Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a must-try dish that combines crispy, sweet, and spicy flavors to create an irresistible treat. Perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations, this dish stands out with its crunchy texture and mouthwatering hot honey glaze. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, Hot Honey Fried Shrimp delivers bold flavors that will have everyone reaching for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Perfection: The combination of panko breadcrumbs and a flavorful batter ensures each shrimp is perfectly crispy.
- Sweet and Spicy Flavor: The hot honey glaze adds a unique kick that balances the sweetness of honey with the heat from the sauce.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve as an appetizer, main dish, or part of a party platter; this dish fits any meal setting.
- Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes total time, you can whip up a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Easy Customization: Adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of hot sauce or adding red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Tools and Preparation
To make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp efficiently, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference. These essential items will speed up your cooking process and ensure great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Deep frying pan or skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Deep frying pan or skillet: Provides enough space for frying shrimp evenly without overcrowding.
- Mixing bowls: Ideal for combining ingredients and marinating shrimp before coating.
- Tongs: Perfect for flipping shrimp during frying while keeping your hands safe from hot oil.
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 the Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
For Frying & 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
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss shrimp in this mixture until well coated.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
- In one bowl, pour the all-purpose flour.
- In another bowl, add buttermilk.
- In a third bowl, place panko breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
- Dip each seasoned shrimp into flour first, shaking off excess.
- Next, dip in buttermilk to coat fully.
- Finally, roll it in panko breadcrumbs until fully covered.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat until hot (about 350°F).
- Carefully add breaded shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry until golden brown (about 2–3 minutes per side). Remove with tongs and drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Make Hot Honey Glaze
- In a saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, red pepper flakes (if using), and apple cider vinegar.
- Stir until melted and well combined.
Step 6: Glaze the Shrimp
- Drizzle hot honey glaze over fried shrimp just before serving or toss them gently in a bowl with glaze for even coverage.
Enjoy your delicious Hot Honey Fried Shrimp as an appetizer or main dish!
How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a versatile dish that can elevate any meal. Whether you are serving it at a party or enjoying it for dinner, there are countless ways to present this delightful creation.
As an Appetizer
- Serve with toothpicks for easy eating.
- Pair with a dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese for added flavor.
On a Salad
- Toss the shrimp on a bed of mixed greens.
- Add avocado and cherry tomatoes for a refreshing crunch.
In Tacos
- Use corn or flour tortillas to create shrimp tacos.
- Top with slaw and extra hot honey for an exciting twist.
With Rice
- Serve over a bed of jasmine or brown rice.
- Drizzle with lime juice for an extra zing.
As Part of a Platter
- Arrange alongside other appetizers like veggies and dip.
- Create a colorful display for parties or gatherings.
How to Perfect Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
To make the best Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, follow these tips for crispy, flavorful results:
- Choose fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp enhances the overall taste and texture.
- Marinate briefly: Let shrimp sit in buttermilk for at least 10 minutes to tenderize.
- Use panko breadcrumbs: These provide extra crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Maintain oil temperature: Ensure oil is hot enough (around 350°F) for proper frying without sogginess.
- Adjust spice levels: Customize the hot sauce quantity based on your heat preference.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy the shrimp right after frying for maximum crispiness.
Best Side Dishes for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Pairing side dishes with Hot Honey Fried Shrimp can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Coleslaw: A creamy slaw balances the spicy flavors of the shrimp and adds crunch.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn complements the sweetness of the hot honey glaze nicely.
- Garlic Bread: The buttery garlic flavor pairs well with fried foods and adds heartiness to your plate.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness matches perfectly with the spicy notes in the dish.
- Macaroni Salad: A cold salad provides contrast and makes for a satisfying combination.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies add color and freshness, rounding out your meal beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking Hot Honey Fried Shrimp can be simple, but avoiding certain pitfalls will ensure you get the best results.
- seasoning: Forgetting to season the shrimp can lead to bland flavors. Always season your shrimp with salt, pepper, and spices before coating.
- Incorrect oil temperature: Using oil that’s too hot can burn the batter, while oil that’s too cool will make the shrimp soggy. Use a thermometer to maintain a steady temperature around 350°F (175°C).
- Overcrowding the pan: Placing too many shrimp in the oil at once can lower the temperature and result in uneven frying. Fry in batches for crispy results.
- Skipping the buttermilk soak: Not allowing the shrimp to soak in buttermilk can lead to dry shrimp. This step adds moisture and helps the batter adhere better.
- Neglecting the glaze: Rushing through the hot honey glaze can result in an unbalanced flavor. Take your time to mix honey, hot sauce, and butter for a perfect finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Hot Honey Fried Shrimp in an airtight container.
- They last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
- Place cooled fried shrimp in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
- Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but this may make them less crispy.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a dish featuring crispy fried shrimp drizzled with a spicy-sweet honey glaze. It’s perfect as an appetizer or main dish.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
How do I customize my Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
You can adjust the level of spiciness by altering the amount of hot sauce or adding red pepper flakes. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings!
What do I serve with Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
These fried shrimp pair well with coleslaw, fries, or a fresh salad. They also make great taco fillings!
Final Thoughts
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that will impress your guests. Its versatility allows you to enjoy it as an appetizer or main course while easily customizing it to suit your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; you won’t regret it!
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a flavor-packed dish that combines crispy fried shrimp with a delightful sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. This irresistible recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or celebrating a festive event. With its crunchy exterior and bold flavors, this dish will have your guests coming back for more. Quick to prepare in just 30 minutes, it’s also easy to customize according to your spice preference, making it a versatile option for everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 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
- ½ cup honey
- 2–3 tablespoons hot sauce (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry the shrimp, then season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Set up a breading station with separate bowls for flour, buttermilk, and panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat each shrimp first in flour, then dip in buttermilk, and finally roll in panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan until hot (about 350°F).
- Fry shrimp in batches until golden brown (2–3 minutes per side) and drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the hot honey glaze by combining honey, hot sauce, butter, red pepper flakes (if using), and apple cider vinegar in a saucepan over low heat.
- Drizzle the glaze over the fried shrimp or toss to coat evenly before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 4 shrimp (110g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
