The first time I tried making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, I was amazed by how something so simple could pack such massive flavor! The crispy coating, sticky-spicy hot honey, and tender shrimp create the perfect bite every time.
It’s one of those recipes you can whip up quickly and still feel like you’re serving something special. I’ve used it as an appetizer, thrown it into tacos, and even tossed it on a salad for a fun twist. Plus, it’s easy to adjust the heat level, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
What You’ll Need to Make Sweet and Spicy Shrimp?
These ingredients come together for a bold and crispy shrimp dish.
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled, deveined, tail-on): Fresh or thawed-from-frozen works great.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Tenderizes the shrimp and helps the coating stick.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base for the crispy breading.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a smoky depth to the coating.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts flavor without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic for a balanced taste.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the spices perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a hint of bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Optional, for a little heat in the breading.
- 2 cups vegetable oil: For frying; use an oil with a high smoke point.
- 1/4 cup hot honey: Sweet, sticky, and spicy. Store-bought or homemade.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: For optional garnish and a pop of color.
Note: Yields 4 servings as a stand-alone dish or appetizer.
How to Customize Your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
This dish is easily adaptable to your preferences or dietary needs.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free version for a crispy, gluten-free indulgence.
- Lower the Spice: Skip the cayenne pepper and use mild honey instead of hot honey.
- Try Other Proteins: Replace shrimp with chicken bites, tofu, or even cauliflower for a new take.
Quick Prep and Cooking Time
You won’t need a lot of time to get this dish on the table!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 3 minutes per batch
- Marinating Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Here’s all you’ll need to make this dish stress-free!
- Deep-fry thermometer: Ensures the oil reaches the perfect frying temperature.
- Large skillet or pot: For frying shrimp to crisp perfection.
- Tongs: Makes flipping and removing shrimp easier.
- Slotted spoon: Helps you safely remove fried shrimp without too much oil.
How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
Making this flavorful dish is fun and straightforward. Here’s how it all comes together.
Marinate the Shrimp
Combine the shrimp and buttermilk in a bowl, making sure the shrimp are fully submerged. Allow it to marinate for about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare your coating by mixing flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne in a shallow dish. This ensures the shrimp will be perfectly seasoned and crispy.
Coat Each Shrimp
Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge the shrimp in the seasoned flour mixture one by one, pressing gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Place the coated shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and allow them to rest for a few minutes. This step helps the breading adhere better for a crispier result.
Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or pot, filling it to about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F, using a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature. The right oil temperature is key to achieving golden, non-greasy shrimp.
Fry the Shrimp
Carefully drop several shrimp into the hot oil, working in batches so the temperature doesn’t drop. Fry for about 2–3 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the shrimp are golden brown and crispy. Remove them with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining shrimp.
Finish with Hot Honey
While the shrimp are still warm, drizzle them generously with hot honey. The sticky-sweet honey seeps into the crispy breading for a delicious flavor explosion. Sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for garnish, and serve immediately.
Pro Tips to Perfect Your Shrimp
Use these tips to take your dish to the next level!
- Keep Oil Temperature Consistent: Fry in small batches and wait for the oil to return to 350°F before starting a new batch.
- Rest the Coated Shrimp: Allowing the flour-coated shrimp to rest helps the breading stick better and fry up beautifully.
- Make Your Own Hot Honey: Combine honey with red pepper flakes in a small pot and gently heat. Adjust the spice level to your preference!
Creative Ways to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
This shrimp dish is versatile and works for all kinds of occasions. Here are a few serving ideas!
- Appetizer Board: Arrange the shrimp on a platter with extra hot honey on the side for dipping. Top with parsley for a pop of freshness.
- Tacos to Impress: Add the shrimp to soft taco shells with shredded cabbage, avocado, and a squeeze of lime for the ultimate shrimp tacos.
- Over Rice or Noodles: Serve atop fluffy white rice or stir-fry noodles with a drizzle of extra glaze for a satisfying main dish.
- Salad Topper: Toss the shrimp onto a crisp green salad for a combination of crunch and bold flavor that’s hard to beat.
Nutritional Info
Here’s the breakdown for a typical serving of this dish.
- Calories: 904
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 60g
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
Though it’s best fresh, you can prep parts of this dish ahead or store leftovers.
Prepare Ahead
Marinate the shrimp and mix the seasoned flour up to 24 hours in advance. Keep both refrigerated until you’re ready to fry. This can save you time when hosting or planning a busy evening.
Store Leftovers
Leftover fried shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best results, reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the shrimp soggy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This Hot Honey Fried Shrimp recipe ticks all the boxes for flavor, ease, and versatility.
- Simple Yet Impressive: No one will believe how easy this is to make once they taste it.
- Sweet and Spicy Perfection: The combination of crispy fried shrimp and sticky hot honey is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Easily Adjustable: Adjust the heat level, portion sizes, or even the protein to make it your own.
- Works for Any Occasion: Whether for game day, weeknight dinners, or special celebrations, this dish is always a hit.
- Comfort Meets Gourmet: Enjoy the ultimate blend of homestyle flavors with a touch of sophistication.
Try this recipe once, and you’ll find every excuse to make it again. Sweet, spicy, crispy perfection that’s as fun to eat as it is to prepare!
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled, deveined, tail-on
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
- 1/4 cup hot honey store-bought or homemade
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the shrimp and buttermilk in a bowl, making sure the shrimp are fully submerged. Allow it to marinate for about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare your coating by mixing flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne in a shallow dish. This ensures the shrimp will be perfectly seasoned and crispy.
- Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge the shrimp in the seasoned flour mixture one by one, pressing gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Place the coated shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and allow them to rest for a few minutes. This step helps the breading adhere better for a crispier result.
- Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or pot, filling it to about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F, using a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature. The right oil temperature is key to achieving golden, non-greasy shrimp.
- Carefully drop several shrimp into the hot oil, working in batches so the temperature doesn’t drop. Fry for about 2–3 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the shrimp are golden brown and crispy. Remove them with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining shrimp.
- While the shrimp are still warm, drizzle them generously with hot honey. The sticky-sweet honey seeps into the crispy breading for a delicious flavor explosion. Sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for garnish, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the spice by omitting cayenne pepper or swapping hot honey for a milder variety.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour for the coating.
