If you crave a dish that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and crispy, you’re in for a treat with this Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe. Imagine succulent shrimp, coated in a light, crunchy panko crust, fried golden to perfection, then drenched in a luscious, spicy honey glaze that brings just the right amount of heat and sweetness. It’s comfort food elevated to a whole new level and an absolute crowd-pleaser that’s simple enough to whip up any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to nailing this Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in crafting the ideal texture and flavor—from the tender shrimp and crispy coating to the punchy, sweet-spicy glaze that ties it all together.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed, shrimp are the star, offering juicy, tender bites.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Creates the first light layer of coating for crispy perfection.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Helps the breading stick and adds a subtle tang to the shrimp.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: Provides that irresistible crunch that every fried shrimp lover adores.
- ½ cup honey: The sweet base of the glaze that balances the heat beautifully.
- 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce (to taste): Packs the spicy kick essential to the glaze’s vibrant flavor.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds a silky richness to the hot honey glaze.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the shrimp with warm, savory notes.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings color and a hint of smoky warmth to the seasoning.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a touch of pungency to the shrimp seasoning.
How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Start by patting your shrimp dry to ensure the coating sticks perfectly. Then sprinkle them evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. These simple seasonings bring an irresistible depth of flavor even before the crust and glaze come into play.
Step 2: Prepare Your Breading Station
Set up three shallow dishes with flour in one, buttermilk in the next, and panko breadcrumbs in the last. This assembly line will help you achieve an even coating that crisps up gorgeously when fried.
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
Take each shrimp and dip it first into the flour, then into the buttermilk, and finally into the panko, making sure it’s fully covered. This triple dip guarantees a crunchy exterior that locks in juicy shrimp inside.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan and heat it to about 350°F (175°C). Proper oil temperature is key—it crisps the shrimp quickly without making them greasy.
Step 5: Fry the Shrimp
Carefully place shrimp in the hot oil in batches, frying for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove them and drain on paper towels to keep them crisp.
Step 6: Make the Hot Honey Glaze
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, and if you like, a pinch of red pepper flakes and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Stir gently until smooth and warm, creating a glossy glaze that’s both sweet and fiery.
Step 7: Drizzle and Serve
Finally, lay the crispy shrimp on a platter and generously drizzle the hot honey glaze over them. This finishing touch transforms the dish with sticky, spicy-sweet magic.
How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe to restaurant-level presentation. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and herbal brightness. Thinly sliced green onions also add a mild onion bite and a beautiful contrast.
Side Dishes
This shrimp pairs wonderfully with simple, cooling sides. Think crunchy slaw to counterbalance the heat or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up any leftover glaze. A crisp green salad or steamed jasmine rice also work wonderfully to complete the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve the Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe in mini lettuce cups with a drizzle of extra glaze and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Alternatively, stack them atop waffles or thick-cut toast for a playful twist that’s sure to win hearts at brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though that’s rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for up to two days. Just keep the hot honey glaze separate until you’re ready to serve again to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
To freeze cooked shrimp, cool them completely and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze. Once firm, transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen shrimp can last up to a month but reheat best fresh.
Reheating
For best results when reheating, toss shrimp in a hot oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes to bring back crispiness without drying them out. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that fresh-fried texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the breading’s crunch.
What kind of hot sauce works best?
Feel free to use your favorite! Classic choices like Frank’s RedHot or Tabasco bring great heat and tang, but you can experiment with smoky or sweeter hot sauces to tailor the glaze to your taste.
Is panko necessary for the coating?
Panko breadcrumbs give the shrimp their signature light, airy crunch. You can substitute regular breadcrumbs, but the texture will be slightly denser.
Can I make the glaze less spicy?
Definitely. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your preferred spice level or omit it entirely for a sweet honey glaze without heat.
What oil should I use for frying?
Use oils with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These keep the shrimp crispy without imparting unwanted flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make. The combination of textures and flavors is truly irresistible, and I hope you get to enjoy this perfect harmony of spicy, sweet, and crispy with your loved ones very soon!
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Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hot Honey Fried Shrimp recipe delivers crispy, golden shrimp coated in a spicy-sweet honey glaze that perfectly balances heat and sweetness. Ideal for a quick and flavorful appetizer or main dish, these bite-sized seafood treats bring together crunchy panko breading, flavorful spices, and a tantalizing hot honey drizzle using stovetop frying techniques.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Breading
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Hot Honey Glaze
- ½ cup honey
- 2–3 tablespoons hot sauce (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to enhance the natural shrimp flavor.
- Prepare the Breading Station: Arrange three shallow dishes: one with all-purpose flour, one with buttermilk, and one with panko breadcrumbs, ready for dredging the shrimp.
- Bread the Shrimp: Dip each seasoned shrimp first into the flour, coating it lightly. Then submerge it in the buttermilk to moisten. Finally, press the shrimp into the panko breadcrumbs until fully coated for maximum crunch.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan to a depth of about 2 inches and heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy to ensure crisp frying without greasiness.
- Fry the Shrimp: Add the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Hot Honey Glaze: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, and butter. Stir continually until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the hot honey glaze generously over the fried shrimp. Serve immediately while crispy and warm for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Patting the shrimp dry before seasoning helps the breading adhere better.
- Adjust hot sauce quantity in the glaze according to your preferred spice level.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pan to prevent lowering the oil temperature, which would result in soggy shrimp.
- Serve with a cooling dip like ranch or a squeeze of fresh lime for added contrast.
- Leftover shrimp are best eaten the same day to maintain crispiness.
