Sizzling Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe: Crispy Coastal Magic

Sizzling hot honey fried shrimp dance on the plate, bringing together a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors that’ll make your taste buds sing.

This recipe combines crispy, golden-brown shrimp with a delectable hot honey glaze that adds a delightful kick.

Each succulent bite delivers a tantalizing contrast of crunchy exterior and tender seafood.

The secret lies in the carefully balanced marinade and perfectly timed frying technique.

Bold spices and a touch of sweetness create an irresistible combination that turns a simple seafood dish into a restaurant-worthy meal.

Quick to make and impossible to resist, these shrimp will become your new go-to recipe for an impressive dinner that takes minimal effort.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to elevate your cooking game with this mouthwatering hot honey sensation.

Ingredients for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

• Buttermilk: Tenderizes shrimp and adds tangy richness, choose full-fat version for best results.
• Shrimp: Select fresh, deveined jumbo or large shrimp with firm texture and sweet ocean aroma.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates crispy golden exterior, ensure fresh and finely ground.
• Paprika: Adds warm, slightly sweet color and depth, opt for sweet or smoked varieties.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated savory essence, choose pure without anti-caking agents.
• Onion Powder: Provides subtle aromatic background, select fine-ground for even distribution.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall flavor, use coarse-grain for better seasoning control.
• Black Pepper: Introduces mild heat and sharpness, freshly ground delivers maximum punch.
• Cayenne Pepper: Contributes spicy kick, adjust quantity based on heat tolerance.

• Vegetable Oil: Ensures high-heat cooking and crisp texture, use neutral-flavored oil.
• Hot Honey: Brings sweet-spicy glaze, select local artisan or premium branded versions.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides bright, fresh garnish, choose vibrant green leaves without wilting.

Cooking Tools for Hot Honey Shrimp

• Medium bowls: Two for marinating shrimp and mixing dry ingredients.
• Large pot: For deep-frying shrimp with enough oil.
• Candy or deep-fry thermometer: Ensures precise oil temperature.
• Large baking sheet: To coat shrimp and drain after frying.
• Parchment paper: Prevents shrimp from sticking when draining.
• Slotted spoon: Helps remove shrimp from hot oil safely.
• Measuring spoons: For accurate seasoning amounts.

How to Fry Shrimp with Hot Honey Sauce

• Shrimp Preparation

Bathe fresh shrimp in tangy buttermilk, allowing each piece to soak up rich flavor for about 15 minutes at room temperature.

• Flavor Coating

Create a zesty spice blend mixing flour with aromatic seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, and a hint of cayenne for a flavor punch.

• Dredging Magic

Gently coat each buttermilk-soaked shrimp in the spice mixture, ensuring every curve gets a generous flavor hug.

• Oil Heating

Warm vegetable oil in a deep pot until it reaches a perfect golden-crisp temperature around 350°F.

• Crispy Transformation

Carefully lower shrimp into the sizzling oil, dancing them around until they turn a gorgeous amber color with a delightful crunch.

• Final Touch

Rescue the golden beauties from the oil, then drizzle with spicy honey and sprinkle fresh herbs for a restaurant-worthy finish.

Tips to Get That Crispy Honey Coating Just Right

• Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby when deep-frying to prevent potential kitchen accidents and ensure quick response to unexpected flare-ups.
• Pat shrimp completely dry before buttermilk marinade to help seasoned flour adhere better and create an extra crispy exterior with maximum flavor retention.
• Maintain consistent oil temperature between 350-375°F for perfectly golden, crispy shrimp without greasy residue; use a digital thermometer for precise monitoring.
• Experiment with different spice blends like Cajun seasoning, curry powder, or smoked paprika to customize the shrimp's flavor profile and add exciting regional twists.
• Prepare seasoned flour mixture and marinate shrimp up to 24 hours in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator to streamline meal preparation and enhance flavor development.

How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

• Pair with Zesty Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick tangy remoulade or spicy aioli that complements the crispy shrimp's heat and sweetness.
• Create Seafood Platter Paradise: Arrange the hot honey shrimp alongside crispy french fries, coleslaw, and lemon wedges for a classic Southern-style seafood feast.
• Transform into Appetizer Delight: Serve the shrimp on small skewers or atop toasted crostini for an elegant party starter that will impress guests with bold flavors.
• Build a Fresh Salad Base: Scatter the golden shrimp over a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber for a light, protein-packed meal with a crunchy twist.

Saving and Reheating Hot Honey Shrimp

• Batch Prep Brilliance: Make extra shrimp during your cooking session and store in airtight containers for quick future meals. Perfectly portioned batches save time and reduce weeknight cooking stress.
• Refrigerate Right: Store leftover fried shrimp in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Place in a shallow container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain crispiness and prevent sogginess.
• Reheat Wisely: Revive cold shrimp in a preheated oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to keep the crispy coating crunchy and delicious.
• Freeze for Later: Uncooked breaded shrimp can be frozen flat on a baking sheet, then transferred to freezer bags. Keep frozen for up to 1 month, allowing spontaneous crispy shrimp cravings anytime.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 460 kcal

Servings: 5

Sizzling Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent hot honey fried shrimp bring Southern comfort and spicy-sweet perfection to seafood lovers. Crispy golden coating and zesty honey glaze create an irresistible meal that satisfies spice cravings with remarkable flavor complexity.

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Ingredients

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• ½ cup (170 g) hot honey (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 lb (454 g) large shrimp, thawed, peeled, deveined, tail-on
• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (245 g) buttermilk
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• Parsley, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

1. Marinate: Submerge shrimp in buttermilk, allowing seafood to absorb flavors at room temperature for 15 minutes.
2. Prepare Seasoning: Whisk flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper into a uniform coating mixture.
3. Coat Shrimp: Drain shrimp from buttermilk, then meticulously dredge each piece in seasoned flour, ensuring complete and even coverage.
4. Heat Oil: Position large pot on stovetop, fill with vegetable oil to 2-inch depth. Use deep-fry thermometer to heat oil to precisely 350°F, maintaining consistent temperature.
5. Fry Technique: Carefully lower flour-coated shrimp into hot oil in small batches, preventing overcrowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes, rotating to achieve uniform golden-brown exterior and crispy texture.
6. Drain and Finish: Transfer crispy shrimp to parchment-lined baking sheet using slotted spoon. Generously drizzle hot honey over fried shrimp and sprinkle with chopped parsley for vibrant garnish. Serve immediately while piping hot and supremely crisp.

Notes

• Marinate Strategically: Buttermilk bath helps tenderize shrimp and adds subtle tangy flavor, so don’t skip the 15-minute resting period.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep oil consistently at 350°F to ensure crispy exterior without greasy texture; use a thermometer for precision.
• Batch Frying Matters: Work in small groups to prevent oil temperature drop and guarantee even, golden-brown coating on each shrimp.
• Serve Immediately: Hot honey and crispy shrimp are best enjoyed right after cooking to preserve maximum crunchiness and flavor intensity.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 170 mg