Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a delightful dish that combines crunchy shrimp with a tantalizing sweet and spicy glaze. Perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations, this recipe is sure to impress. The balance of flavors and textures makes it a standout choice for appetizers or main courses. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and easy to customize according to your taste preferences.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture: The panko breadcrumbs create a satisfying crunch that enhances the shrimp’s natural flavor.
• Sweet and Spicy: The hot honey glaze adds a unique twist, making each bite exciting and irresistible.
• Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy this delicious dish in no time.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as an appetizer, on a salad, or paired with rice for a complete meal.
• Easy Customization: Adjust the level of heat by modifying the amount of hot sauce or adding red pepper flakes.

Tools and Preparation

To make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp successfully, having the right tools can make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Deep frying pot or heavy skillet
• Cooking thermometer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Slotted spoon or spider

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep frying pot or heavy skillet: Ensures even cooking and maintains oil temperature for perfectly fried shrimp.
• Cooking thermometer: Helps monitor oil temperature, preventing undercooking or burning.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly and efficiently.
• Slotted spoon or spider: Great for safely removing shrimp from hot oil without excess grease.

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 the Hot Honey 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

1. In a mixing bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp in the spice mixture until coated evenly.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

1. In one bowl, pour in the buttermilk.
2. In another bowl, place the all-purpose flour.
3. In a third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

1. Dip each seasoned shrimp into the flour first, shaking off excess.
2. Next, dip into the buttermilk before rolling it in panko breadcrumbs until fully coated.

Step 4: Fry the Shrimp

1. Heat vegetable oil in your deep frying pot or skillet over medium-high heat (about 350°F).
2. Carefully add breaded shrimp in batches without overcrowding. Fry until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side.
3. Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked shrimp onto paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Glaze

1. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter.
2. Stir in honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes (if using), and apple cider vinegar until well combined.

Step 6: Drizzle and Serve

1. Once all shrimp are fried, drizzle them generously with hot honey glaze before serving.
2. Enjoy your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp warm with dipping sauces if desired!

How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these shrimp will impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds.

As an Appetizer

• Serve with toothpicks for easy eating.
• Pair with a creamy dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese for extra flavor.

On a Bed of Greens

• Create a beautiful salad by placing the shrimp on mixed greens.
• Drizzle with a light vinaigrette to complement the sweetness of the hot honey.

In Tacos

• Use warm tortillas and fill them with shrimp, slaw, and avocado.
• Add extra hot sauce for those who love an extra kick.

As Part of a Platter

• Arrange the shrimp on a large serving plate with lemon wedges.
• Include various dipping sauces to cater to different tastes.

With Rice or Quinoa

• Serve over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a hearty meal.
• Garnish with fresh herbs for added color and flavor.

In Sandwiches

• Use crusty bread or buns to make delicious shrimp sandwiches.
• Top with lettuce, tomato, and a spicy mayo for added zest.

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How to Perfect Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

To achieve the best results when making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, follow these helpful tips. They’ll ensure your dish turns out crispy and flavorful every time.

• Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp makes all the difference in flavor and texture. Look for large, firm shrimp that are peeled and deveined.
• Marinate before frying: Soaking shrimp in buttermilk for about 30 minutes enhances tenderness and adds flavor.
• Maintain oil temperature: Ensure the oil is at 350°F (175°C) before frying. This prevents soggy shrimp and promotes even cooking.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry shrimp in small batches to allow even cooking and browning. Overcrowding can lower oil temperature significantly.
• Glaze while hot: Drizzle hot honey over the shrimp immediately after frying. This lets the glaze stick better.
• Adjust spice levels: Feel free to modify the amount of hot sauce based on your heat preference. More sauce means more kick!

Best Side Dishes for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Pairing side dishes with Hot Honey Fried Shrimp can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delicious suggestions that complement its sweet and spicy flavors.

1. Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw adds freshness and balances the richness of fried shrimp. Use cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing.
2. Garlic Bread: The buttery flavor of garlic bread pairs wonderfully with fried dishes. Toast slices until golden brown for added texture.
3. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements the heat from the shrimp perfectly. Grill or boil until tender, then season with butter and salt.
4. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad provides a cool contrast. Toss cucumbers with vinegar, salt, and dill for an easy side.
5. Jasmine Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice absorbs any extra sauce beautifully while adding a fragrant base to your meal.
6. Macaroni Salad: Creamy macaroni salad offers comfort alongside the spicy shrimp. Prepare it ahead of time for best flavors.
7. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized add depth to your plate while being healthy too.
8. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries introduce another layer of sweetness that pairs well with the honey glaze on your shrimp.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes and how you can avoid them.

• Skipping the marinade – Not marinating the shrimp can lead to bland flavors. For the best taste, let them soak in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes before frying.
• Using the wrong oil – Using oil with a low smoke point can result in burnt shrimp. Opt for vegetable oil or other high smoke point oils for frying.
• Crowding the pan – Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy shrimp. Fry in small batches to ensure they cook evenly and stay crispy.
• Not adjusting spice levels – If you’re sensitive to heat, adding too much hot sauce can overpower the dish. Start with less and adjust according to your taste preference.
• Skipping the panko breadcrumbs – Regular breadcrumbs won’t give you that extra crunch. Always use panko for a delightful texture that’s essential in this recipe.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Hot Honey Fried Shrimp in an airtight container.
• They will last for about 2-3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

• Place fried shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag; 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 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Microwave – Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, but note that this may make them less crispy.
• Stovetop – Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about preparing Hot Honey Fried Shrimp.

Can I use frozen shrimp for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just ensure they are fully thawed and pat them dry before coating.

What sauces pair well with Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp pairs beautifully with dipping sauces like ranch or garlic aioli, adding another layer of flavor.

Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

How spicy is Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

The spice level is adjustable. Use less hot sauce if you prefer milder flavors or add red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Final Thoughts

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is not just a dish; it’s an experience filled with delightful flavors and textures. Whether as an appetizer or main course, it’s sure to impress your guests. Feel free to customize it by adjusting the spice levels or trying different dipping sauces. Give this recipe a go, and enjoy every crispy bite!

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Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

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• Author: Emma
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x

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Description

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a delightful fusion of crispy textures and bold flavors, marrying the sweetness of honey with a spicy kick that tantalizes your taste buds. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual gathering or a festive celebration. With its crunchy panko coating and irresistible hot honey glaze, these shrimp can be served as an appetizer, in tacos, or over a bed of greens for a complete meal. Best of all, this recipe can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it an easy and quick option for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ cup honey
• 2–3 tablespoons hot sauce (to taste)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

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Instructions

1. Season shrimp with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Set up breading stations with flour, buttermilk, and panko.
3. Coat shrimp in flour, dip in buttermilk, then roll in panko until fully covered.
4. Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry shrimp in batches until golden brown (3–4 minutes per side).
5. In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter and mix in honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and vinegar. Drizzle over fried shrimp before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (140g)
• Calories: 340
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 180mg