Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
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.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Texture: The panko breadcrumbs create a delightful crunch that enhances each bite.
- Sweet and Spicy Flavor: The hot honey glaze adds a unique sweet heat that elevates the shrimp.
- Easy to Prepare: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this dish in no time.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as an appetizer or main dish for any gathering or casual night in.
- Customizable Heat Levels: Adjust the hot sauce and red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
Tools and Preparation
To make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp successfully, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Cooking thermometer (optional)
- Slotted spoon or tongs
Importance of Each Tool
- Frying pan or deep fryer: Ensures even cooking and crispiness for the shrimp.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for preparing the batter and mixing ingredients efficiently.
- Whisk: Helps combine wet ingredients smoothly for better coating on the shrimp.
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
For Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
For Frying and Glaze
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 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 shrimp under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. In a bowl, mix together garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss the shrimp in this spice mixture until evenly coated.
Step 2: Set Up Breading Station
Prepare three shallow dishes:
1. Place flour in the first dish.
2. Pour buttermilk into the second dish.
3. Add panko breadcrumbs to the third dish.
Step 3: Bread the Shrimp
Coat each shrimp in flour first, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into buttermilk before finally rolling it in panko breadcrumbs until well-coated.
Step 4: Heat Oil for Frying
In a frying pan or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C).
Step 5: Fry the Shrimp
Carefully add breaded shrimp to the hot oil in batches. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Step 6: Prepare Hot Honey Glaze
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, red pepper flakes (if using), and apple cider vinegar. Stir until melted and combined well.
Step 7: Serve
Drizzle the hot honey glaze over fried shrimp just before serving. Enjoy your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp warm!
How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp can be enjoyed in many delightful ways. This dish is versatile and pairs well with various sides and garnishes, making it suitable for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
As an Appetizer
- Serve with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties.
- Pair with a dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese for added flavor.
In Tacos
- Use warm corn tortillas to wrap the shrimp along with slaw for a crunchy texture.
- Add avocado slices and a drizzle of hot honey on top for extra richness.
Over Rice or Quinoa
- Create a hearty meal by serving the shrimp over jasmine rice or quinoa.
- Drizzle additional hot honey glaze to enhance the flavors.
On Salad
- Toss crispy shrimp on a bed of greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
- Use a light vinaigrette to complement the sweetness of the shrimp.
As Part of a Platter
- Include Hot Honey Fried Shrimp as part of a mixed appetizer platter.
- Add other items like fried pickles, jalapeño poppers, or mozzarella sticks for variety.
How to Perfect Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
To make the best Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, follow these expert tips for crispy and flavorful results.
- Use large shrimp: Larger shrimp hold up better during frying and provide a satisfying bite.
- Chill the batter: Allowing the batter to chill helps it stick better to the shrimp while frying.
- Fry in batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan; frying in smaller batches ensures even cooking and crispiness.
- Maintain oil temperature: Keep oil at around 350°F (175°C) for perfectly fried shrimp without excess grease.
- Drain properly: After frying, place shrimp on paper towels to absorb any excess oil before serving.
- Adjust hot sauce level: Customize the spiciness of your hot honey glaze by adding more or less hot sauce according to your taste.
Best Side Dishes for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Pairing side dishes with Hot Honey Fried Shrimp can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options that complement this flavorful dish.
- Coleslaw: A classic crunchy side that adds freshness and balances out the heat from the shrimp.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements the spicy honey glaze perfectly, adding a comforting touch.
- Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted veggies provide nutrition and enhance the overall meal’s visual appeal.
- Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread for dipping into any leftover hot honey sauce; it’s irresistible!
- French Fries: Crispy fries are always a hit; consider sweet potato fries for a unique twist.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with vinegar dressing cools down the spice and offers crunch.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs makes an excellent base that absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Macaroni Salad: Creamy macaroni salad provides comfort and balances out the dish’s heat nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, avoiding common mistakes can elevate your dish from good to fantastic. Here are some key pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using the wrong shrimp size: Always opt for large shrimp. Smaller shrimp may overcook or lack texture.
- Skipping the buttermilk soak: This step is crucial for flavor and tenderness. Don’t rush; let the shrimp marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Not heating the oil properly: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the shrimp will absorb too much oil. Aim for a temperature of 350°F (175°C) before frying.
- Overcrowding the frying pan: Fry in small batches. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, leading to soggy shrimp.
- Neglecting seasoning: Season your batter well to enhance flavor. Don’t skip garlic powder or paprika!
- Rushing the honey glaze: Allow it to simmer until thickened. A rushed glaze can result in a runny texture that doesn’t stick well.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Hot Honey Fried Shrimp in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
- Place cooled fried shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Reheating Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals. This may make them less crispy.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet with a bit of oil over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp.
How do I make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp spicier?
You can add more hot sauce or incorporate red pepper flakes into the batter for an extra kick.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well! Just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
What can I serve with Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
These shrimp pair wonderfully with coleslaw, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How do I customize my hot honey glaze?
Experiment with different types of hot sauce or add ingredients like lime juice or garlic for added depth of flavor.
Final Thoughts
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is not just a dish; it’s an experience filled with crispy, sweet, and spicy flavors that everyone will love. It’s versatile enough to be served as an appetizer or main dish and can be customized with various spices or dipping sauces. Try it out today!
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining crispy textures with a tantalizing sweet and spicy glaze. These golden-brown shrimp are coated in a crunchy panko batter and finished with a luscious hot honey drizzle that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether served as an appetizer at your next party or as the star of a casual dinner, this dish is not only quick to prepare but also easy to customize based on your heat preference.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup honey
- 2–3 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry. Season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Set up a breading station with flour, buttermilk, and panko breadcrumbs in separate shallow dishes.
- Coat each shrimp in flour, dip in buttermilk, then roll in panko breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat (about 350°F).
- Fry the shrimp in batches until golden brown and crispy (2-3 minutes per side). Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, red pepper flakes (if desired), and apple cider vinegar until melted.
- Drizzle the hot honey glaze over the fried shrimp before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 shrimp (120g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
