Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe

There’s something truly delightful about the combination of crispy fried shrimp and a spicy-sweet glaze that makes Hot Honey Fried Shrimp a standout dish. The crunch of the shrimp contrasts beautifully with the sticky heat of the hot honey sauce, creating a harmony of flavors and textures that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re looking for a scrumptious starter for a gathering or a satisfying main dish for dinner, this recipe serves it up deliciously!

Perfect for casual get-togethers or weeknight meals, this dish can be served as an appetizer or a main course. Its addictive flavor is sure to please a crowd, making it an excellent choice for parties or game day. And if you’re craving something that’s both comforting and exciting, look no further.

Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 25 min | Total Time: 35 min

How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons milk
• Vegetable oil for frying
• For the Hot Honey Sauce:
  • ½ cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan, mix honey, hot sauce, butter, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Heat over medium until the butter melts and everything blends smoothly. Once done, set it aside to cool slightly.

2. Prepare the shrimp. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they’re not watery before frying.

3. Make the flour mixture. In a medium bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This mix is what gives your shrimp incredible flavor.

4. Make the egg mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.

5. Heat the oil. In a deep pan or frying pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want it to reach 350°F (175°C) for that perfect crispiness.

6. Coat the shrimp. Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, shake off excess, dip into the egg mixture, then back into the flour mixture, ensuring every shrimp is evenly coated.

7. Fry the shrimp. Carefully place the shrimp in the hot oil, frying them a few at a time to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until deep golden brown and cooked through. Drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.

8. Toss in the hot honey sauce. Once all shrimp are fried, gently toss them in the prepared hot honey sauce until they’re fully coated.

9. Serve immediately. Enjoy right away with extra sauce on the side for dipping!

Pro Tips

• Use fresh shrimp. Fresh shrimp not only taste better but also have a firmer texture. If frozen, ensure they’re thoroughly thawed and patted dry before cooking.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan. When frying, give your shrimp enough space. This prevents them from steaming and ensures they get that sought-after crispiness.

• Temperature control is key. Maintaining the oil at the right temperature (350°F) helps achieve a crispy exterior. Use a kitchen thermometer to avoid oil getting too hot or not hot enough.

• Adjust spice level. If you like it hotter, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or hot sauce in the honey sauce, but be cautious; a little goes a long way.

• Let the sauce cool slightly. This gives it a thicker texture that clings well to the shrimp; a too-hot sauce can run off and make things messy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One bite of hot honey fried shrimp, and you’ll be in flavor heaven. The perfect crunch of the fried shrimp enveloped in a sweet, spicy glaze creates a sensational treat that excites the palate. It’s a dish that embodies simplicity while delivering impressive taste, making it great for both casual meals and special occasions.

No need to be an expert in the kitchen; this recipe is straightforward and quick to prepare. Plus, it caters to various dietary preferences; with gluten-free flour alternatives, you can easily modify it for those who need them.

Imagine serving this at your next family gathering or game night—it’s bound to impress!

How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

When it comes to serving Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, presentation matters. Arrange the fried shrimp on a large platter, drizzle a little extra hot honey sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a pop of color.

For sides, consider crisp coleslaw or a light salad to balance the richness of the fried shrimp. Some garlic bread or cornbread also makes for a great pairing. To drink, a cold beer, sweet tea, or even a refreshing cucumber mint lemonade would complement the dish beautifully.

How to Store Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Leftover shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, for the best texture, it’s recommended to consume them fresh. If you’d like to freeze them, make sure they’re completely cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll last for about a month.

When reheating, avoid the microwave if you can as it can make the shrimp soggy. Instead, place them in a single layer in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or reheat in a skillet with a little oil to maintain their crispiness.

Tips to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

• Perfect Timing: Be mindful of frying time; overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, while undercooked ones can spoil a dish. Generally, 2-3 minutes per batch should do it.

• Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to get creative! Adding spices like chili powder, or swapping out paprika for your favorite spice blend can elevate your flavor profile.

• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for coating the shrimp to accommodate dietary restrictions while keeping the texture in check.

• Don’t skimp on the honey sauce. Make extra and serve it as a dipping sauce or drizzle it over fried rice or roasted vegetables for a flavor boost.

Variation Ideas

• Vegan Version: Substitute shrimp with cauliflower florets or tofu chunks, and use a vegan egg replacement like aquafaba for coating.

• Spicy Twist: Add finely chopped jalapeños to the hot honey sauce for an extra kick.

• Asian-inspired: Instead of hot sauce, incorporate sriracha or a general Asian chili sauce with soy sauce for a different flavor profile.

Nutrition Information

( Serving Size: 4 shrimp | Calories: 280 | Protein: 20g | Carbs: 30g | Fat: 10g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 12g )

This dish is rich in protein, making it great for those looking to boost their protein intake. However, be mindful of the calorie count if you’re watching your diet, as the frying process adds extra fat.

Storage and Reheating

To keep your shrimp at their best, follow these reheating steps:

1. Microwave: Not recommended for best results, but if you must, use a low setting for short intervals.

2. Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place shrimp on a baking sheet, and reheat for about 10 minutes.

3. Skillet: Heat on medium until warmed through, adding a bit of oil for extra crispness.

Customization Ideas

Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences:

• Different sauces: Try using your favorite barbecue sauce mixed with honey for a different twist.

• Serving style: Serve the shrimp on skewers for a fun finger-food option, perfect for parties.

• Toppings: Add toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions for presentation and added flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping the coating: The flour and egg mixture is crucial for that crunch; don’t skip this step.

2. Frying at the wrong temperature: Too hot can burn the shrimp while too cool will make them greasy.

3. Not drying shrimp well: Excess moisture can lead to unwanted splattering and soggy shrimp.

4. Overcrowding the frying pan: This leads to inconsistent cooking, risking a mix of undercooked and overcooked shrimp.

Serving Occasions

This dish fits perfectly into various occasions—family dinners, casual Friday nights, or even festive gatherings like game day. It’s an approachable recipe that can be dressed up for special events or enjoyed as a cozy treat at home.

Why Make This Recipe

What sets Hot Honey Fried Shrimp apart is the delightful blend of spicy and sweet. It manages to balance the richness of fried food with a fresh, zesty glaze, making it unique compared to your typical fried shrimp recipes. This could become a family favorite due to its exciting take on a classic dish while still being easy to whip up!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
   Yes, but make sure they are thoroughly thawed and dried to avoid a soggy coating.

2. Can I make this dish in advance?
   It’s best served fresh, but you can make the hot honey sauce in advance and fry the shrimp just before serving.

3. What type of hot sauce should I use?
   Choose your favorite hot sauce—Frank’s, Sriracha, or any preferred brand works well.

4. Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?
   For a healthier version, you can bake them at 425°F (220°C) until crispy, but the texture will be different.

5. How can I adjust the sweetness?
   If you prefer a less sweet sauce, simply reduce the amount of honey and increase the hot sauce.

Disclaimer:

Nutrition information is approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Always check labels, especially when accommodating dietary restrictions.

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free Option Available

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A delightful combination of crispy fried shrimp coated in a spicy-sweet hot honey glaze, perfect for appetizers or main dishes.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons milk
• Vegetable oil for frying
• ½ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the hot honey sauce by mixing honey, hot sauce, butter, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over medium heat. Heat until the butter melts and everything blends smoothly, then set aside to cool slightly.
2. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
3. In a medium bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.
5. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan or frying pot over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
6. Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, shake off excess, dip into the egg mixture, then back into the flour mixture.
7. Carefully place the shrimp in the hot oil, frying them a few at a time for 2-3 minutes until deep golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
8. Toss the fried shrimp in the prepared hot honey sauce until fully coated.
9. Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

For the best texture, serve the shrimp fresh. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 shrimp
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 150mg