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
Scale
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
