The Perfect Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe for Spicy Food Lovers

Sizzling hot honey revamps ordinary fried shrimp into an irresistible culinary adventure that blends sweet and spicy sensations.

This delectable dish combines crispy seafood with a golden, sticky glaze that tantalizes taste buds.

Unexpected flavor combinations often create magical moments in the kitchen, sparking excitement for home cooks seeking something extraordinary.

The delicate crunch of perfectly fried seafood meets a luxurious honey drizzle that elevates simple ingredients.

Complex yet approachable, this recipe promises a remarkable balance between heat and sweetness that keeps you coming back for more.

Elegant yet unpretentious, the dish speaks to both adventurous eaters and those who appreciate refined comfort food.

Each bite delivers a symphony of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

What’s in Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Main Ingredients:

• Shrimp: Fresh, large shrimp with sweet ocean flavor, best when deveined and peeled.

• All-Purpose Flour, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: Seasoned coating blend for creating crispy, flavorful exterior with balanced spice profile.

• Buttermilk: Tangy marinade that tenderizes shrimp and helps flour mixture adhere.
• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil perfect for deep frying at high temperatures without overpowering shrimp flavor.

Finishing Ingredients:

• Hot Honey: Spicy-sweet drizzle that adds complex flavor and glossy finish to fried shrimp.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb for visual appeal and fresh herbal note.

How to Make Fried Shrimp Crisp and Sweet

Step 1: Prepare Shrimp Marinade

In a medium bowl, submerge shrimp in buttermilk, ensuring each piece gets completely coated. Let the shrimp rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to absorb flavors.

Step 2: Create Crispy Coating

• Flour
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper

Mix ingredients thoroughly to create a flavorful seasoning mix.

Step 3: Coat Shrimp

Remove each shrimp from buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Roll shrimp in seasoned flour mixture, making sure every inch is covered. Place coated shrimp on a large baking sheet.

Step 4: Heat Cooking Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a large pot, filling about 2 inches deep. Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to heat oil to 350°F.

Step 5: Prepare Draining Station

Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper to drain and hold fried shrimp.

Step 6: Fry Shrimp

Carefully drop coated shrimp into hot oil in small batches. Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Transfer fried shrimp to prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with hot honey and sprinkle fresh parsley. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Tips for Crispy, Spicy Shrimp

• Manage Oil Temperature: Keep oil consistently at 350°F to ensure crispy, evenly cooked shrimp without burning the coating.
• Pat Shrimp Dry: Remove excess moisture from shrimp before marinating to help the buttermilk and flour coating adhere perfectly.
• Space Shrimp Wisely: Fry in small batches to prevent overcrowding, which can lower oil temperature and create soggy results.
• Drain Excess Oil: Let fried shrimp rest on a wire rack or paper towels to allow excess oil to drip off, maintaining a crisp texture.
• Select Fresh Shrimp: Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp with a clean, ocean-like smell for the best flavor and texture in your dish.

Save Fried Shrimp for Later—Here’s How

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store cooled hot honey fried shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days to maintain optimal freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat Method: Revive crispy texture by using an air fryer or oven. Preheat to 375°F, spread shrimp in a single layer, and warm for 3-4 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy breading.
• Freezing Option: Wrap completely cooled shrimp tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating for best quality and taste.

What Goes with Hot Honey Shrimp

• Pair with Zesty Citrus Cocktail: Create a bright, refreshing cocktail with lemon vodka, fresh lime juice, and a touch of sparkling water to cut through the richness of the fried shrimp.
• Match with Cool Cucumber Slaw: Prepare a crisp, tangy cucumber slaw with fresh dill and a light vinaigrette to balance the spicy-sweet hot honey and provide a refreshing contrast to the crispy shrimp.
• Complement with Creamy Garlic Aioli: Whip up a smooth garlic aioli using mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of cayenne to echo the dish's spicy notes and add a creamy dipping element.
• Serve Alongside Crisp White Wine: Choose a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the shrimp's delicate flavor and provide a light, acidic counterpoint to the hot honey's sweetness.

Fried Shrimp with a Flavor Twist

• Spicy Coconut Shrimp Crunch: Replace buttermilk with coconut milk and add shredded coconut to the flour mixture for a tropical flavor profile. Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top after frying for extra texture.
• Cajun Garlic Shrimp Feast: Amp up the seasoning by doubling cayenne and adding Cajun spice blend to the flour coating. Serve with a zesty remoulade sauce for an authentic Louisiana-style experience.
• Mediterranean Herb Shrimp Bites: Incorporate dried oregano, thyme, and lemon zest into the flour mixture. Swap hot honey for a light drizzle of lemon-infused olive oil and fresh chopped parsley.
• Asian-Inspired Crispy Shrimp: Mix panko breadcrumbs with the flour for an extra crispy exterior. Glaze with a sweet chili sauce instead of hot honey and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Fried Shrimp That Brings the Heat

• Savor Spicy-Sweet Perfection: This recipe brilliantly combines crispy fried shrimp with a fiery hot honey glaze, creating a mouthwatering balance of heat and sweetness that will make your taste buds dance.
• Master Quick Gourmet Cooking: With just 15 minutes of marinating and a simple dredging technique, you can transform basic shrimp into a restaurant-quality dish that looks and tastes impressive without requiring professional chef skills.
• Enjoy Textural Wonderland: The buttermilk marinade ensures tender shrimp, while the seasoned flour coating delivers an irresistibly crunchy exterior that provides an exciting contrast with each delightful bite.
• Elevate Casual Dining: Perfect for game days, weekend gatherings, or spontaneous dinner parties, these hot honey fried shrimp turn an ordinary meal into a memorable culinary experience that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe

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4.5 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling hot honey fried shrimp brings Southern coastal charm to your dinner table with crispy, golden-brown seafood glazed in spicy-sweet nectar. Crunchy exterior and tender shrimp promise a delightful culinary adventure that highlights fresh ingredients and bold flavor combinations.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, thawed, peeled, deveined, tail-on

Dry Ingredients for Coating:

• 1 cup (125 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Wet Ingredients and Garnish:

• 1 cup (245 grams) buttermilk
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• ½ cup (170 grams) hot honey (homemade or store-bought)
• Parsley, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare a medium bowl and immerse the shrimp in buttermilk, ensuring each piece is thoroughly saturated. Allow the seafood to marinate at ambient temperature for a minimum of 15 minutes.
2. Create a seasoning mixture by combining flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a separate medium bowl. Thoroughly blend the dry ingredients.
3. Extract each shrimp from the buttermilk marinade, permitting excess liquid to drain. Meticulously coat every shrimp in the seasoned flour mixture, guaranteeing complete and even coverage.
4. Position a large pot on the stovetop and add approximately 2 inches (5 centimeters) of vegetable oil. Utilize a candy or deep-fry thermometer to heat the oil to precisely 350°F (175°C).
5. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for draining the fried shrimp.
6. When the oil reaches the optimal temperature, gently lower the flour-coated shrimp into the hot oil, working in small batches to prevent overcrowding. Fry the shrimp for 2-3 minutes, periodically rotating to ensure uniform golden-brown crispiness.
7. Carefully extract the crispy shrimp using a slotted spoon and transfer them to the parchment-lined baking sheet.
8. Drizzle the hot honey generously over the freshly fried shrimp and sprinkle with chopped parsley as a final garnish. Serve immediately while still piping hot.

Notes

• Marinate shrimp in buttermilk to tenderize and infuse subtle tangy flavor, enhancing overall taste and texture.
• Create a bold, spicy seasoning blend with paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper for maximum flavor complexity.
• Maintain precise oil temperature at 350°F to achieve crispy, golden exterior without absorbing excess oil.
• Fry shrimp in small batches to prevent oil temperature drop and ensure even, crunchy coating.
• Hot honey drizzle adds sweet-spicy finish, transforming classic fried shrimp into a gourmet experience.
• Use parchment-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil and keep fried shrimp crisp before serving.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 476 kcal
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 513 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg