Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a delightful dish that combines crispy, golden shrimp with a sweet and spicy sauce. Perfect for gatherings or casual dinners, this recipe brings flavor and excitement to any table. The standout feature of Hot Honey Fried Shrimp lies in its homemade hot honey, which elevates the shrimp from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or main course, it’s sure to impress your guests with each delicious bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of crunchy shrimp and hot honey creates a mouthwatering sweet and spicy profile that will leave you wanting more.
• Versatile Dish: Serve as an appetizer, snack, or main course alongside your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, game days, or family dinners; everyone will love the crispy texture and bold flavors.
• Homemade Touch: Making the hot honey from scratch adds a personal touch that makes this dish feel special.

Tools and Preparation

To make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp successfully, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Gathering these items ahead of time will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Deep pot
• Candy thermometer
• Slotted spoon
• Baking sheet
• Medium bowls

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep pot: Essential for frying the shrimp evenly while maintaining the right oil temperature.
• Candy thermometer: Helps ensure the oil reaches the perfect frying temperature of 350°F for crispy results.
• Slotted spoon: Allows you to easily remove fried shrimp from hot oil while letting excess oil drip off.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

• 1 pound large shrimp, (thawed, peeled, deveined, tail-on)
• 1 cup (245 g) buttermilk

For the Coating

• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

For Frying and Garnish

• Vegetable oil, (for frying)
• ½ cup (170 g) hot honey, (homemade or store-bought)
• Parsley, (chopped for garnish)

How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

To start, add thawed shrimp to a medium bowl. Pour buttermilk over them until fully coated. Allow them to marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In another medium bowl, combine flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to ensure all spices are evenly distributed. Set aside.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

One by one, take each marinated shrimp out of buttermilk and let excess liquid drip off. Dredge each shrimp generously in the seasoned flour mixture until fully coated. Place on a large baking sheet until all shrimp are coated.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a large pot over medium heat. Use a candy thermometer to bring the oil up to 350°F.

Step 5: Prepare for Frying

Line another baking sheet with parchment paper for draining fried shrimp later on.

Step 6: Fry the Shrimp

Once the oil is ready, carefully tap off excess flour from each shrimp before transferring them into hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per batch until golden brown and crispy. Remember that you may need to check and reheat oil back to 350°F between batches.

Step 7: Drain and Drizzle

Using a slotted spoon, remove fried shrimp from oil and place them on lined baking sheet. Drizzle generously with hot honey.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Finally, sprinkle chopped parsley over fried shrimp as garnish. Serve immediately while still hot!

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 gathering or simply enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these serving suggestions will help you elevate your meal.

As an Appetizer

• Serve the shrimp with extra hot honey for dipping. This enhances the sweet and spicy flavor.
• Pair with a fresh salad to balance the richness of the fried shrimp. A light vinaigrette works wonders.

As a Main Course

• Accompany with rice for a satisfying meal. Consider coconut rice for an added flavor twist.
• Serve alongside roasted vegetables to add color and nutrition to your plate.

For Game Day Snacking

• Present on a platter with assorted dipping sauces like ranch or sriracha mayo. This creates a fun, interactive snack experience.
• Offer tortilla chips on the side for crunch and texture contrast.

How to Perfect Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Creating the perfect Hot Honey Fried Shrimp requires attention to detail and some culinary tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.

• Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp have better texture and taste compared to frozen options.
• Marinate properly: Allow the shrimp to marinate in buttermilk long enough for tenderness and flavor absorption.
• Maintain oil temperature: Keep the oil at 350°F for optimal frying. This ensures crispiness without greasiness.
• Avoid overcrowding: Fry shrimp in small batches to maintain consistent cooking and prevent steaming.
• Drizzle generously: Don’t skimp on hot honey; it adds essential flavor and makes each bite special.

Best Side Dishes for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Pairing side dishes with Hot Honey Fried Shrimp can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement the dish perfectly.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread adds crunch and flavor that pairs well with shrimp.
2. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of hot honey.
3. Cucumber Salad: Light and refreshing, this salad offers a crisp texture that balances the fried shrimp.
4. Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty quinoa cooked with herbs adds a healthy grain option while absorbing flavors beautifully.
5. Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes complements the shrimp’s spice perfectly.
6. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and is always a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.
7. Rice Noodles: Lightly seasoned rice noodles provide a neutral base that highlights the shrimp’s flavors.
8. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These add a savory depth and lovely caramelization that rounds out your meal nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many people make simple mistakes when preparing Hot Honey Fried Shrimp that can affect the final dish. Here are some common missteps and how to avoid them.

• Using Frozen Shrimp: Fresh shrimp yield a better texture and flavor. Always opt for thawed, fresh shrimp for the best results.
• Skipping the Marinade: Marinating shrimp in buttermilk is essential for tenderness. Don’t rush this step; allow at least 15 minutes for optimal flavor.
• Not Heating the Oil Properly: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the shrimp will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Use a thermometer to ensure it reaches 350°F before frying.
• Overcrowding the Fryer: Frying too many shrimp at once lowers the oil temperature. Fry in small batches to achieve that perfect crispiness.
• Ignoring Flour Coating: A proper coating helps create a crunchy texture. Make sure each shrimp is generously coated with the seasoned flour mixture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Hot Honey Fried Shrimp in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

• Place cooled fried shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet before freezing.
• Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 2 months.

Reheating Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Arrange shrimp on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-12 minutes until crispy.
• Microwave: This method may not keep them crispy but is quick. Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Add shrimp and cook until heated through, about 3-4 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp.

Can I use other types of seafood?

Yes, you can use calamari or fish fillets instead of shrimp for variations on this recipe.

How do I make homemade hot honey?

Simply combine equal parts honey and hot sauce in a small saucepan over low heat until mixed well.

What should I serve with Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

This dish pairs wonderfully with coleslaw, rice, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

You can bake the shrimp instead of frying them for a lighter option; just coat them lightly with oil before baking.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Absolutely! Modify the amount of cayenne pepper or substitute with milder spices if you prefer less heat.

Final Thoughts

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is an exciting dish that balances sweet and spicy flavors, making it perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to serve it as an appetizer or main course. Don’t hesitate to customize it by adding your favorite spices or sides!