Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that brilliantly balances sweet and spicy flavors with a satisfyingly crispy texture, then Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is about to become your new favorite. This vibrant recipe combines juicy, tender shrimp fried to golden perfection, all coated in a luscious hot honey glaze that dances on the tongue. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner, a party snack, or a fun twist on seafood night, Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is irresistibly delicious and easy to make, showcasing the magic of simple ingredients transformed into a sensational bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The contrast of sweet honey with a spicy kick creates an unforgettable taste experience.
• Perfectly Crispy Texture: The light, crunchy coating seals in the shrimp’s juiciness for every bite.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect even for weeknight meals or last-minute entertaining.
• Versatile Dish: Works beautifully as an appetizer, main, or party finger food.
• Customizable Heat: You can easily adjust the spice level to suit any palate, from mild to fiery.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This hot honey fried shrimp recipe relies on simple, fresh ingredients that each play a crucial role in flavor and texture, elevating the dish into something special without any fuss in the kitchen.

• Fresh Shrimp: Peeled, deveined medium or large shrimp provide the perfect base—juicy and tender.
• Flour and Cornstarch: A combo for the coating ensures the shrimp become ultra-crispy and golden brown.
• Eggs: Bind the coating to the shrimp for a flawless, crunchy crust.
• Hot Honey: The star ingredient blending sweetness and heat for that signature glaze.
• Vegetable Oil: Ideal for frying to achieve that golden, crunchy finish without overpowering flavors.
• Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder): Enhance the shrimp’s natural flavor and the coating’s savory profile.

Variations for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Feel free to get creative and customize your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp to match your dietary needs, ingredient availability, or flavor cravings—this recipe is incredibly forgiving and adaptable.

• Gluten-Free Version: Swap all-purpose flour with rice flour or a gluten-free blend to make it allergy-friendly.
• Extra Crunch: Add panko breadcrumbs to the coating for a crunchier bite.
• Heat Level Boost: Incorporate cayenne pepper or chili flakes into both the batter and honey glaze for a spicier punch.
• Swap Proteins: Use chicken tenders or cauliflower bites as tasty alternatives.
• Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to the honey glaze for a fresh twist.

How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by cleaning and drying your shrimp thoroughly. Removing excess moisture is essential to make sure the coating sticks well and fries to a crisp. Season them lightly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to infuse even more flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In one bowl, whisk eggs to create the wet dip, and in another, mix flour, cornstarch, and your preferred seasonings. The cornstarch is key here because it adds an extra crunch to the fried shrimp.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

Dip each shrimp first into the egg wash, then dredge it in the flour mixture, making sure every inch is coated. Shake off any excess flour to prevent clumping during frying.

Step 4: Fry the Shrimp

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the shrimp in hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each batch until golden and crisp, about 2-3 minutes, then transfer them to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce

While frying shrimp, gently warm the hot honey in a saucepan. If your hot honey isn’t spicy enough, feel free to add a pinch of chili flakes for added heat. Keep it warm and ready for glazing right after frying.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Once shrimp are fried and drained, lightly toss them in the warmed hot honey glaze until thoroughly coated. Serve immediately for the best crispy-sweet-spicy contrast.

Pro Tips for Making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

• Dry Shrimp Thoroughly: Moisture kills crispiness, so pat shrimp dry with a paper towel before coating.
• Control Oil Temperature: Maintaining steady heat around 350°F ensures shrimp cook evenly without absorbing excess oil.
• Use Cornstarch: Incorporating cornstarch in the coating provides that unbeatable crunch.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry shrimp in small batches to keep oil temperature stable and shrimp evenly crispy.
• Serve Immediately: Hot Honey Fried Shrimp tastes best fresh, when the coating is still crispy and the glaze is warm.

How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Garnishes

A sprinkle of finely chopped green onions or fresh cilantro adds brightness and a pop of color that complements the spicy sweetness of the shrimp perfectly. A light dusting of sesame seeds also adds a subtle nuttiness and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, garlic butter rice, or creamy coleslaw. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or crispy fries.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp on skewers for easy eating at parties, or pile them over warm buttered grits or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting feast. You can even turn them into tacos with fresh slaw and an extra drizzle of hot honey sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Keep the hot honey sauce separate to avoid sogginess when storing.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked shrimp by arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring to airtight freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen, but the texture may be slightly less crispy.

Reheating

To bring back crispness, reheat shrimp in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes rather than microwaving, which can make them soggy. Drizzle with warmed hot honey just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw them completely, pat dry, and proceed as usual; removing moisture is key to keeping the coating crispy.

How spicy is Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

The spice level depends on the hot honey you use and how much chili you add, but it generally offers a pleasant, balanced heat that complements the sweetness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can easily substitute the wheat flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch blends to make it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?

Yes, baking at a high temperature can work, though frying achieves a superior crispy texture. Baking is a lighter option but might require a longer cooking time.

How do I make the hot honey sauce from scratch?

Simply mix honey with chili flakes or your favorite hot sauce and warm gently on the stove, adjusting heat to taste before glazing the shrimp.

Final Thoughts

If you want a dish that’s bursting with flavor, crunch, and a little bit of heat, Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is your answer. It’s perfect for sharing, impresses any crowd, and keeps you coming back for just one more bite. Dive in, and enjoy every sweet and spicy moment of this irresistible treat!

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