Name: Crispy Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe for Seafood Lovers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp – peeled and deveined; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cornmeal; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup hot honey; Vegetable oil – for frying

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a dish that brings together the best of both worlds: crispy, succulent shrimp and a tantalizing blend of sweet and spicy flavors that will make your taste buds sing. Originating from the Southern United States, the trend of drizzling fried foods with honey has taken the culinary world by storm, and Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a perfect embodiment of this delicious fusion. People adore this dish for its ability to transform a simple seafood meal into an extraordinary experience, combining the crunch of perfectly fried shrimp with the warm, sticky embrace of hot honey. Whether you’re serving it at a casual family dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, this dish is sure to leave a lasting impression.

What Is Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a delightful dish that features plump, juicy shrimp coated in a light, crispy batter and drizzled with a spicy-sweet honey sauce. The texture is a glorious contrast, with the crunchy exterior giving way to tender seafood that melts in your mouth. What sets this dish apart from traditional fried shrimp is that irresistible glaze of hot honey, which elevates it from an ordinary offering to a sensational meal. Unlike other fried shrimp recipes that may rely solely on spices or sauces, Hot Honey Fried Shrimp combines all of these elements into one harmonious bite.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

Easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
Deliciously addictive, with a perfect balance of sweet and spicy.
Family-friendly, appealing to both kids and adults alike.
Versatile for serving—great as an appetizer or a main dish.

How Does It Taste?

The flavor profile of Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a symphony of sensations. The first bite introduces you to the satisfying crunch of the fried batter, followed by the juicy sweetness of the shrimp. As you savor it, the hot honey drizzle kicks in, bringing a delightful heat that dances on your palate. Each shrimp is enveloped in that luscious glaze, creating a mouthwatering experience that’s both comforting and exhilarating. It’s a dish that plays with the senses—sweet, savory, and spicy all at once, making it hard to resist going back for more.

Health & Ingredient Benefits

This dish isn’t just about indulgence; it also features several key ingredients that offer health benefits. The shrimp itself is high in protein and low in calories, making it a great choice for a balanced diet. The honey provides natural sweetness and antioxidants, while the spices used in the batter can offer metabolism-boosting properties. Together, these elements create a dish that not only satisfies your cravings but also nourishes your body, making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp a delightful addition to any meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound large shrimp – peeled and deveined for a tender bite.
1 cup all-purpose flour – creates a crispy coating that holds up well against frying.
1/2 cup cornmeal – adds extra crunch and texture to the shrimp.
1 teaspoon paprika – introduces a subtle smokiness and depth of flavor.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – enhances the overall taste profile with its savory notes.
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper – brings a hint of heat to balance the sweetness of the hot honey.
1 cup buttermilk – provides moisture and helps the coating adhere better to the shrimp.
1 cup hot honey – a delightful blend of honey infused with chili flakes for that sweet and spicy kick.
Vegetable oil – for frying, providing a neutral flavor and high smoke point.

Tools You’ll Need

Large pot or deep fryer – essential for frying the shrimp evenly.
Whisk – for blending the flour and cornmeal mix.
Mixing bowls – to hold the shrimp and batter as you prepare.
Tongs – for handling the shrimp easily during frying.
Cooking thermometer – to monitor oil temperature for perfect frying.
Paper towels – for draining excess oil after frying.

Optional Substitutions & Additions

Dairy-free options: Substitute buttermilk with a dairy-free milk and a splash of vinegar to create a similar acidity.
Spice variations: Swap cayenne pepper for your favorite hot sauce or add additional spices like chili powder for a different flavor profile.
Herb additions: Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro can be added to the hot honey for an herby twist.

How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture, ensuring a crisper fry.

Step 2: Create the Coating

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Whisk thoroughly until the ingredients are well mixed.

Step 3: Soak the Shrimp

Pour the buttermilk into another bowl. Dip each shrimp into the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, before transferring to the flour mixture. Make sure each piece is well coated.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

In a large pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a cooking thermometer for accuracy.

Step 5: Fry the Shrimp

Once the oil is hot, carefully place a few shrimp into the pot, being cautious not to overcrowd. Fry them for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn a golden brown and float to the surface.

Step 6: Drain the Shrimp

Using tongs, remove the shrimp and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. This ensures they remain crispy.

Step 7: Toss with Hot Honey

In a mixing bowl, drizzle the hot honey over the fried shrimp and toss to coat evenly. The hot honey will cling to the crispy coating, adding a delicious sweet and spicy flavor.

What to Serve With

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with creamy coleslaw for crunch, crispy fries for indulgence, or a fresh garden salad for balance. For drinks, a chilled lemonade or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the dish nicely.

Tips for Success

Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying. If it’s too cool, the shrimp will absorb excess oil and become soggy.
Do not overcrowd the pot; fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature.
Let the shrimp rest on paper towels after frying to absorb any remaining oil.
Experiment with the level of heat in your hot honey to find the perfect balance that suits your taste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the drying step on the shrimp can lead to a soggy coating.
Not allowing the oil to reach the proper temperature can result in greasy shrimp.
Overcrowding the frying pot, which can lower the oil temperature and lead to uneven cooking.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing

Store any leftover Hot Honey Fried Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but can be kept for quick meals.

Reheating

To reheat, place the shrimp on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This helps restore the crispiness compared to microwaving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just make sure to thaw and dry them thoroughly before coating and frying.
Is hot honey very spicy? It varies by brand; taste it first and adjust the amount used according to your spice tolerance.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the shrimp and coating ahead and fry just before serving.

Nutritional Info

Approximately, a serving of Hot Honey Fried Shrimp (about 6-8 pieces) contains around 350-400 calories, with 20 grams of protein, 25 grams of carbohydrates, and 20 grams of fat, depending on the amount of hot honey used and cooking method.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to impress your family and friends with a dish that’s both delicious and unique, then you must try Hot Honey Fried Shrimp. The combination of crispy, golden-brown shrimp paired with the sweet and spicy hot honey creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The balance of heat and sweetness is simply irresistible, making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp a standout dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a festive celebration, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and dive into the delightful world of Hot Honey Fried Shrimp—your taste buds will thank you!