Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a delightful dish that balances crispy, sweet, and spicy flavors. This recipe brings together juicy shrimp coated in a crunchy batter, fried to perfection, and drizzled with a delicious hot honey glaze. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy dinner at home. With its bold taste and easy preparation, this dish will surely impress your guests and keep them coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavors: The combination of sweet honey and spicy hot sauce creates an unforgettable taste experience.
- Quick Preparation: With only 30 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy this dish without spending all day in the kitchen.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as an appetizer, main dish, or part of a platter for gatherings.
- Customizable Heat Levels: Adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your spice preference.
- Crispy Texture: The panko breadcrumbs ensure each bite is satisfyingly crunchy.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to streamline the cooking process. Having everything at hand will make your experience enjoyable and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Deep fryer or large pot
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Slotted spoon or tongs
- Baking sheet
Importance of Each Tool
- Deep fryer or large pot: Ensures even frying while allowing the shrimp to cook thoroughly.
- Mixing bowls: Ideal for preparing the batter and mixing ingredients without spilling.
- Whisk: Helps combine wet ingredients smoothly for an enjoyable batter texture.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
For Frying
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Hot Honey Glaze
- ½ cup honey
- 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by seasoning the shrimp. In a bowl, mix together garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss the shrimp in this mixture until well-coated.
Step 2: Set Up Breading Station
Prepare three separate bowls.
1. In one bowl, place all-purpose flour.
2. In a second bowl, pour buttermilk.
3. In a third bowl, add panko breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Bread the Shrimp
Dip each shrimp first into the flour, shaking off excess. Next, coat it in buttermilk before finally rolling it in panko breadcrumbs until fully covered.
Step 4: Heat Oil for Frying
In a deep fryer or large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Ensure there’s enough oil for deep frying.
Step 5: Fry the Shrimp
Carefully add breaded shrimp to the hot oil in batches. Fry them for about 3–4 minutes or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked shrimp onto a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Make Hot Honey Glaze
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, red pepper flakes (if using), and apple cider vinegar. Stir until melted and well blended.
Step 7: Serve
Drizzle the hot honey glaze over fried shrimp before serving. Enjoy your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp as an appetizer or main dish!
How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a versatile dish that can elevate any meal or gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy dinner, these shrimp can be served in various delightful ways.
As an Appetizer
- Serve with toothpicks for easy eating.
- Pair with a tangy dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese dressing.
In Tacos
- Fill soft tortillas with the shrimp and add slaw for crunch.
- Drizzle extra hot honey over the top for added flavor.
Over Rice
- Place the fried shrimp on a bed of jasmine or basmati rice.
- Drizzle hot honey glaze and garnish with green onions.
With Salad
- Toss shrimp into a fresh garden salad for added protein.
- Use a light vinaigrette to balance the sweetness of the shrimp.
On a Charcuterie Board
- Include Hot Honey Fried Shrimp as a standout item on your board.
- Add cheese, olives, and crackers for a pleasing variety.
How to Perfect Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Perfecting your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp can elevate your cooking game. With just a few tips, you’ll ensure every bite is flavorful and crispy.
- Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp will enhance flavor and texture compared to frozen options.
- Maintain oil temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve that golden crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches to keep the temperature consistent and avoid soggy shrimp.
- Adjust spice levels: Customize the heat by varying the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes in your glaze.
- Let them rest: Allow fried shrimp to rest on paper towels briefly after frying to absorb excess oil.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to mix in other spices to your batter for unique flavors that suit your taste.
Best Side Dishes for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Serving Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is even better when paired with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options that will enhance your meal.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy, creamy slaw adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the shrimp.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs beautifully with spicy dishes, making it an excellent choice.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide comfort and are perfect for soaking up any extra glaze.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrients while contrasting nicely with fried shrimp.
- French Fries: Classic fries are always a hit; consider adding some seasoning to match the flavor profile.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad can provide a healthy option alongside rich fried shrimp.
- Steamed Asparagus: This elegant side is not only healthy but also adds a lovely crunch.
- Macaroni Salad: A creamy macaroni salad complements spicy dishes well and adds heartiness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To achieve the best results with your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, be mindful of these common pitfalls.
- Skipping the marination – Not allowing the shrimp to marinate in buttermilk can lead to less flavorful shrimp. Marinate for at least 15 minutes for better taste.
- Using the wrong oil – Choosing an oil with a low smoke point can result in burnt flavors. Use vegetable oil or a high smoke point oil for frying.
- Overcrowding the pan – Frying too many shrimp at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy shrimp. Fry in batches to maintain crispiness.
- Inadequate coating – Failing to coat the shrimp thoroughly can lead to uneven frying. Ensure each piece is well-coated in flour and breadcrumbs.
- Not adjusting spice levels – If you prefer milder or spicier flavors, neglecting to adjust the hot sauce can affect your dish’s balance. Taste and modify as needed.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Hot Honey Fried Shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Place a paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture and keep shrimp crispy.
Freezing Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
- Freeze cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Wrap tightly to avoid freezer burn and maintain quality.
Reheating Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
- Oven – Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake shrimp on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave – Heat on medium power in short bursts (30 seconds), checking frequently, as this may make them less crispy.
- Stovetop – Reheat over medium heat in a skillet for about 5-7 minutes until warmed, adding a little oil if needed for crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp.
What is Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a dish featuring crispy fried shrimp drizzled with a sweet and spicy honey sauce, perfect as an appetizer or main course.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just ensure they are thawed completely and patted dry before cooking for optimal texture.
How do I make my Hot Honey Fried Shrimp spicy?
Customize your dish by adding more hot sauce or red pepper flakes into your honey glaze according to your heat preference.
What should I serve with Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
This dish pairs well with coleslaw, rice, or even mixed greens for a complete meal that balances flavors.
Can I make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp ahead of time?
You can prepare the batter and marinate the shrimp ahead of time but fry them just before serving for maximum crispiness.
Final Thoughts
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp combines crispy texture with sweet and spicy flavors that everyone loves. This versatile dish works well as an appetizer or main course. Feel free to customize it with your favorite spices or side dishes. Give it a try and impress your family and friends!
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Appetizer/Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a delightful dish that tantalizes your taste buds with its perfect balance of crispy, sweet, and spicy flavors. This recipe features juicy shrimp coated in a crunchy panko batter, fried to golden perfection, and drizzled with a luscious hot honey glaze. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this dish is sure to impress. With its bold flavor profile and straightforward preparation that takes just 30 minutes, you’ll find it’s an irresistible treat that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup honey
- 2–3 tablespoons hot sauce (to taste)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Season the shrimp with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Set up a breading station with flour, buttermilk, and panko breadcrumbs in separate bowls.
- Dip each shrimp into flour, then buttermilk, and finally coat with panko.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry shrimp in batches for about 3–4 minutes until golden brown.
- In a saucepan over low heat, mix honey, hot sauce, butter, red pepper flakes (if using), and apple cider vinegar until blended.
- Drizzle the hot honey glaze over the fried shrimp before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 shrimp (100g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
