Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

If you’re a fan of crispy, golden-fried shrimp with a kick of heat and a touch of sweetness, Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is about to become your new favorite dish! These shrimp are coated in a perfectly seasoned, crunchy batter, fried to golden perfection, and then drizzled (or tossed) in a homemade hot honey glaze that’s equal parts spicy and sweet.

The combination of crunchy texture, spicy kick, and sticky honey glaze makes this dish a must-try. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, snack, or main course, this fried shrimp will have everyone reaching for seconds. Perfect for game day, seafood night, or even a fun weekend meal, this recipe is quick, easy, and packed with bold flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

• Crispy and crunchy – Light, golden coating that stays crisp even after drizzling with hot honey.

• Sweet-heat balance – The spicy honey glaze gives the perfect contrast of heat and sweetness.

• Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.

• Perfect for any occasion – Great as an appetizer, taco filling, or served over rice.

• Customizable spice level – Adjust the heat by adding more or less chili flakes to the honey glaze.

Preparation Time and Yield

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

• Yield: 4 servings

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 380

• Carbohydrates: 35g

• Protein: 22g

• Fat: 18g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 9g

Ingredients for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)

• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Hot Honey Glaze:

• ½ cup honey

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)

• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as sriracha or cayenne-based sauce)

• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Let them sit for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Stations

Prepare three separate bowls:

1. Bowl 1 – Buttermilk and beaten eggs (whisk together).

2. Bowl 2 – Flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and cayenne pepper (mix well).

3. Bowl 3 – Panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy coating.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

Dip each shrimp into the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Then, dip into the buttermilk-egg mixture, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden and Crispy

Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Glaze

In a small saucepan, warm the honey over low heat. Stir in red pepper flakes, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and salt. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 6: Coat the Shrimp in Hot Honey

Drizzle the hot honey glaze over the crispy shrimp or toss them gently in a bowl to fully coat. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Ingredient Background

Shrimp: The Perfect Protein for Frying

Shrimp is an excellent choice for frying because of its quick cooking time and naturally mild, slightly sweet flavor. Large shrimp work best for this recipe since they provide the ideal bite size and hold up well to frying. Shrimp is also a lean source of protein, rich in essential vitamins and minerals like selenium, iodine, and B12.

Hot Honey: The Star of the Show

Hot honey is a simple but bold ingredient that brings both sweetness and heat to the dish. The honey balances out the spiciness, creating a well-rounded glaze that enhances the crispy shrimp without overpowering it. The red pepper flakes and hot sauce add depth, while the vinegar provides just enough tang to brighten up the flavors. If you want a milder version, reduce the red pepper flakes or use a mild hot sauce like sweet chili sauce instead.

Cornstarch and Panko: The Key to Crispy Shrimp

Cornstarch is a secret weapon for ultra-crispy fried shrimp. It helps create a light, airy coating that fries up beautifully golden and crunchy. The panko breadcrumbs provide an extra layer of crispiness, making the texture of these shrimp irresistible. Using both cornstarch and panko ensures the shrimp stay crispy even after being drizzled with hot honey.

Technique Tips for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

1. Use Cold Shrimp for the Best Texture

Chilling the shrimp before frying helps the coating stick better and creates a crispier texture. If you have time, refrigerate the breaded shrimp for 10-15 minutes before frying.

2. Maintain the Right Oil Temperature

For perfectly fried shrimp, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too cool, the shrimp will absorb excess oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is cooked. Use a thermometer to keep the temperature steady between 350-375°F.

3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

Fry in small batches to prevent the temperature from dropping and ensure even cooking. Overcrowding the pan causes the shrimp to steam instead of crisp up.

4. Let the Excess Oil Drain

After frying, place the shrimp on a paper towel-lined plate or a wire rack to drain excess oil. This keeps them crispy longer.

5. Toss or Drizzle the Hot Honey

If you want a lighter glaze, drizzle the hot honey over the shrimp just before serving. For a bolder, fully coated experience, toss the shrimp in a bowl with the hot honey while they’re still warm.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

1. Hot Honey Shrimp Tacos

Fill warm tortillas with the crispy shrimp, top with coleslaw, avocado, and a squeeze of lime, and drizzle extra hot honey over the top.

2. Hot Honey Shrimp & Waffles

For a sweet and savory brunch, serve the shrimp over crispy waffles with a side of extra hot honey and butter.

3. Hot Honey Shrimp Po’ Boys

Stuff the shrimp into a crusty baguette with lettuce, tomatoes, and a slather of garlic mayo for a Louisiana-inspired sandwich.

Freezing and Storing Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover shrimp, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating for Best Crispiness

• Oven or Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to crisp them back up.

• Skillet: Reheat over medium heat for a few minutes, flipping once.

• Microwave (not recommended): This will soften the shrimp, but if necessary, heat in 15-second intervals until warm.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze before frying:

1. Bread the shrimp and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet.

2. Freeze for 1 hour until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.

3. Fry directly from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.

To freeze after frying:

1. Let the shrimp cool completely.

2. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1 hour.

3. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months.

4. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes.

Healthier Twist Ideas

1. Air Fryer Hot Honey Shrimp

For a lighter version, air fry instead of deep frying:

• Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

• Spray the shrimp lightly with cooking spray.

• Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy.

2. Baked Hot Honey Shrimp

Instead of frying, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. This still gives a crispy texture with less oil.

3. Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Flour

For a healthier alternative, use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.

Serving Suggestions for Events

1. Game Day Appetizer

Serve in a big bowl with toothpicks, alongside ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

2. Dinner Party Showstopper

Plate the shrimp elegantly with a side of garlic butter rice and roasted vegetables.

3. Date Night Delight

Pair with a crisp salad and a glass of chilled white wine for a simple but impressive meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw and pat them dry before breading. Excess moisture can prevent crispiness.

2. How can I make the hot honey spicier?

Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the honey glaze.

3. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Not recommended. Pre-cooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery when fried.

4. Can I make the hot honey glaze in advance?

Yes! Store it in a jar at room temperature for up to a week. Warm slightly before drizzling.

5. Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

You can, but panko creates a much crispier texture. If using regular breadcrumbs, mix in a bit of cornstarch for extra crunch.

6. What’s the best oil for frying shrimp?

Use vegetable, canola, or peanut oil—they have a high smoke point and won’t overpower the flavors.

7. Can I use this recipe for other seafood?

Absolutely! This works great with calamari, scallops, or even chicken tenders.

8. Can I make this shrimp dairy-free?

Yes! Use almond milk mixed with lemon juice instead of buttermilk.

9. What’s the best way to serve this shrimp at a party?

Serve on a large platter with lime wedges and extra hot honey on the side.

10. Can I make this less spicy?

Yes! Reduce the red pepper flakes and use mild honey mustard instead of hot sauce.

Conclusion

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is the perfect blend of crispy, sweet, and spicy, making it a must-try recipe for seafood lovers. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, over rice, in tacos, or on waffles, this dish delivers bold flavor in every bite. With simple ingredients, easy techniques, and endless ways to customize, this shrimp recipe is guaranteed to impress!

Try it today, and let the sweet heat take your seafood game to the next level!

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