begin by rinsing the peeled and deveined shrimp under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they fry well without excess moisture.

Step 2: Season the Shrimp

In a mixing bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss the shrimp in this seasoning mixture until they’re well coated.

Step 3: Set Up Breading Stations

Prepare three bowls:
1. Pour buttermilk into one bowl.
2. Place all-purpose flour in another bowl.
3. Add panko breadcrumbs to the third bowl.

Step 4: Bread the Shrimp

Dip each seasoned shrimp into the flour first, shaking off any excess. Then immerse it in buttermilk before coating it with panko breadcrumbs.

Step 5: Fry the Shrimp

Heat vegetable oil in your deep frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the breaded shrimp in batches. Fry each batch for about 2–4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Make the Hot Honey Glaze

While frying, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, red pepper flakes (if using), and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until melted and well blended.

Step 7: Coat the Fried Shrimp

Once cooked, transfer shrimp onto paper towels to absorb excess oil. Drizzle with hot honey glaze before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Hot Honey Fried Shrimp!

How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp makes for an exciting addition to any meal. Its unique flavor profile allows it to pair well with various sides and accompaniments, enhancing the overall dining experience.

As an Appetizer

Serve these shrimp on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties.
Pair with a creamy dipping sauce or ranch dressing for extra flavor.

In Tacos

Place the fried shrimp in soft tortillas and top with slaw and avocado for a fresh twist.
Drizzle additional hot honey over the tacos for an extra kick.

Over Rice

Serve the shrimp atop a bed of fluffy jasmine or basmati rice, allowing the sticky glaze to soak into the grains.
Add steamed vegetables on the side for a balanced meal.

As Part of a Salad

Toss hot honey fried shrimp into a mixed greens salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers.
Use a light vinaigrette to complement the sweetness of the dish.

With Dipping Sauces

Offer a variety of dipping sauces like chipotle mayo, sweet chili sauce, or aioli to enhance flavor choices.
Guests will enjoy customizing their bites with different dips.

How to Perfect Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Achieving the perfect Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is all about technique and timing. Here are some tips to ensure your shrimp turn out crispy and flavorful every time.

Use fresh shrimp – Fresh shrimp make a significant difference in taste and texture compared to frozen options.
Maintain oil temperature – Keep your frying oil at 350°F (175°C) for optimal crispiness. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
Double-dip for crunch – For an extra crunchy coating, dip the shrimp in buttermilk, then flour, then back in buttermilk, and finally panko breadcrumbs.
Don’t overcrowd the pan – Fry in small batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature, which can result in soggy shrimp.
Drizzle hot honey immediately – Pour the hot honey glaze over the shrimp right after frying while they are still hot for better adhesion.
Experiment with spices – Adjust spices based on your heat preference; add more paprika or red pepper flakes if you like it spicier.

Best Side Dishes for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Complementing your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp with delicious side dishes enhances your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some great options that pair well.

Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and balances out the sweetness of the shrimp; serve it chilled.
Corn on the Cob – Grilled or boiled corn provides sweetness; brush with butter and sprinkle with lime juice for added flavor.
Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy sweet potato fries offer a delightful contrast; season them lightly with salt and pepper.
Garlic Bread – Toasted garlic bread provides a savory element that complements the sweet heat of the shrimp perfectly.
Cucumber Salad – A refreshing cucumber salad made with vinegar dressing cuts through richness; it’s light yet satisfying.
Fried Rice – Savory fried rice, packed with vegetables, serves as a hearty base that pairs well with succulent shrimp.
Potato Wedges – Seasoned potato wedges provide comfort food vibes; bake them until golden brown for added crunch.
Macaroni Salad – Creamy macaroni salad offers another textural contrast; it’s comforting and perfect as a side dish option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you get it right.

Skipping the Marination: Not marinating the shrimp beforehand can lead to bland flavors. Allow the shrimp to sit in the buttermilk mixture for at least 10 minutes for better taste.
Overcrowding the Pan: Frying too many shrimp at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy bites. Fry in batches to keep everything crispy.
Ignoring the Oil Temperature: Using oil that isn’t hot enough will result in greasy shrimp. Use a thermometer or test with a small piece of batter to ensure proper frying temperature (around 350°F).
Not Adjusting Spiciness: If you’re not careful with the hot sauce, you might make it too spicy or not spicy enough. Start with a smaller amount and adjust according to your taste.
Neglecting Side Dishes: Serving Hot Honey Fried Shrimp alone might miss out on complementary flavors. Consider adding sides like coleslaw or rice for balance.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Hot Honey Fried Shrimp in an airtight container.
It can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Place cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag; they will last for up to 2 months.

Reheating Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Use short intervals of 30 seconds at medium power; be cautious as this can make them chewy.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil before reheating shrimp for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, you’re not alone. Here are some frequently asked questions.

Can I use frozen shrimp for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating and frying.

What type of hot sauce should I use?

You can use any brand of hot sauce that you enjoy. Adjust based on your preferred spice level when making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the coating.

How do I customize the flavors?

Feel free to experiment with different spices in your batter or add herbs like parsley before frying for added freshness.

Final Thoughts

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is not just delicious; it’s also versatile and perfect for various occasions. You can easily customize it by adjusting the spice levels or pairing it with different sauces. Try this recipe today, and impress your family and friends with every crispy bite!

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Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

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Author: Nora
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 4

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Description

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a delightful fusion of crispy texture and sweet-spicy flavor that will tantalize your taste buds. This dish features golden-brown shrimp coated in a crunchy panko breadcrumb crust and drizzled with a luscious hot honey glaze, making it perfect for any occasion—be it a casual weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer at gatherings. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability; you can easily adjust the heat level to suit your preference while keeping the essence of its bold flavors intact. Serve these irresistible shrimp as a standalone dish, in tacos, over rice, or toss them into fresh salads for a burst of flavor that guarantees satisfaction and requests for seconds.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup honey
2–3 tablespoons hot sauce

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Instructions

Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry.
Season shrimp with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Set up three bowls: one with buttermilk, one with flour, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
Coat each shrimp in flour, dip in buttermilk, then coat in panko.
Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep frying pan.
Fry shrimp in batches for 2–4 minutes until golden brown.
For the hot honey glaze, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, red pepper flakes (if using), and apple cider vinegar in a saucepan over low heat.
Drizzle hot honey over fried shrimp before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Southern