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Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe

4.5 from 51 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Prepare a resting station: Line another baking sheet with parchment paper where fried shrimp will be placed to drain excess oil.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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