Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Oh, let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite dishes that’s both indulgent and full of flavor—Hot Honey Fried Shrimp! The crispy, golden-brown shrimp with a spicy-sweet glaze is a combination that’s hard to resist. It’s the perfect dish for a weekend dinner, a special occasion, or just when you want to treat yourself. I first made this dish on a lazy Sunday afternoon when I was craving something crispy but with a twist of heat. The moment I took that first bite, I was hooked. The heat from the fried shrimp balances perfectly with the sweetness of the honey, creating an irresistible flavor profile.

What makes this dish even more amazing is how easy it is to prepare. The shrimp are battered and fried to perfection, giving them a crunchy exterior while staying juicy inside. Then, they’re tossed in the hot honey sauce—just the right amount of sweet and spicy that’ll have you coming back for more. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, a main course, or even as a snack, they’re always a crowd-pleaser.

What I love most about this dish is how customizable it is. You can adjust the level of heat depending on your preferences—add more chili flakes for an extra kick or tone it down for a milder experience. And the honey? Well, that’s what gives it that beautiful, sticky glaze that makes every bite feel like a flavor explosion. There’s just something so satisfying about the crispy shrimp paired with that perfect sweet and spicy sauce!

Now, let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need for this scrumptious recipe.

What’s in Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

• Shrimp: The star of the dish! I usually go for medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined, but you can use larger shrimp if you prefer.

• Flour: A mix of all-purpose flour helps create that crispy coating that makes each shrimp so delicious.

• Cornstarch: This helps to add even more crispiness to the fried shrimp.

• Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a little salt and pepper for that perfect seasoning balance.

• Egg: Used to help the coating stick to the shrimp.

• Buttermilk: This adds a little tang and helps the batter adhere better, creating that crispy texture.

• Hot Sauce: A key ingredient to bring the heat! I like using a bit of hot sauce mixed into the honey glaze.

• Honey: The sweetness to balance the heat from the sauce—absolutely essential!

• Chili Flakes: These add an extra layer of spice that really kicks up the flavor.

• Oil: For frying. Vegetable oil works best to get that golden crisp.

Is Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Good for You?

Well, let’s be real—it’s definitely a treat! While shrimp are a great source of protein and low in calories, the frying and hot honey sauce are what make this dish indulgent. The good news is you can control how much sauce you add, and you can also adjust the level of spice to suit your tastes. If you’re looking to make it a bit lighter, you could try baking the shrimp instead of frying them.

But for now, let’s enjoy it for what it is—a delicious, crispy, sweet-and-spicy dish that’s sure to impress anyone you serve it to!

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 tbsp cornstarch

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 egg

• 1/2 cup buttermilk

• 1/4 cup hot sauce (or more for extra heat)

• 1/2 cup honey

• 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional for more heat)

• Vegetable oil for frying

Serves: 4 (or just 2 if you’re feeling generous—either way, it’s delicious!)

How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp (Continued)

1. Prepare the shrimp: Start by patting your shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This ensures the batter will stick better and the shrimp will fry up crispier.

2. Make the batter: In one bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This dry mixture will give the shrimp their crunchy coating. In another bowl, whisk the egg and combine it with buttermilk to create a wet mixture that helps the batter adhere.

3. Coat the shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the wet mixture, ensuring they’re fully coated, then dredge them in the dry flour mixture. Press the shrimp lightly to make sure the flour sticks well. For an extra crunchy coating, repeat the dipping process, going back to the wet mixture and then into the dry mixture again.

4. Heat the oil: Add vegetable oil to a large frying pan, enough to cover the shrimp while frying, about 1-2 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. The oil should reach about 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of the batter into the oil to see if it sizzles. If it does, the oil is ready.

5. Fry the shrimp: Carefully add the shrimp to the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry each batch for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

6. Prepare the hot honey sauce: While the shrimp are frying, combine the honey, hot sauce, and chili flakes in a small saucepan. Heat it over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s well-mixed and heated through. You can adjust the sweetness and spice level by adding more honey for sweetness or hot sauce for heat.

7. Toss the shrimp in the sauce: Once all the shrimp are fried and crispy, place them in a large bowl. Pour the hot honey sauce over them and gently toss to coat the shrimp evenly with the sweet and spicy glaze.

8. Serve and garnish: Transfer the shrimp to a serving platter, and if you’d like, garnish with extra chili flakes or freshly chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro. Serve the shrimp immediately, and get ready to enjoy the crispy, spicy, and sweet combo that makes this dish so irresistible!

Sweet Tips and Fun Variations

• Extra Crunchy: To make the shrimp even crunchier, you can add a small amount of panko breadcrumbs to the dry batter mixture. This adds an extra layer of texture that pairs wonderfully with the hot honey glaze.

• Change the heat: If you’re not a fan of very spicy dishes, you can substitute the hot sauce with a milder option or reduce the amount of chili flakes in the sauce to suit your taste.

• Add some veggies: For a well-rounded dish, serve the shrimp alongside some sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini. This adds a nice contrast to the heat and sweetness of the shrimp.

• Serve with dipping sauce: For extra flavor, try serving the shrimp with a side of ranch, blue cheese, or a tangy dipping sauce to complement the hot honey glaze.

This Hot Honey Fried Shrimp recipe is sure to be a hit, whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself to something delicious. The combination of crispy shrimp and the sweet-spicy glaze is simply unbeatable. Enjoy every bite!

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Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

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• Author: Lena Meeli
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

These Hot Honey Fried Shrimp are the perfect blend of crispy, spicy, and sweet. Coated in a crunchy batter and tossed in a flavorful hot honey glaze, they make for a great appetizer or main dish that’s sure to impress your guests or satisfy your cravings. Ready in just a few steps, this recipe is both easy and delicious!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup cornstarch

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 egg

• 1/2 cup buttermilk

• Vegetable oil for frying

• 1/4 cup honey

• 3 tbsp hot sauce

• 1/2 tsp chili flakes

• Fresh herbs or extra chili flakes for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

• Prepare the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

• Make the batter: In one bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and combine it with buttermilk.

• Coat the shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the egg mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture. For extra crunch, repeat the process.

• Heat the oil: Pour oil into a pan and heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

• Fry the shrimp: Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.

• Make the hot honey sauce: Combine honey, hot sauce, and chili flakes in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until well mixed and warm.

• Toss the shrimp: Place the fried shrimp in a bowl, pour the hot honey sauce over, and toss to coat.

• Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs or chili flakes, and serve hot!

Notes

• For extra crunch, add panko breadcrumbs to the dry batter mixture.

• Adjust the heat level by adding more or less hot sauce and chili flakes.

• Serve over rice or a salad for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Absolutely! Frozen shrimp work just as well as fresh shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking, and pat them dry thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that could affect the batter.

2. Can I make the hot honey sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can! The hot honey sauce can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just reheat it gently in a saucepan before tossing with the shrimp.

3. How can I make the shrimp spicier? If you prefer more heat, feel free to add extra chili flakes to the sauce or increase the amount of hot sauce. You can also add fresh chopped chilies to the sauce for an extra punch.

4. Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying them? Yes, you can bake the shrimp as a healthier alternative to frying. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the coated shrimp on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden and crispy, flipping the shrimp halfway through the cooking time. After baking, toss them in the hot honey sauce just as you would with fried shrimp.