Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe
Introduction
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp combines crispy, perfectly seasoned shrimp with a sweet and spicy drizzle that will excite your taste buds. This dish is quick to prepare and makes a fantastic appetizer or main course for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, thawed, peeled, deveined, tail-on
- 1 cup (245 g) buttermilk
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- ½ cup (170 g) hot honey (homemade or store-bought)
- Parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, add the shrimp and pour the buttermilk over them, ensuring each shrimp is coated. Marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes.
- Step 2: In a separate medium bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well and set aside.
- Step 3: Remove shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each shrimp thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture and place them on a large baking sheet. Repeat with all shrimp.
- Step 4: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (use a candy or deep-fry thermometer for accuracy).
- Step 5: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Fry the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding—cook for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Allow the oil to return to 350°F between batches if needed.
- Step 6: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried shrimp onto the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle generously with hot honey.
- Step 7: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder heat, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper in the flour mixture.
- Try using lime zest in the flour blend for a bright citrus twist.
- Substitute hot honey with a mix of honey and your favorite hot sauce if store-bought hot honey is unavailable.
- Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature for the crispiest shrimp and to prevent greasy results.
Storage
Store leftover fried shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer to help retain crispiness; avoid microwaving as it can make the shrimp soggy. Hot honey can be stored separately at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before marinating and coating to ensure proper frying and crispiness.
What can I serve with hot honey fried shrimp?
This dish pairs well with a simple salad, coleslaw, or steamed rice. It also makes a great appetizer alongside dipping sauces like ranch or spicy aioli.
PrintHot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe
A delightful appetizer or main course featuring large shrimp marinated in buttermilk, coated in a seasoned flour mixture, and fried until golden and crispy. Drizzled with spicy-sweet hot honey and garnished with fresh parsley, this Hot Honey Fried Shrimp offers a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 pound large shrimp, thawed, peeled, deveined, tail-on
- 1 cup (245 g) buttermilk
Dry Coating Mix
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Other
- Vegetable oil, for frying (enough for 2 inches in pot)
- ½ cup (170 g) hot honey (homemade or store-bought)
- Parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the shrimp: Place the shrimp into a medium bowl and pour the buttermilk over them, ensuring each shrimp is fully coated. Let them marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes to tenderize and add flavor.
- Prepare the seasoned flour: In a separate medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly. Set aside.
- Coat the shrimp: Remove the shrimp one at a time from the marinade, letting any excess buttermilk drip off. Dredge each shrimp generously in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure every surface is coated. Place the coated shrimp on a large baking sheet and repeat until all shrimp are coated.
- Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large pot to about 2 inches deep. Using a candy or deep-fry thermometer, heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), the ideal frying temperature for crispy shrimp.
- Prepare a resting station: Line another baking sheet with parchment paper where fried shrimp will be placed to drain excess oil.
- Fry the shrimp: Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully transfer the coated shrimp into the hot oil. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally, until the shrimp are golden brown and crispy. Allow the oil to return to 350°F between batches if needed.
- Drain and glaze: Using a slotted spoon, remove each batch of fried shrimp and place them onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Immediately drizzle the hot shrimp with hot honey for a spicy-sweet glaze.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the shrimp and serve hot for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature stays consistently at 350°F for even cooking and crispiness.
- Do not overcrowd the pot while frying to prevent the oil temperature from dropping.
- Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer for accurate oil temperature control.
- You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the flour or the quantity of hot honey for desired spice level.
- Serve immediately after frying for optimal crunch and flavor.
Keywords: Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, Fried Shrimp, Spicy Shrimp, Buttermilk Shrimp, Crispy Fried Shrimp, Appetizer, Southern Style
