Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe

There’s something magical about the combination of sweet and spicy flavors, and this Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is the ultimate proof! Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and drizzled with hot honey goodness, these shrimp make the perfect appetizer or main course that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re making these for a special occasion or a quick weeknight treat, they’ll bring a touch of indulgence and excitement to your table!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy & Crunchy: The combination of cornmeal and flour creates an irresistibly crispy coating.
• Sweet & Spicy: Drizzled in a mouthwatering mix of honey and hot sauce, this shrimp is anything but boring!
• Quick to Make: With only 15 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, you’ll have this dish on the table in no time.
• Versatile: Serve it as an appetizer, main dish, or even top it over a fresh salad for a delightful crunch.

The Taste of Hot Honey Shrimp

Expect a burst of flavor with every bite! The crispy coating brings a savory crunch, while the hot honey drizzle introduces a balance of sweetness and spice that’s simply addictive. The touch of cayenne pepper adds just enough heat to keep things exciting, without overpowering the dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• 1 cup (240g) cornmeal
• 2 tbsp hot sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Necessary Tools:

• Large bowl for marinating
• Mixing bowl for coating mixture
• Large skillet or deep fryer
• Tongs or slotted spoon
• Paper towels for draining

Possible Ingredient Substitutions

• No buttermilk? You can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
• Spice variation: Adjust the cayenne to your heat preference or omit entirely for a milder version.
• Gluten-free option: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and make sure your cornmeal is certified gluten-free.

How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the shrimp: In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce together. Add the shrimp to the bowl, making sure they are well-coated, and let them marinate for 15 minutes. This helps tenderize the shrimp and adds flavor!
2. Prepare the coating: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat the oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be hot enough so the shrimp fry quickly and become golden.
4. Coat the shrimp: Dredge the marinated shrimp in the flour mixture, ensuring each one is evenly coated.
5. Fry the shrimp: Carefully place the coated shrimp in the hot oil, frying in batches. Cook each batch for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Drain them on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up excess oil.
6. Drizzle with honey: While the shrimp are still hot, drizzle the honey over them and gently toss to ensure each piece is coated with that sweet, sticky goodness.

What to Serve with Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and sauces. Here are a few ideas:

• Lemon wedges for a zesty kick
• Garlic aioli or your favorite dipping sauce
• Coleslaw for a refreshing, crunchy contrast
• Cornbread to soak up the extra honey and hot sauce
• Crisp green salad for a lighter accompaniment

Tips for the Best Fried Shrimp

• Pat the shrimp dry: Before marinating, make sure your shrimp are patted dry with a paper towel to ensure the coating sticks better.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the shrimp in batches so they cook evenly and stay crispy.
• Honey drizzle: Drizzle the honey as soon as the shrimp are out of the fryer for maximum absorption and flavor!

Storing Leftover Shrimp

If you have any leftovers (though I doubt you will!), you can store the shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat and retain some crispiness, place them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the shrimp a few hours in advance, but I recommend frying them fresh to keep them crispy.

What other proteins can I use instead of shrimp?
This recipe works great with chicken tenders or even fish like catfish or tilapia.

How spicy is this dish?
The heat level is customizable. If you like it mild, skip the cayenne pepper. If you want it extra spicy, feel free to add more!

Conclusion

There you have it—Hot Honey Fried Shrimp that’s crispy, sweet, and spicy all at once! It’s an irresistible dish that’s quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving this at your next party or enjoying a cozy night in, this shrimp will surely impress.

If you try this recipe, leave a comment or share a photo on Pinterest—I’d love to see your creations! You can find more of my recipes on my Pinterest page here.

Craving More Shrimp Recipes?

• Try these Grilled Shrimp Caesar Wraps for a light, zesty meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
• If you love savory and garlicky flavors, these Garlic Butter Shrimp with Sautéed Spinach will be your new favorite go-to.
• Want something quick and satisfying? Check out the Grilled Shrimp Caesar Wraps for a refreshing and flavorful twist on a classic!

Nutrition Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 7g

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