Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Introduction

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a mouthwatering dish that combines crispy fried shrimp with the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. The crunchy exterior provides a satisfying contrast to the tender, juicy shrimp inside, while the hot honey sauce adds a sweet and spicy kick. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether served as an appetizer, a main course, or a fun snack for gatherings. The flavor combination of heat and honey is irresistible, making these shrimp a crowd-pleaser for anyone who loves bold, exciting flavors.

I remember the first time I made these for a casual dinner with friends. The sizzle of the shrimp frying filled the kitchen, and when I drizzled the hot honey sauce over them, the aroma was absolutely mouthwatering. What’s great about Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is how versatile they are—you can adjust the heat level to your liking, making them as mild or spicy as you want. Whether you enjoy them with a side of dipping sauce or on their own, these shrimp always hit the spot.

These shrimp are surprisingly simple to make, too. With just a few basic ingredients for the batter and the hot honey sauce, you can whip up a batch in no time. Whether you’re looking to spice up a weeknight dinner or impress guests at a gathering, Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is sure to be a hit!

Perfect for:

Appetizers
Dinner parties
Game day
Family gatherings
Seafood lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Hot Honey Fried Shrimp will be your new favorite:

Crispy and Juicy Shrimp: The batter gives the shrimp a crispy crunch, while the shrimp stays tender and juicy.
Sweet and Spicy Sauce: The hot honey sauce strikes the perfect balance between sweet and spicy, elevating the shrimp’s flavor.
Quick and Easy: A simple recipe that’s quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Versatile: Great as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, served with your favorite dipping sauces or side dishes.
Crowd-Pleaser: With its irresistible flavor combination, this dish will be a hit with family and friends.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 35 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp:

For the Shrimp:

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
½ cup buttermilk
Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

¼ cup honey
1 tablespoon hot sauce (like sriracha or your preferred variety)
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For Garnish:

Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)
Lemon wedges (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

Shrimp: The star of the dish, shrimp are juicy and tender when cooked right and absorb the hot honey sauce beautifully.
Cornstarch and Flour: The combination of flour and cornstarch creates an extra-crispy, crunchy coating.
Buttermilk: Helps to create a moist shrimp interior and ensures the batter sticks.
Hot Sauce and Honey: The perfect pairing to create the sweet, spicy, and sticky sauce that elevates the fried shrimp.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp:

Prepare the Shrimp:

Season the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. In a bowl, season the shrimp with salt and pepper.
Prepare the Breading: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Dip the Shrimp: In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs and mix with the buttermilk. Dip each shrimp into the egg mixture, then dredge it in the flour mixture, making sure it’s well-coated.

Fry the Shrimp:

Heat the Oil: Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat. The oil should reach 350°F (175°C).
Fry the Shrimp: Carefully place the coated shrimp in the hot oil, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
Drain the Shrimp: Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Make the Hot Honey Sauce:

Prepare the Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir and bring to a simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Coat the Shrimp: Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the fried shrimp or toss the shrimp in the sauce to coat evenly.

Serve and Garnish:

Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro and serve with lemon wedges for an added burst of freshness. Enjoy while hot!

How to Serve

With Dipping Sauces: Pair with a cool, creamy dipping sauce like ranch, aioli, or blue cheese to balance the heat.
Over Rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy rice to make it a complete meal.
With Vegetables: Serve with a side of grilled or roasted vegetables for a light, well-rounded dish.
In Tacos: Toss the shrimp in tortillas with some coleslaw for a fun twist on shrimp tacos.
With a Cold Drink: Pair with an ice-cold lemonade or sparkling water to cut the heat and enjoy a refreshing contrast.

Additional Tips

Make sure the oil temperature stays consistent for perfectly crispy shrimp.
Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce to control the heat level.
For extra crispy shrimp, double dip them (dip in the egg and flour mixture twice).
If you don’t have buttermilk, substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar.
Try using shrimp with the tails on for a more elegant presentation or ease of dipping.

Recipe Variations

Garlic Parmesan Hot Honey Shrimp
Lemon Pepper Hot Honey Shrimp
Coconut-Crusted Hot Honey Shrimp
Spicy Sweet Chili Fried Shrimp
Sweet and Smoky Hot Honey Shrimp
Asian-Inspired Hot Honey Shrimp
Hot Honey Shrimp Po’Boy Sandwich
Buffalo Hot Honey Shrimp
Zesty Orange Hot Honey Shrimp
Cajun Hot Honey Shrimp

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: Allow the shrimp to cool, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to retain crispiness.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture.

Special Equipment

Deep fryer or large skillet
Slotted spoon or tongs
Paper towels for draining
Small saucepan for making the sauce

FAQ Section

Can I use smaller shrimp? Yes, smaller shrimp can be used but adjust the frying time accordingly.
Can I make these shrimp ahead of time? It’s best to fry and coat them right before serving, but you can prepare the shrimp and the sauce in advance.
Can I use a different sauce for the shrimp? Yes, try a sweet chili sauce or barbecue sauce for a different flavor profile.
How do I get the shrimp extra crispy? Double dipping in the egg and flour mixture and ensuring the oil is hot enough will give a crispy finish.
Can I make this dish gluten-free? Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Conclusion

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp brings the perfect balance of crispy, juicy, sweet, and spicy in every bite. The golden, crunchy exterior gives way to tender shrimp, while the hot honey drizzle adds a touch of sweetness and heat that elevates the flavor to new heights. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a main dish, or a fun party snack, these shrimp are sure to steal the show!

This dish is as flavorful as it is satisfying, with just the right amount of spice to make every bite exciting. Whether you’re cooking for a casual gathering or a special occasion, Hot Honey Fried Shrimp will be the star of the meal.

I’d love to see how your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Enjoy every crispy, spicy, and sweet bite!