Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

If you’re looking for a dish that brings the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, look no further than Hot Honey Fried Shrimp! This recipe has quickly become a favorite in my household. There’s something magical about large, crispy shrimp tossed in homemade hot honey that makes every bite feel like a special treat. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it on a busy weeknight, this dish is sure to impress.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. It can easily be an appetizer for game day or the star of your dinner table. Plus, the combination of flavors is simply irresistible! Once you try these crispy shrimp drizzled with hot honey, you’ll understand why they’ve earned a permanent spot in our recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delightful dish in under 30 minutes!
• Family-Friendly: The sweet and spicy flavor is loved by both kids and adults alike, making it perfect for any gathering.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these shrimp as an appetizer or as part of a main course with your favorite sides.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can marinate the shrimp ahead of time, making it easy to prepare when you’re ready to cook.
• Crispy Goodness: The perfectly fried shrimp provide that satisfying crunch that everyone craves!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create these Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients. Don’t worry; most of them are staples you probably already have in your kitchen!

For the Shrimp

• 1 pound large shrimp, (thawed, peeled, deveined, tail-on)
• 1 cup (245 g) buttermilk

For the Coating

• 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

For Frying

• Vegetable oil, (for frying)

For the Hot Honey Drizzle

• ½ cup (170 g) hot honey (homemade or store-bought)
• Parsley, (chopped for garnish)

Variations

This recipe is flexible and can be easily adapted based on your preferences! Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Swap the protein: If you’re not a fan of shrimp, try using chicken tenders or tofu for a different twist!
• Change up the spices: Experiment with different spice blends like taco seasoning or Cajun blend for a unique flavor profile.
• Add more heat: If you love spicy food, toss in some extra cayenne or serve with a side of spicy dipping sauce.
• Go gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.

How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

To start off, take your medium bowl and add the shrimp. Pour the buttermilk over them, ensuring each piece is well-coated. This step not only adds flavor but also helps keep the shrimp moist during cooking. Let them marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes while you prepare everything else.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In another medium bowl, combine the flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mixing these spices into the flour will create that flavorful coating that gives our shrimp their delicious crunch!

Step 3: Dredge the Shrimp

One by one, remove each shrimp from its marinade. Allow any excess liquid to drip off before dredging it generously in your seasoned flour mixture. Make sure every nook and cranny is covered! This step is crucial for achieving that golden-brown crust we all crave.

Step 4: Heat Up the Oil

In a large pot over medium heat, add about two inches of vegetable oil. Use a thermometer to check when it’s reached 350°F—it’s important not to rush this step! Properly heated oil ensures that our shrimp fry up beautifully crispy instead of soggy.

Step 5: Fry the Shrimp

Once your oil is ready, carefully tap off any excess flour from the coated shrimp and gently place them into the hot oil—fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding! Cook for about 2-3 minutes per batch until they are golden brown. Remember to turn them occasionally so they cook evenly.

Step 6: Drain and Drizzle

Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer your perfectly fried shrimp onto a lined baking sheet. Drizzle them generously with hot honey while they’re still warm for maximum deliciousness!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Lastly, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over your shrimp as a lovely garnish. Serve those beauties hot and watch as everyone digs in! Enjoy every sweet and spicy bite!

Pro Tips for Making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Making the perfect Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is all about the little details! Here are some tips to ensure your shrimp turn out crispy and delicious every time.

• Use fresh shrimp: Fresh or well-thawed shrimp will give you the best texture and flavor. Frozen shrimp can sometimes be mushy, so opt for fresh if possible!

• Marinate long enough: Allowing the shrimp to soak in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the meat, making each bite juicy and succulent.

• Maintain oil temperature: Keeping the oil at a consistent 350°F is crucial for achieving that golden crispy coating. If it’s too cool, your shrimp will absorb excess oil and become greasy.

• Don’t overcrowd the pot: Fry in small batches to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature too much, resulting in soggy shrimp.

• Drizzle just before serving: Drizzling hot honey on the fried shrimp right before serving keeps them crispy and enhances that sweet-spicy flavor without making them soggy.

How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is not just tasty; it’s a feast for the eyes! Here are some delightful ways to present this dish that will impress your guests.

Garnishes

• Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that beautifully complements the richness of the fried shrimp.
• Lemon wedges: Adding lemon wedges provides a zesty contrast to the sweetness of the hot honey, allowing guests to squeeze fresh juice over their shrimp as they desire.
• Sliced green onions: These add a mild onion flavor and a bright green touch that enhances both presentation and taste.

Side Dishes

• Coleslaw: A cool and creamy coleslaw offers a crunchy texture that contrasts wonderfully with the crispy shrimp. The tanginess cuts through the heat, making each bite refreshing.
• Corn on the cob: Sweet corn pairs perfectly with spicy dishes, adding sweetness and comfort to your meal. Grilled or boiled, it’s an easy side that everyone loves!
• Sweet potato fries: Crispy sweet potato fries provide a delightful balance between sweet and savory flavors while adding an extra crunch to your plate.
• Mixed greens salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing can cleanse your palate and bring freshness alongside the richness of fried shrimp.

Now that you know how to make, serve, and elevate your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp experience, gather your ingredients and get ready to wow your family or friends with this scrumptious dish! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Hot Honey Fried Shrimp recipe is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can easily whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store and preserve the deliciousness:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the fried shrimp to cool completely before storing.
• Place the shrimp in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• For optimal taste, drizzle with hot honey just before serving.

Freezing

• Allow the fried shrimp to cool completely.
• Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the shrimp to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the frozen or refrigerated shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
• Drizzle with hot honey before serving for that delightful sweet and spicy kick!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp.

Can I use frozen shrimp for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

Yes! Just ensure they are fully thawed, peeled, and deveined before marinating them in buttermilk. This will help achieve that crispy texture.

What makes Hot Honey Fried Shrimp so special?

The combination of crispy fried shrimp tossed in sweet and spicy hot honey creates an irresistible flavor profile that elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary!

How can I make Hot Honey at home?

You can easily make hot honey by combining regular honey with a pinch of red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce. Adjust the spice level according to your preference!

Is there a substitute for buttermilk in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to create a buttermilk substitute.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Hot Honey Fried Shrimp as much as I do! It’s such a delightful dish, bursting with flavor that brings everyone together—perfect as an appetizer or even as a main course. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite sides and sauces. Wishing you happy cooking and many delicious bites!

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