Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a delightful dish that combines crispy, sweet, and spicy flavors in every bite. This recipe is perfect for various occasions, whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a family dinner, or just craving something delicious. The standout feature of this dish is the hot honey glaze that elevates the fried shrimp to a whole new level of flavor. With its quick preparation time and customizable options, Hot Honey Fried Shrimp will surely impress your guests and keep them coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweetness from honey and heat from hot sauce creates a tantalizing taste experience.
- Quick Preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as an appetizer, main dish, or as part of a party platter to impress your guests.
- Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your spice tolerance, making it enjoyable for everyone.
- Crispy Texture: The panko breadcrumbs give the shrimp a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with the glaze.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make preparing Hot Honey Fried Shrimp seamless and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet or deep fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Paper towels
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet or deep fryer: A heavy skillet ensures even heating for crispy frying, while a deep fryer provides consistent temperature control.
- Mixing bowls: These are necessary for combining ingredients like batter and sauces without any mess.
- Whisk: A whisk helps blend the buttermilk with spices smoothly for an even coating on the shrimp.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
For the Hot Honey Glaze
- ½ cup honey
- 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
- In a mixing bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the shrimp to this mixture and toss until well-coated.
Step 2: Set Up Breading Station
- In one bowl, pour in the buttermilk.
- In another bowl, place the all-purpose flour.
- In a third bowl, add panko breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Bread the Shrimp
- Dip each seasoned shrimp into the flour first, shaking off excess.
- Next, coat it in buttermilk before rolling it in panko breadcrumbs.
- Ensure each shrimp is fully covered for maximum crunch.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, carefully add shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry each batch for about 2–3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove cooked shrimp and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Make Hot Honey Glaze
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, red pepper flakes (if using), and apple cider vinegar.
- Stir until melted and well combined.
Step 6: Serve Your Dish
- Drizzle the hot honey glaze over fried shrimp or serve separately as a dipping sauce.
- Enjoy your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp warm!
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 party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these shrimp will surely impress everyone with their sweet and spicy flair.
As an Appetizer
- Pair with a dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese for a delightful start.
- Serve alongside skewers of fresh vegetables for a colorful platter.
In Tacos
- Use warm tortillas to wrap the shrimp and top with cabbage slaw for crunch.
- Add avocado slices for creaminess and drizzling hot honey on top for extra flavor.
Over Rice
- Create a delicious rice bowl by placing shrimp over steamed jasmine or basmati rice.
- Drizzle with hot honey and sprinkle with green onions for garnish.
With Salad
- Toss the fried shrimp into a mixed greens salad for a protein boost.
- Add citrus segments and nuts for added texture and taste.
On a Sandwich
- Place the shrimp on toasted bread with lettuce and tomatoes for a satisfying sandwich.
- A drizzle of hot honey will enhance the flavors beautifully.
How to Perfect Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Cooking Hot Honey Fried Shrimp to perfection requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:
- Choose the right shrimp: Opt for large, fresh shrimp to ensure they stay juicy during frying.
- Marinate before frying: Letting the shrimp sit in buttermilk enhances tenderness and flavor.
- Maintain oil temperature: Keep the oil at around 350°F (175°C) for crispy results without sogginess.
- Use panko breadcrumbs: These create an extra crunchy coating that elevates texture.
- Adjust spice levels: Feel free to tweak the amount of hot sauce according to your heat preference.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy them hot out of the fryer for the best taste experience.
Best Side Dishes for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Complementing your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp with delicious side dishes can enhance your meal significantly. Here are some great options:
- Coleslaw – A tangy, crunchy slaw balances the sweetness of the shrimp perfectly.
- Corn on the Cob – Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and pairs well with shrimp.
- French Fries – Crispy fries make a classic pairing that everyone loves; consider seasoning them with paprika!
- Garlic Bread – Toasted garlic bread adds richness and makes every bite satisfying.
- Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli provides freshness and color while keeping it healthy.
- Cilantro Lime Rice – Fluffy rice infused with cilantro and lime brightens up the dish wonderfully.
- Sweet Potato Wedges – Baked sweet potato wedges offer natural sweetness that contrasts nicely with spicy shrimp.
- Fried Green Tomatoes – Crispy fried green tomatoes add Southern charm and complement the flavors well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.
- Skipping the marinade: Not marinating shrimp can lead to bland flavors. Ensure you soak them in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes for extra flavor and tenderness.
- Overcrowding the frying pan: Frying too many shrimp at once can lower the oil temperature. Fry in small batches to achieve that perfect crispy texture.
- Neglecting oil temperature: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the shrimp will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is between 350°F and 375°F before frying.
- Ignoring seasoning: Under-seasoning the batter can make your shrimp taste dull. Don’t forget to season both the flour and panko breadcrumbs generously with spices.
- Not adjusting heat levels: If you like it spicy, don’t hold back on the hot sauce! Adjust according to your taste preference, but remember that you can always add more later.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Hot Honey Fried Shrimp in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
- To freeze, place cooled fried shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2 months.
Reheating Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
- Microwave: Use this method for speed; however, it may not keep them crispy. Heat in short intervals, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, read on for some common inquiries.
Can I use frozen shrimp for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just remember to thaw them completely before cooking for even results.
How can I make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp less spicy?
To reduce spiciness, decrease the amount of hot sauce or omit red pepper flakes from the recipe.
What is the best side dish for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
Pair your delicious fried shrimp with a refreshing salad or creamy coleslaw for a balanced meal.
Can I make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can prepare and fry them ahead of time. Just reheat in the oven before serving for optimal crispiness.
Final Thoughts
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is not only crispy and delightful but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different spices or adjust the sweetness and heat level according to your taste. This dish is perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in—try it today!
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a mouthwatering dish that perfectly balances crispy, sweet, and spicy flavors. This recipe features succulent shrimp coated in a crunchy panko breadcrumb layer, all drizzled with a delectable hot honey glaze. Ideal for appetizers, main courses, or party platters, this dish is quick to prepare—ready in just 30 minutes! With customizable spice levels and versatile serving options, Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is sure to be a hit with family and friends alike. Experience the joy of flavor-packed bites that will leave everyone craving more!
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup honey
- 2–3 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Season shrimp with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with buttermilk, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat each shrimp in flour, dip into buttermilk, then roll in panko.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry shrimp for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- In a saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, red pepper flakes (optional), and apple cider vinegar; stir until well mixed.
- Drizzle the hot honey glaze over the fried shrimp before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 shrimp (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
