Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a delightful dish that combines crispy textures with sweet and spicy flavors, making it ideal for any gathering. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also versatile enough to serve as an appetizer, main dish, or part of a party spread. The standout quality of this dish lies in the hot honey glaze that elevates the fried shrimp to a new level of deliciousness. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself, this dish will surely become a favorite.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Shrimp
• For the Hot Honey Glaze
• How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
• Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
• Step 2: Set Up Breading Station
• Step 3: Bread the Shrimp
• Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
• Step 5: Prepare Hot Honey Glaze
• Step 6: Serve Your Dish
• How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
• As an Appetizer
• Over a Salad
• In Tacos
• With Rice or Quinoa
• As Part of a Platter
• How to Perfect Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
• Best Side Dishes for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
• Reheating Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
• How do I make the hot honey glaze?
• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
• What side dishes go well with Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavors: The combination of garlic powder, smoked paprika, and spicy hot sauce creates a taste explosion.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward preparation steps and minimal ingredients, anyone can whip up this dish.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve as an appetizer, main course, or even toss in salads for added crunch.
• Crispy Texture: The panko breadcrumbs provide an irresistible crunch that complements the tender shrimp.
• Customizable Heat Levels: Adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp successfully, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can enhance your cooking experience and ensure your shrimp come out perfectly crispy.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Deep frying pan or Dutch oven
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Tongs
• Slotted spoon
• Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep frying pan or Dutch oven: These tools allow for even heating and ample space for frying multiple shrimp at once.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for preparing the batter and mixing the hot honey glaze.
• Tongs: Ideal for flipping shrimp while frying without damaging their coating.
• Slotted spoon: Helps in safely removing shrimp from oil while allowing excess oil to drain away.

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

• Vegetable oil for frying
• 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

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp into the bowl and toss until they’re evenly coated with the seasoning.

Step 2: Set Up Breading Station

1. In a separate bowl, pour in the buttermilk.
2. In another bowl, place the all-purpose flour.
3. In a third bowl, put the panko breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Bread the Shrimp

1. Dip each seasoned shrimp into the flour first, coating it completely.
2. Next, dunk it into the buttermilk before finally rolling it in panko breadcrumbs until fully covered.

Step 4: Fry the Shrimp

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully add breaded shrimp into the hot oil in batches so as not to overcrowd the pan.
3. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side.

Step 5: Prepare Hot Honey Glaze

1. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, red pepper flakes (if using), and apple cider vinegar.
2. Stir until melted together and heated through; then remove from heat.

Step 6: Serve Your Dish

1. Once fried shrimp are done cooking, transfer them onto paper towels to absorb excess oil.
2. Drizzle with hot honey glaze before serving warm.

Enjoy your homemade Hot Honey Fried Shrimp as an unforgettable treat!

How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp can be enjoyed in various ways, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy dinner, here are some creative serving ideas to elevate your dining experience.

As an Appetizer

• Serve with toothpicks for easy snacking during parties.
• Pair with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese for added flavor.

Over a Salad

• Place the fried shrimp on a bed of mixed greens and drizzle with vinaigrette.
• Add avocado slices and cherry tomatoes for a fresh touch.

In Tacos

• Fill soft corn tortillas with shrimp, cabbage slaw, and a squeeze of lime.
• Top with extra hot honey for that sweet and spicy kick.

With Rice or Quinoa

• Serve the shrimp over fluffy rice or quinoa for a satisfying meal.
• Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

As Part of a Platter

• Create a seafood platter by adding other fried items like calamari or fish.
• Include lemon wedges and hot sauce on the side for customization.

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How to Perfect Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

To achieve the best results when making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure that your shrimp are perfectly crispy and flavorful every time.

• Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp provide the best texture and taste. Look for shrimp that smell clean and are firm to the touch.
• Make sure oil is hot enough: Heat your vegetable oil to at least 350°F (175°C) before frying. This helps create that perfect crispy crust.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature, which can lead to soggy shrimp.
• Drain properly: After frying, place the shrimp on paper towels to absorb excess oil. This keeps them crispy longer.
• Adjust heat levels: Customize the level of spice in your hot honey glaze by varying the amount of hot sauce or adding red pepper flakes according to your preference.
• Serve immediately: Enjoy your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp right after cooking for the best flavor and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Pairing sides with Hot Honey Fried Shrimp enhances your meal’s overall experience. Here are some delicious options that complement this dish perfectly.

1. Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw adds freshness and balances the richness of the fried shrimp. Consider adding apple slices for sweetness.
2. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn with butter makes for a classic summer side that pairs well with spicy flavors.
3. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover hot honey glaze from your plate.
4. French Fries: Classic fries offer comfort, and their crispiness matches well with fried shrimp.
5. Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad provides a refreshing contrast to the heat of the shrimp, making it an ideal companion.
6. Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese can be a comforting side that pairs beautifully with spicy dishes.
7. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition, balancing out your meal nicely.
8. Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges complement fried foods well, providing an additional layer of crunch.

Enjoy crafting your perfect meal around these suggestions!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, it’s easy to overlook some details that can impact the final dish. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Using the wrong shrimp size: Always opt for large shrimp for the best texture and flavor. Smaller shrimp may overcook and become rubbery.
• Skipping the buttermilk soak: Soaking shrimp in buttermilk adds moisture and flavor. Don’t skip this step if you want juicy shrimp.
• Overcrowding the frying pan: Frying too many shrimp at once lowers the oil temperature, leading to soggy results. Fry in batches for a crispy finish.
• Not seasoning adequately: Season the batter and shrimp well. A lack of seasoning can make your fried shrimp taste bland.
• Ignoring oil temperature: Use a thermometer to check oil temperature. If it’s too hot or cold, your shrimp won’t cook evenly.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Hot Honey Fried Shrimp in an airtight container.
• They will last about 2-3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

• For longer storage, freeze cooked shrimp in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

• Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-12 minutes for crispy results.
• Microwave: Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, but expect a softer texture.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little oil if needed to restore crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a delectable dish featuring crispy fried shrimp drizzled with a sweet and spicy honey glaze. It’s perfect as an appetizer or main course.

How do I make the hot honey glaze?

To make the glaze, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, and apple cider vinegar in a saucepan over low heat until melted and well-mixed. Drizzle it over freshly fried shrimp.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking for optimal results.

What side dishes go well with Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp pairs nicely with coleslaw, rice, or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese.

Final Thoughts

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is an irresistible dish that brings together crunchy textures and bold flavors. It’s versatile enough to serve as an appetizer at parties or as a main meal any day of the week. Feel free to customize your hot honey glaze with different spices or adjust the heat level to fit your taste!