Sizzling Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe For Seafood Lovers

Crispy, golden shrimp drizzled with hot honey create a mouthwatering dance of sweet and spicy flavors that’ll make your taste buds sing.

This hot honey fried shrimp recipe brings restaurant-quality seafood right to your kitchen with minimal effort.

Succulent shrimp get a perfect crispy coating that locks in maximum juiciness.

The homemade hot honey adds a delightful kick that turns an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of crunchy texture and zesty warmth.

Paired with a simple side or enjoyed on its own, these shrimp will become your new favorite weeknight indulgence.

Prepare to impress everyone at the dinner table with this irresistible dish.

What Makes Hot Honey Shrimp Pop With Flavor

• This hot honey fried shrimp transforms ordinary dinners into extraordinary culinary experiences with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• The recipe offers simple step-by-step instructions that make cooking feel like a fun, approachable activity for both newbie and experienced home chefs.
• Combining crispy fried shrimp with sweet-spicy hot honey creates an irresistible taste that will have everyone asking for seconds, making it perfect for gatherings and family meals.
• By using basic ingredients and straightforward techniques, you can whip up restaurant-quality dish without complex cooking skills or fancy equipment.

Ingredient Rundown for Fried Shrimp

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that serves as the star of the recipe and provides a tender, succulent foundation for the dish.

• Buttermilk: Creamy liquid that tenderizes the shrimp and helps the flour coating adhere perfectly.

• All-Purpose Flour: Primary dry ingredient that creates a crispy, golden exterior for the shrimp.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Garlic Powder: Seasonings that add depth and complexity to the flour coating.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil used for deep-frying the shrimp to achieve a crispy texture.
• Hot Honey: Sweet and spicy condiment that provides a glossy, flavorful glaze for the fried shrimp.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that adds a fresh pop of color and subtle herbal note to the finished dish.

How to Get Crispy, Spicy Fried Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare Buttermilk Bath

Submerge the shrimp completely in buttermilk.

This magical bath will tenderize the seafood and create the perfect sticky surface for the flour coating.

Allow the shrimp to luxuriate in the buttermilk for 15-20 minutes while you get other ingredients ready.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Flour Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients until completely blended, ensuring an even distribution of spices throughout the flour.

Step 3: Coat Shrimp With Seasoned Flour

Remove each shrimp from buttermilk, letting excess liquid drip off.

Roll the shrimp generously in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thick, even coating.

The flour should completely embrace each piece of shrimp.

Step 4: Heat Cooking Oil

Select a deep, heavy-bottomed pan or dutch oven.

Pour vegetable or canola oil to create a 2-inch depth.

Bring the oil temperature to 350°F using a cooking thermometer.

The right temperature ensures crispy, golden-brown exteriors.

Step 5: Fry Shrimp To Golden Perfection

Carefully lower coated shrimp into hot oil, working in small batches to maintain oil temperature.

Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking.

Look for a beautiful golden-brown color and crispy exterior.

Remove shrimp using a slotted spoon or spider strainer.

Step 6: Drizzle With Spicy Honey Glaze

Immediately after frying, transfer shrimp to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.

While still piping hot, generously drizzle with hot honey.

The residual heat helps the honey caramelize and create a stunning glaze.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve Immediately

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the shrimp for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve hot and crispy, encouraging guests to dig in right away for maximum crunch and flavor.

Expert Tips for the Right Level of Heat

• Soak shrimp in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes to ensure a tender, juicy texture that helps flour coating stick perfectly.
• Taste your seasoned flour mixture before coating to guarantee a balanced, flavorful crust that elevates the entire dish.
• Maintain oil at exactly 350°F for crispy, golden-brown shrimp without soggy or burnt edges. Use a kitchen thermometer for precision.
• Avoid overcrowding the pot by frying in small batches, allowing each shrimp to crisp evenly and maintain optimal oil temperature.
• Drizzle hot honey immediately after frying while shrimp are still hot, helping the glaze penetrate and create a deliciously sticky coating.

How to Keep That Crunch After Reheating

• Store leftover fried shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Refrigerate for up to 2 days maximum.
• Wrap cooled shrimp individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Avoid freezing with honey glaze for best texture.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread shrimp on baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes until crispy and heated through. Drizzle fresh hot honey after reheating.
• Arrange shrimp in single layer in air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F for 3-4 minutes. Shake basket halfway through cooking to ensure even heating. Add fresh hot honey before serving.

Perfect Pairings for Spicy Shrimp

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or bright pinot grigio to cut through the richness of the fried shrimp and complement the sweet-spicy hot honey glaze.
• Create Tangy Slaw Side: Whip up a quick coleslaw with apple cider vinegar, green onions, and a touch of honey to echo the recipe's flavor profile and provide a cool, crunchy counterpoint.
• Match with Citrus Cocktail: Craft a refreshing cocktail using fresh lime juice, light rum, and a splash of sparkling water to balance the shrimp's deep-fried decadence and highlight the hot honey's warmth.
• Serve with Herbed Dipping Sauce: Blend Greek yogurt with chopped fresh dill, chives, and a hint of lemon zest to create a cool, tangy sauce that cuts through the shrimp's richness and adds a bright note.

Flavor Twists for Hot Honey Fans

• Gluten-Free Crispy Shrimp: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free cornmeal for a crunchy coating that's safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Cayenne Honey Shrimp: Add cayenne pepper to the hot honey for an extra kick, creating a fiery version that'll tantalize heat-loving taste buds.
• Low-Carb Keto-Friendly Version: Swap wheat flour for crushed pork rinds or coconut flour, maintaining the crispy texture while reducing carbohydrate content. Use a sugar-free honey alternative to keep the recipe keto-compliant.
• Air Fryer Light Option: Skip deep-frying and use an air fryer at 390°F for 6-8 minutes, achieving a similar crispy texture with significantly less oil.

FAQs

• Why use buttermilk for marinating shrimp?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the shrimp and creates a sticky surface for the flour coating, ensuring a crispier and more flavorful result.

• Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

While you can substitute, buttermilk provides better texture and tanginess. If you don’t have buttermilk, add a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.

• How do I know the oil is at the right temperature?

Use a digital thermometer to check it’s at 350°F. If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of bread into the oil – if it sizzles and turns golden within 30 seconds, the oil is ready.

• What makes the hot honey special in this recipe?

Hot honey adds a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, creating a complex flavor that complements the crispy fried shrimp and elevates the entire dish.

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy-sweet hot honey fried shrimp brings coastal flavors to your dinner table with crispy perfection. Southern-style seafood gets an exciting upgrade through golden breading and drizzled hot honey that promises delicious excitement for hungry palates.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 g) large shrimp, thawed, peeled, deveined, tail-on
• 1 cup (245 g) buttermilk
• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (170 g) hot honey (homemade or store-bought)

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Cooking and Garnish Ingredients:

• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Chopped parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Immerse shrimp in buttermilk for 15-20 minutes to tenderize and help flour adhere effectively. Ensure complete coating for optimal flavor absorption.
2. Create a robust seasoning blend by thoroughly mixing spices into flour. Taste test mixture to confirm balanced flavor profile.
3. Drain excess buttermilk from shrimp, then meticulously coat each piece in seasoned flour. Press gently to ensure complete and even coverage.
4. Heat vegetable oil to precisely 350°F in a deep pot. Use a thermometer to maintain consistent temperature for optimal frying results.
5. Gently lower shrimp into hot oil, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning once to achieve uniform golden-brown exterior. Maintain oil temperature between batches.
6. Remove shrimp immediately when they reach rich amber color. Drain briefly on wire rack or paper towels to eliminate excess oil.
7. Drizzle hot honey generously over freshly fried shrimp while still piping hot. The residual heat will help distribute the sweet-spicy glaze evenly.
8. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for vibrant color and herbaceous note. Serve immediately to preserve crispy texture and maximize flavor intensity.

Notes

• Marinate thoroughly to enhance tenderness and flavor absorption, ensuring each shrimp gets maximum seasoning coverage.
• Control oil temperature precisely using a digital thermometer to guarantee consistent golden-brown exterior and perfectly cooked interior.
• Adjust spice blend in flour mixture to accommodate different heat preferences, ranging from mild to extra-spicy versions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg