Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe
If you love the irresistible combination of crispy seafood with a spicy-sweet kick, then you’re in for a real treat with this Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe. Picture golden, crunchy shrimp coated in a perfectly seasoned batter, then drizzled with a luscious hot honey sauce that beautifully balances heat and sweetness. It’s a dish that hits all the right notes—crispy, juicy, smoky, and a little fiery—making it a quick favorite for weeknights or special gatherings. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become one of those go-to recipes you can’t wait to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple yet essential ingredients that each bring something magical to the plate. From the buttermilk that tenderizes the shrimp to the blend of spices that builds depth and warmth, every component works in harmony to create that perfect southern-inspired crunch and heat.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed shrimp provide the juicy, succulent seafood foundation for the dish.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Helps tenderize the shrimp while adding a subtle tang that complements the spices.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crispy coating that seals in the shrimp’s moisture.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: Adds extra crunch and lightness to the batter, making it impossibly crisp.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the coating with savory depth and aroma.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Offers a mild smokiness that elevates the flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Brings just the right amount of heat to make the shrimp exciting without overwhelming.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle spiciness and complexity.
- Vegetable oil for frying: A neutral oil with a high smoke point that’s perfect for achieving that crispy golden exterior.
- For the hot honey: 1/2 cup honey, 1–2 tablespoons hot sauce, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); this sweet and spicy glaze ties the whole dish together with a beautiful warm zing.
How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the shrimp
Start by tossing your peeled and deveined shrimp in the buttermilk. This step is crucial because the acidity tenderizes the shrimp slightly and helps the coating stick better later on. Let them soak for 15 to 30 minutes—this is where patience pays off!
Step 2: Prepare the seasoned flour mix
While your shrimp are marinating, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This blend of dry ingredients is your secret weapon for a golden, crispy, and flavorful crust.
Step 3: Heat the oil
Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Using a thermometer here is key to getting perfectly fried shrimp that aren’t greasy or undercooked.
Step 4: Dredge the shrimp
Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk one at a time, letting excess drip off, then gently press them into the flour mixture to get a good coating all around. Don’t be shy about pressing lightly to help the crust stick well.
Step 5: Fry the shrimp
Fry the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 6: Make the hot honey sauce
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey, hot sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re craving extra heat. Stir gently until warmed through and well blended—this sauce is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy to finish your shrimp perfectly.
Step 7: Dress or dip
Drizzle the hot honey over your fried shrimp for an irresistible glaze or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce, letting everyone customize their heat level. Either way, it’s pure magic.
How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped green onions or fresh parsley add a pop of color and a fresh bite that contrasts wonderfully with the rich, crispy shrimp. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten up every bite and balance the sweetness of the hot honey.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with classic Southern sides like creamy coleslaw or fluffy cornbread. For a fun twist, serving the shrimp atop warm waffles with a drizzle of maple syrup amplifies that irresistible sweet-and-savory combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe into a showstopper by serving it as sliders with crunchy slaw and a swipe of spicy mayo, or pile it on a vibrant salad with avocado and pickled red onions for a lighter yet decadent meal. The possibilities are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. While the shrimp won’t remain quite as crispy, reheating properly can bring back some of that delicious crunch.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked fried shrimp, but to maintain the best texture, flash freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for about a month. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
The best way to reheat fried shrimp is in a hot oven or air fryer to recapture that crispy coating—avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crunch. A quick 5 to 7 minutes at 375°F should do the trick.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating to ensure the coating sticks well and fries up crispy.
How spicy is this Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe?
The recipe offers a balanced kick thanks to the cayenne pepper and hot honey glaze. If you prefer it milder, simply reduce the cayenne and omit the red pepper flakes in the honey sauce.
Can I make the hot honey sauce in advance?
Yes! The hot honey sauce keeps well in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to one week. Just warm it gently before serving.
What oil is best for frying shrimp?
Vegetable oil is ideal because it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, which helps you achieve a crispy, golden fry without overpowering the shrimp’s taste.
Is buttermilk necessary for marinating?
While you can skip it, buttermilk really helps tenderize the shrimp and enhances the flavor while making sure the coating sticks better for that perfect crunchy crust.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe is one of those dishes that brings incredible flavor, texture, and a bit of fun heat to your table without any fuss. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a solo treat, it’s guaranteed to satisfy cravings and brighten up any meal. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and enjoy every crispy, spicy, sweet bite—you might just find your new favorite go-to recipe!
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Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a Southern-inspired dish featuring crispy, golden fried shrimp coated in a spicy, sweet hot honey glaze. The shrimp are marinated in buttermilk, dredged in a seasoned flour and cornstarch mixture, then fried to perfection. Finished with a drizzle of homemade hot honey sauce, this dish delivers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, making it ideal for sharing as a flavorful main course.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 inches in pan)
Hot Honey Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1–2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with the buttermilk. Allow them to marinate for 15 to 30 minutes, which helps tenderize the shrimp and allows the coating to stick better.
- Prepare the Coating Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
- Heat the Oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy to ensure the shrimp fry correctly without absorbing excess oil.
- Coat the Shrimp: Remove shrimp from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the flour and cornstarch mixture, pressing lightly to coat well on all sides.
- Fry the Shrimp: Fry the shrimp in batches, careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each batch for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the shrimp are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce: While frying, combine honey, hot sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until the mixture is warm and well blended, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Serve: Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the fried shrimp or serve it on the side for dipping. Enjoy immediately for best crispiness and flavor.
Notes
- Serve with coleslaw, cornbread, or atop waffles for a classic Southern-style combination.
- For a milder version, reduce or omit cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes.
- The hot honey sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Maintain oil temperature while frying to ensure shrimp are crispy and not greasy.
- Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern-American
