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
Scale
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.
