Hot Honey Fried Shrimp: The Ultimate Sweet & Spicy Recipe

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp: Prepare to meet your new favorite appetizer (or even main course!). Imagine succulent, crispy fried shrimp, glistening with a sweet and spicy glaze that will tantalize your taste buds. This isn’t just fried shrimp; it’s an experience, a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.

While the concept of fried shrimp has been around for centuries, enjoyed in various forms across different cultures, the addition of hot honey is a relatively modern twist. Hot honey itself has gained immense popularity in recent years, finding its way onto everything from pizza to chicken. Its unique combination of sweetness and heat adds a delightful complexity that elevates even the simplest dishes.

What makes hot honey fried shrimp so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The crispy, golden-brown shrimp provides a satisfying crunch, while the hot honey glaze offers a sticky, sweet, and spicy kick. People love this dish because it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties, game nights, or a quick and delicious weeknight meal. Get ready to experience the magic of sweet heat with this incredible recipe!

Ingredients:

• For the Shrimp:
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail on or off, your preference!)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (I like Frank’s RedHot, but use your favorite!)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Dredge:
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference!)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Hot Honey:
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (again, Frank’s or your favorite!)
• 1 tablespoon chili flakes (or more, if you’re brave!)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (adds a nice tang!)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but highly recommended!)
• For Frying:
• Vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying (about 3-4 cups)

Preparing the Shrimp:

Okay, let’s get started! First, we need to prep our shrimp. This is super easy, I promise!

1. Buttermilk Bath: In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. This is going to tenderize the shrimp and give it a fantastic flavor.
2. Shrimp Soak: Add the shrimp to the buttermilk mixture, making sure they’re all nicely coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even up to 2 hours. The longer they soak, the more flavorful and tender they’ll be! I usually aim for an hour if I have the time.

Making the Dredge:

While the shrimp are marinating, let’s get our dredge ready. This is where all the delicious flavor and crispy texture comes from!

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl (a wide, shallow bowl works best), whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. The cornstarch helps create a lighter, crispier coating, so don’t skip it!
2. Taste and Adjust: Give the dredge a little taste (before it touches the shrimp, of course!). Adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you want it spicier, add more cayenne pepper. If you prefer a more savory flavor, add a bit more garlic or onion powder. This is your chance to customize it!

Preparing the Hot Honey:

Now for the star of the show: the hot honey! This is what takes these fried shrimp from good to AMAZING.

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, chili flakes, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika (if using).
2. Simmer Gently: Place the saucepan over low heat and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the honey to warm up and the flavors to meld together. Be careful not to boil it!
3. Taste and Adjust (Again!): Give the hot honey a taste and adjust the ingredients to your liking. If you want it sweeter, add a little more honey. If you want it spicier, add more chili flakes or hot sauce. The apple cider vinegar adds a nice tang, so don’t be afraid to add a splash more if you like.
4. Keep Warm: Once the hot honey is ready, remove it from the heat and keep it warm until the shrimp are fried. You can keep it in the saucepan on very low heat, or transfer it to a heatproof bowl and place it over a pot of simmering water.

Frying the Shrimp:

Alright, it’s frying time! This is where things get a little messy, but it’s totally worth it.

1. Heat the Oil: Pour the vegetable oil or canola oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. You want the oil to be at least 2-3 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350-375°F (175-190°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of bread into it. If the bread turns golden brown in about 30-60 seconds, the oil is ready.
2. Dredge the Shrimp: Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk mixture, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, making sure it’s completely coated. Press the flour mixture onto the shrimp to help it adhere.
3. Fry in Batches: Carefully add the shrimp to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy shrimp. I usually fry about 5-6 shrimp at a time, depending on the size of my pot.
4. Cook Until Golden Brown: Fry the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
5. Remove and Drain: Use a slotted spoon or spider to remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil. This will help them stay crispy!
6. Repeat: Repeat the dredging and frying process with the remaining shrimp.

Assembling and Serving:

The final step! This is the best part – eating!

1. Toss with Hot Honey: While the shrimp are still hot, transfer them to a large bowl and drizzle generously with the hot honey. Toss to coat evenly. Make sure every single shrimp is glistening with that sweet and spicy goodness!
2. Serve Immediately: Serve the hot honey fried shrimp immediately. They’re best when they’re hot and crispy!
3. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice also adds a nice touch.
4. Serving Suggestions: These hot honey fried shrimp are delicious on their own as an appetizer or snack. You can also serve them over rice, grits, or mashed potatoes for a more substantial meal. They’re also great in tacos or on top of a salad. The possibilities are endless!

Tips for Extra Crispy Shrimp:

• Double Dredge: For an extra crispy coating, you can double dredge the shrimp. After the first dredge, dip the shrimp back into the buttermilk mixture, then dredge them again in the flour mixture.
• Cold Buttermilk: Make sure your buttermilk is cold. This will help the flour adhere better to the shrimp.
• Don’t Overcrowd: As mentioned before, don’t overcrowd the pot when frying. This is crucial for achieving crispy shrimp.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on the oil temperature and adjust the heat as needed to maintain a consistent temperature of 350-375°F (175-190°C).

Variations:

• Spicier Hot Honey: If you like things really spicy, add more cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the hot honey. You can also use a spicier hot sauce.
• Sweet and Savory: For a more complex flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the hot honey.
• Different Herbs and Spices: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices in the dredge. Cajun seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, or Italian seasoning would all be delicious.
• Air Fryer Option: If you prefer to air fry the shrimp, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Dredge the shrimp as directed, then spray them with cooking spray. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until golden brown and cooked through. Toss with hot honey after air frying.

Enjoy!

I hope you love this recipe as much as I do! These hot honey fried shrimp are

Conclusion:

This Hot Honey Fried Shrimp recipe isn’t just another fried shrimp dish; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! The crispy, golden-brown shrimp, perfectly seasoned and then drizzled with that sweet and spicy hot honey, is an experience you won’t soon forget. It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s incredibly easy to make, uses readily available ingredients, and delivers restaurant-quality results in the comfort of your own kitchen. Forget ordering takeout; you can whip up a batch of these delectable shrimp in under 30 minutes! The combination of the savory shrimp, the crispy coating, and the sweet heat of the hot honey is simply irresistible. It’s a dish that appeals to a wide range of palates, from those who enjoy a little kick to those who prefer a touch of sweetness.

But the best part? The versatility! This Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is fantastic on its own as an appetizer, but it also shines as part of a larger meal. Imagine serving it over a bed of creamy grits for a Southern-inspired feast. Or, try it tucked into soft tacos with a vibrant slaw and a squeeze of lime for a fun and flavorful weeknight dinner. For a lighter option, toss it into a fresh salad with avocado, mango, and a citrus vinaigrette. The possibilities are truly endless!

Looking for variations? You can easily adjust the level of heat in the hot honey to suit your preferences. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount of chili flakes or hot sauce. For those who like it extra hot, feel free to add more! You can also experiment with different types of honey, such as wildflower or buckwheat, to add unique flavor nuances. Another fun twist is to add a touch of lemon zest to the breading for a bright and zesty flavor. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try using coconut flakes in the breading for a tropical twist.

Serving suggestions abound! Serve these shrimp with a side of crispy fries and a creamy dipping sauce, like ranch or blue cheese. They’re also delicious with a side of coleslaw or potato salad for a classic summer meal. For a more elegant presentation, arrange them on a platter with lemon wedges and fresh herbs. And don’t forget the drinks! A cold beer or a refreshing cocktail pairs perfectly with the sweet and spicy flavors of the shrimp.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I know you’re going to love it as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed winner that will impress your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create some culinary magic.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll be happy to help. Enjoy your delicious, homemade Hot Honey Fried Shrimp!