Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a delightful dish that perfectly blends crispy textures with sweet and spicy flavors. This recipe is ideal for various occasions, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings. The unique hot honey glaze elevates the shrimp, making it a standout choice that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious dish in under 30 minutes.
- Flavors: The combination of hot honey and spices creates a mouthwatering taste that excites your palate.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these shrimp as an appetizer, a main course, or as part of a party platter.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Deep frying pan or skillet
- Slotted spoon
- Tongs
- Baking sheet
- Paper towels
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients and marinating shrimp without any mess.
- Deep frying pan or skillet: Provides ample space for frying, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.
- Slotted spoon: Perfect for safely removing the shrimp from hot oil while draining excess grease.
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
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
For the Hot Honey Glaze
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 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
Begin by seasoning the shrimp. In a large mixing bowl, combine the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp in this mixture until evenly coated.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
Prepare three shallow bowls. In one bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In another, pour in the buttermilk. In the third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Bread the Shrimp
Dip each seasoned shrimp into the flour first, then into the buttermilk, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs. Ensure each piece is well covered for maximum crunchiness.
Step 4: Heat Oil for Frying
In a deep frying pan or skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). A good test is dropping in a small piece of bread; it should sizzle immediately.
Step 5: Fry the Shrimp
Carefully add breaded shrimp to the hot oil in batches. Fry until golden brown and crispy on both sides (about 2–3 minutes per side). Use tongs or a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Make the 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 smooth and heated through.
Step 7: Drizzle and Serve
Drizzle the hot honey glaze over your fried shrimp before serving. Enjoy this flavorful dish warm!
How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a tasty meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.
As an Appetizer
- Serve bite-sized portions with toothpicks for easy snacking.
- Pair with a creamy dipping sauce like ranch or garlic aioli for added flavor.
In a Taco
- Use corn or flour tortillas as a base.
- Top with fresh slaw, avocado slices, and a drizzle of the hot honey glaze.
Over Rice
- Place the shrimp over a bed of jasmine or basmati rice.
- Add steamed vegetables on the side for a balanced meal.
On a Salad
- Toss the fried shrimp on top of mixed greens.
- Add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing for freshness.
With Pasta
- Mix the shrimp into pasta tossed with olive oil and garlic.
- Garnish with parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.
How to Perfect Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
To achieve the ultimate Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, follow these helpful tips that ensure crispy, flavorful results every time.
-
Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp will provide better flavor and texture compared to frozen ones. Always choose shrimp that are firm and have a mild ocean scent.
-
Marinate before frying: Let the shrimp soak in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes. This step adds moisture and helps the batter adhere well.
-
Maintain oil temperature: Keep the frying oil at 350°F (175°C) for optimal crispiness. If the temperature drops too low, the shrimp may become greasy.
-
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in small batches to prevent steaming. Allow enough space for each shrimp to cook evenly and get that perfect golden color.
-
Adjust spice level: Customize the hot sauce in your glaze according to your heat preference. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes for extra kick if desired.
Best Side Dishes for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Pairing side dishes with your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:
-
Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and balances out the richness of fried shrimp. Try adding apple cider vinegar for extra zing.
-
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn pairs perfectly with sweet and spicy flavors. Brush it with butter and sprinkle some chili powder for an extra flavor boost.
-
Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread complements shrimp nicely. It’s perfect for soaking up any leftover hot honey glaze on your plate.
-
Fried Rice: A light fried rice made with vegetables brings texture contrast to your dish while keeping it satisfying.
-
Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad offers a cool crunch that balances out the heat from the shrimp.
-
Baked Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness provides an excellent counterpoint to spicy fried shrimp, making them a delightful pairing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some tips to ensure you get it right.
- Skipping the marination: Not letting the shrimp sit in the buttermilk can lead to a bland flavor. Marinate for at least 15 minutes for the best taste.
- Overcrowding the pan: Frying too many shrimp at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy shrimp. Fry in batches to maintain crispiness.
- Using low-quality oil: Not choosing the right oil can impact flavor and frying efficiency. Use a high smoke point oil like vegetable or canola for better results.
- Ignoring temperature control: Failing to monitor oil temperature can cause uneven cooking. Use a thermometer to keep it around 350°F (175°C) during frying.
- Neglecting seasoning: Forgetting to season the batter can lead to bland shrimp. Ensure your batter is well-seasoned for maximum flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Hot Honey Fried Shrimp in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
- Place cooled shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet before freezing.
- Transfer them into freezer-safe bags or containers after they are frozen solid; they can last up to 2 months.
Reheating Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place shrimp on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, but this may make them less crispy.
- Stovetop: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the shrimp for about 3-5 minutes until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp to help you along your culinary journey.
Can I use frozen shrimp for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before marinating and coating.
How do I make my Hot Honey Fried Shrimp spicier?
To increase the heat, simply add more hot sauce or include red pepper flakes in both the batter and the honey glaze.
What dipping sauces pair well with Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp pairs wonderfully with ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or a creamy sriracha sauce for an extra kick.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a delicious version that everyone can enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is not only delicious but also versatile enough for various occasions, from casual dinners to festive gatherings. Feel free to customize it by adjusting spice levels or trying different dipping sauces. Give this recipe a try, and delight your taste buds with every bite!
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a mouthwatering dish that combines the crunch of perfectly fried shrimp with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also takes under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings. Whether served as an appetizer, taco filling, or over rice, these flavorful bites are sure to please a crowd. Customize the heat level to your preference and enjoy this delightful seafood treat that’s bursting with flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup honey
- 2–3 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Season shrimp with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl.
- Set up a breading station with three bowls: one for flour, one for buttermilk, and one for panko breadcrumbs.
- Dip each shrimp into flour, then buttermilk, followed by panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry shrimp in small batches until golden brown (2-3 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.
- In a saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, red pepper flakes (if using), and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
- Drizzle the hot honey glaze over the fried shrimp before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 fried shrimp (approx. 112g)
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
