Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a delightful dish that combines crispy, golden fried shrimp with a sweet and spicy homemade hot honey sauce. Perfect for any gathering, this dish stands out not only for its flavor but also for its versatility. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or main course, Hot Honey Fried Shrimp will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have this delicious dish ready in no time.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of crispy shrimp and spicy-sweet hot honey creates a unique flavor that’ll tantalize your taste buds.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these shrimp as an appetizer or pair them with sides for a full meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether at a party or family dinner, everyone will love this unique twist on traditional fried shrimp.
• Quick Cooking Time: You can whip up this tasty dish in under 30 minutes!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather the necessary tools and equipment to streamline your preparation. Having everything at hand will make your cooking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Deep-fry thermometer
• Slotted spoon
• Medium bowls
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for deep frying, allowing you to fry multiple shrimp without overcrowding.
• Deep-fry thermometer: Ensures the oil is at the correct temperature for perfectly crispy shrimp.
• Slotted spoon: Helps remove fried shrimp from oil without excess grease, making serving easier.

Ingredients

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is large shrimp, deep-fried until nice and crispy, then tossed in homemade hot honey for a sweet and spicy kick to each bite! Serve as an appetizer with more hot honey for dipping. Or, enjoy the shrimp as the main course with a side dish or two. Any way you serve it, the shrimp will be a hit!

For the Shrimp

• 1 pound large shrimp, (thawed, peeled, deveined, tail-on)
• 1 cup (245 g) buttermilk

For the Coating

• 1 cup (125 g) 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

For Frying and Garnish

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

How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

To a medium bowl, add shrimp. Pour the buttermilk over the shrimp, making sure to coat each one. Marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

To a separate medium bowl, add flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix to combine. Set aside.

Step 3: Dredge the Shrimp

Working one at a time:
1. Remove the shrimp from the marinade.
2. Allow any excess liquid to drip off.
3. Dredge each shrimp generously in the seasoned flour mixture.
4. Place on a large baking sheet and repeat with remaining shrimp.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

To a large pot over medium heat:
1. Add about 2 inches of vegetable oil.
2. Using a candy or deep-fry thermometer, bring oil to 350°F.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

Step 6: Fry the Shrimp

When ready:
1. Tap off any excess flour from coated shrimp.
2. Carefully transfer coated shrimp into hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding.
3. Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and crispy.
(Note: You may need to let oil heat back up after each batch.)

Step 7: Drizzle with Hot Honey

Using a slotted spoon:
1. Remove fried shrimp from oil.
2. Place onto lined baking sheet.
3. Drizzle shrimp with hot honey.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Hot Honey Fried Shrimp!

How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether as an appetizer or a main dish, these crispy shrimp are sure to impress your guests. Here are some creative serving suggestions:

As an Appetizer

• Serve with extra hot honey on the side for dipping to enhance the sweet and spicy flavors.
• Pair with crunchy vegetable sticks like carrots and celery for a refreshing contrast.

As a Main Course

• Serve alongside fluffy rice to soak up all the delicious hot honey drizzled over the shrimp.
• Complement with a zesty coleslaw for a crunchy and tangy side that balances the heat.

On Tacos

• Place the shrimp in soft tortillas and top with avocado slices and shredded cabbage for a flavorful taco twist.
• Drizzle with additional hot honey to amplify the sweetness.

In a Salad

• Toss the shrimp into a fresh salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers for a light meal.
• Add a sprinkle of feta cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

How to Perfect Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Achieving perfectly crispy Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is easy with these tips. Follow them for delicious results every time.

• Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp will taste better than frozen. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry.
• Maintain oil temperature: Keep the oil at 350°F for optimal frying. This ensures the shrimp cook evenly and become crispy.
• Do not overcrowd: Fry shrimp in small batches to prevent lowering the oil temperature, which can lead to soggy shrimp.
• Coat well: Ensure each shrimp is fully coated in flour mix. This creates that delightful crunch you crave.
• Let them rest: Allow fried shrimp to sit on paper towels briefly after frying to remove excess oil before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Pairing side dishes with Hot Honey Fried Shrimp can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes flavored with garlic make for a comforting side that complements spicy shrimp.
2. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter adds a classic touch and balances out heat beautifully.
3. Fried Rice: Flavored fried rice packed with vegetables offers a deliciously satisfying combination alongside fried shrimp.
4. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries add sweetness and texture that pairs wonderfully with hot honey flavors.
5. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly grilled asparagus provides a fresh element that counteracts the richness of fried foods.
6. Macaroni Salad: A creamy macaroni salad gives a cool contrast and works well as a side dish for gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the marinade: Not marinating the shrimp in buttermilk can lead to less flavorful and tender shrimp. Always allow at least 15 minutes for maximum flavor.
• Overcrowding the fryer: Frying too many shrimp at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy shrimp. Fry in batches to maintain crispiness.
• Inconsistent coating: Failing to coat each shrimp evenly in flour can create uneven textures. Ensure each shrimp is completely covered for consistent crunch.
• Not checking oil temperature: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the shrimp will absorb excess oil instead of frying properly. Use a thermometer to keep it at 350°F.
• Neglecting extra hot honey: Skipping the drizzle of hot honey after frying misses out on that essential sweet-spicy kick. Always add it just before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Hot Honey Fried Shrimp in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

• Place cooled fried shrimp in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can last up to 2 months in the freezer without losing quality.

Reheating Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and place shrimp on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-12 minutes until crispy again.
• Microwave: This method is quick but may result in softer shrimp. Heat on medium power for 1 minute, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, reheat with a bit of oil until crispy, about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a delicious dish featuring large, crispy fried shrimp tossed in sweet and spicy hot honey. It’s perfect as an appetizer or main course.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure they are thoroughly thawed and patted dry before marinating and frying for best results.

How can I customize my Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

You can customize this dish by adding different spices to the flour mixture or using flavored hot honey. Consider toppings like sesame seeds or green onions for extra flair.

What should I serve with Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp pairs well with coleslaw, rice, or even a fresh salad. You can also serve extra hot honey on the side for dipping!

Final Thoughts

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is not only a crowd-pleaser but also versatile enough for various occasions. Whether as an appetizer or main dish, this recipe allows for customization based on your taste preferences. Try it today and experience the delightful blend of flavors!