Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe
If you’re craving the bold flavors of the South with a playful, spicy kick, you’re going to love Hot Honey Fried Shrimp. This dish is the perfect marriage of crispy, golden shrimp and a sticky, sweet-heat glaze that will have you licking your fingers and going back for seconds. Whether you’re hosting friends for game day or just treating yourself to a weeknight feast, Hot Honey Fried Shrimp brings serious wow-factor to any table with its crunchy coating, juicy shrimp, and that irresistible drizzle of homemade hot honey.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a handful of everyday ingredients can create something truly crave-worthy. Each component in this Hot Honey Fried Shrimp recipe plays a vital role, from the tangy buttermilk marinade to the spicy-sweet finishing glaze. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Shrimp: Use large, peeled and deveined shrimp for juicy bites that hold up perfectly to frying and glazing.
- Buttermilk: A quick soak tenderizes the shrimp and helps the coating stick, ensuring every bite is flavorful and moist.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of that irresistible crispy crust you’ll be dreaming about.
- Cornmeal: Adds extra crunch and a hint of rustic Southern flavor to each bite.
- Paprika: Gives a warm, smoky undertone and lovely color to the coating.
- Garlic powder: Adds savory depth, making each shrimp pop with flavor.
- Cayenne pepper: Brings the heat! Adjust to your spice preference for a custom kick.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning both the shrimp and the coating—don’t skip it!
- Black pepper: Lends a gentle bite that balances out the sweetness of the glaze.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for frying thanks to its high smoke point; delivers that crunchy finish.
- Honey: The star of the glaze—sticky, sweet, and the perfect partner for spicy elements.
- Hot sauce: Choose your favorite for the glaze; it brings both flavor and fire.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like their Hot Honey Fried Shrimp extra bold.
- Butter: Melts into the glaze, making it silky and rich enough to cling to every crispy shrimp.
How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Start by tossing your peeled and deveined shrimp into a bowl with buttermilk. Let them soak for 10 to 15 minutes. This quick bath not only tenderizes the shrimp but also helps the coating adhere beautifully for max crunch. It’s a simple step, but it’s the secret to shrimp that’s juicy on the inside and perfectly crisp on the outside.
Step 2: Mix Up the Coating
While the shrimp are soaking, whisk together flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper in another bowl. This coating is the backbone of Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, giving you layers of flavor and that crave-worthy golden crust. Make sure everything’s well mixed so each shrimp gets an even, flavorful coating.
Step 3: Dredge the Shrimp
Lift the shrimp out of the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, then toss them in the seasoned flour mixture. Press gently to ensure every nook and cranny is coated. This is your ticket to that extra crunchy bite we all love in Hot Honey Fried Shrimp.
Step 4: Fry to Perfection
Heat 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F. Fry the shrimp in batches, 2 to 3 minutes each, until they’re golden brown and irresistibly crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan—give those beauties room to sizzle! Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain off any excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Glaze
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes (if you love extra heat), and butter. Stir until the butter melts and everything mingles into a glossy, sticky glaze. This is the flavor bomb that takes Hot Honey Fried Shrimp over the top!
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
Drizzle the hot honey glaze over the fried shrimp or toss them gently in a bowl to coat every piece. Serve them up immediately while they’re piping hot and at their crunchiest. Every bite will hit you with sweet, spicy, and savory notes—pure magic!
How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Garnishes
Finish your platter with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. Lemon wedges on the side add a bright, zesty squeeze that’s a classic match for shrimp. If you want to double down on the Southern vibes, a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top works wonders.
Side Dishes
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp pairs perfectly with creamy coleslaw, fluffy cornbread, or buttery grits for that true comfort food experience. For a lighter meal, toss them onto a big green salad or tuck them into soft rolls for spicy shrimp sliders. The possibilities are endless!
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Hot Honey Fried Shrimp in mini baskets lined with parchment for a fun, casual vibe. Skewer them for easy party bites, or pile them high on a platter for a family-style feast. If you’re feeling adventurous, make tacos with crunchy slaw and a drizzle of extra hot honey glaze—you’ll be the hero of taco night!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the shrimp cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days. The shrimp will lose some crispiness, but the flavors stay bold and delicious!
Freezing
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp can be frozen, though the texture will be softer once reheated. Spread cooled shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Store for up to 1 month and glaze after reheating for best results.
Reheating
To bring back the crunch, reheat shrimp in a 375°F oven for about 8–10 minutes, or until hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make them soggy. Add a fresh drizzle of hot honey glaze just before serving for maximum flavor.
FAQs
Can I make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour and cornmeal for your favorite gluten-free versions. The results are just as crispy and delicious, so no one has to miss out.
What kind of hot sauce is best for the glaze?
It’s all about personal taste. A classic like Frank’s or Crystal will give you that Southern tang, but feel free to use your favorite for a custom heat level and flavor.
Can I use smaller or larger shrimp?
Yes, you can! Adjust frying time as needed: smaller shrimp cook even faster, while extra-large shrimp may need a little more time. Just keep an eye on that golden color and crispy texture.
Is it possible to bake the shrimp instead of frying?
You can bake the shrimp on a wire rack at 425°F for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy as fried, but they’ll still be packed with flavor and perfect for a lighter option.
How spicy is Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
The spice level is totally adjustable! Use less cayenne and hot sauce for a milder kick, or add extra red pepper flakes for serious heat lovers. Taste as you go with the glaze—it’s easy to customize.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the sweet, spicy, and crispy magic of Hot Honey Fried Shrimp. Whether you’re making them for a special gathering or just jazzing up a weeknight dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to steal the show. Give it a try—you’ll want to make it again and again!
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Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a deliciously crispy and spicy Southern American dish featuring large shrimp soaked in buttermilk, coated in a seasoned flour and cornmeal mixture, then fried to golden perfection. The shrimp are drizzled with a warm, sweet, and spicy hot honey glaze made from honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and butter, delivering a perfect balance of heat and sweetness that’s sure to delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying, about 2–3 inches in depth)
Hot Honey Glaze
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Soak the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with buttermilk and let soak for 10–15 minutes. This helps tenderize the shrimp and allows the coating to stick better.
- Prepare the Coating: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined.
- Heat the Oil: Heat 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accurate temperature to ensure crispy frying.
- Coat the Shrimp: Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge the shrimp in the flour mixture, pressing gently to coat evenly on all sides.
- Fry the Shrimp: Fry the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes per batch or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the Hot Honey Glaze: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes (if using), and butter. Stir continuously until the butter melts and the sauce is warm and well combined. Do not boil.
- Coat and Serve: Drizzle the warm hot honey glaze over the fried shrimp or toss the shrimp lightly in a bowl with the glaze to coat evenly. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Serve with traditional Southern sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or creamy grits to complete the meal.
- Adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour and cornmeal with gluten-free alternatives.
- Use a deep-frying thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature to avoid greasy shrimp.
- If you prefer crispier shrimp, double dredge by dipping coated shrimp back into buttermilk and then flour mixture again before frying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
