Crispy Hot Honey Fried Shrimp: Tangy Bliss Recipe

Crispy hot honey fried shrimp brings a delightful dance of flavors that will make your taste buds sing with excitement.

Succulent seafood meets golden-brown crunch in this mouthwatering dish.

Southern coastal kitchens inspired this incredible recipe that blends heat and sweetness perfectly.

Carefully selected ingredients create a symphony of taste that feels both familiar and exotic.

Drizzling warm honey over perfectly fried shrimp adds a luxurious touch to this simple yet spectacular meal.

Freshness meets indulgence in every single bite of this culinary masterpiece.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this irresistible plate of pure deliciousness.

Ingredients for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Main Ingredients:

Shrimp: Succulent seafood that serves as the star of this crispy dish.

Hot Honey: Sweet and spicy condiment that creates a delicious glaze.

• Flour, Cornstarch: Creates a light and crispy exterior coating.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides extra crunch and texture.
• Eggs, Buttermilk: Helps breading stick and adds richness.

• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Adds depth and traditional seasoning.
• Butter, Soy Sauce, Chili Flakes: Builds complex flavor in the hot honey glaze.

• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Adds visual appeal and fresh finish.

How to Fry Crispy Hot Honey Shrimp

Step 1: Prep the Ocean Treasure

Grab your shrimp and gently pat them completely dry using paper towels.

Make sure each shrimp is moisture-free for the ultimate crispy coating.

Step 2: Create Magical Breading Bowls

Set up three separate bowls for your flavor adventure:

• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

• Eggs
• Buttermilk

• Panko breadcrumbs

Step 3: Dress the Shrimp in Delicious Armor

Carefully dunk each shrimp first into the flour mixture, ensuring complete coverage.

Next, bathe it in the egg mixture, then roll generously in panko breadcrumbs.

Press gently to help coating stick perfectly.

Step 4: Prepare Hot Oil Bath

Select a deep heavy-bottomed pan and pour vegetable or canola oil about two inches deep.

Heat oil until it reaches a sizzling 350°F using a kitchen thermometer.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Gently slide breaded shrimp into hot oil.

Cook in small batches for 2-3 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Remove with a slotted spoon and let excess oil drip on a wire rack.

Step 6: Craft Spicy Honey Glaze

In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat.

• Hot honey
• Soy sauce
• Red chili flakes

Whisk until ingredients blend into a glossy, tantalizing sauce.

Step 7: Coat with Flavor Magic

Transfer crispy shrimp into the hot honey glaze.

Toss gently until each piece is beautifully glazed and glistening.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Tips for Getting That Sweet-Spicy Crunch Just Right

• Pat shrimp completely dry to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy breading.
• Use a thermometer to keep oil consistently at 350°F for perfectly crisp, golden-brown shrimp without burning.
• Fry shrimp in small batches to maintain oil temperature and prevent steaming instead of frying.
• Adjust chili flakes in the hot honey glaze to match your personal heat tolerance, creating a custom flavor profile.
• Serve immediately after glazing to preserve the crispy texture and enjoy the shrimp at peak deliciousness.

How to Store and Reheat Hot Honey Shrimp

• Store leftover crispy hot honey fried shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days to maintain food safety and quality.
• Wrap shrimp individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 1 month to preserve texture and flavor.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes, turning once to restore crispiness. Drizzle extra hot honey glaze before serving to revive moisture.
• Place shrimp in air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, shaking basket halfway through to ensure even heating and maintain original crunchiness.

Dips and Sides for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the shrimp's richness and complement the spicy-sweet glaze.
• Serve with Fresh Citrus Slaw: Create a tangy, crunchy cabbage slaw with lime juice, cilantro, and orange zest to balance the hot honey's heat and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Craft Cool Ginger Cocktail: Mix vodka, fresh ginger juice, lime, and a touch of honey to echo the recipe's flavor profile while cooling down the spicy notes.
• Add Creamy Avocado Dip: Blend ripe avocados with Greek yogurt, lime, and a hint of chili powder to create a smooth, cooling accompaniment that neutralizes the dish's intense flavors.

Fun Variations on Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

• Gluten-Free Crispy Shrimp: Replace wheat flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour, rice flour, or gluten-free breadcrumbs for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond meal, using a keto-friendly sweetener in the honey glaze to maintain crispy texture and flavor profile.
• Air Fryer Method: Skip deep-frying by cooking shrimp in an air fryer at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, achieving similar crispiness with significantly less oil and reduced calories.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute buttermilk with coconut milk or almond milk, and use plant-based butter alternative in the glaze to accommodate dairy-free dietary needs.

FAQs

• Why use buttermilk in the egg mixture?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the shrimp and creates a more flavorful, creamy coating that helps the breading stick better, resulting in an extra crispy exterior.

• Can I use regular honey instead of hot honey?

Yes, but add some chili flakes or hot sauce to create that spicy kick. Regular honey will make the dish sweeter and less spicy.

• What's the best way to get the crispiest shrimp?

Pat the shrimp completely dry before breading, maintain oil temperature at 350°F, and don’t overcrowd the pan. Each shrimp needs space to fry evenly and become golden and crisp.

• How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp will turn pink and opaque, with a golden brown breading. They should take only 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking makes them tough and rubbery.

Why Crispy Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Is Sweet and Spicy Perfection

• Experience a flavor explosion with this crispy, sweet, and spicy shrimp that transforms a simple seafood dish into a gourmet delight.
• The straightforward breading process and quick cooking method make this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to kitchen pros.
• Impress guests with restaurant-quality shrimp that's perfect for gatherings, game nights, or casual dinner parties with its irresistible combination of crunch and glaze.
• Minimal ingredients and fast cooking ensure you can whip up a mouthwatering meal in minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous cooking adventures.

Crispy Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy hot honey fried shrimp brings sizzling Southern charm to seafood lovers’ tables, combining golden-brown crunch with a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Drizzled with locally sourced honey and chili flakes, these shrimp promise a mouthwatering experience that will delight you from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup buttermilk

Coating Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce and Garnish Ingredients:

• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1/4 cup hot honey
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

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Instructions

1. Meticulously blot excess moisture from shrimp using clean kitchen towels to ensure optimal crispiness.
2. Construct three distinct seasoning zones: first, blend flour with cornstarch and aromatic spices; second, whisk eggs and buttermilk into a smooth liquid; third, spread panko breadcrumbs for final coating.
3. Transform each shrimp by first dusting with seasoned flour mixture, submerging in egg wash, then thoroughly encasing with crispy breadcrumbs.
4. Prepare oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet, heating to precisely 350°F for perfect golden frying conditions.
5. Carefully lower breaded shrimp into hot oil, cooking in small batches to maintain temperature, rotating once until exterior achieves a rich amber-brown color, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
6. Craft a luxurious glaze by gently melting butter, incorporating hot honey, umami-rich soy sauce, and fiery chili flakes into a harmonious sauce.
7. Delicately enrobe freshly fried shrimp in the glossy, spicy-sweet honey mixture, ensuring each piece receives an even, tantalizing coating.
8. Elevate presentation by scattering toasted sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions, serving immediately to preserve maximum crunch and temperature.

Notes

• Ensure shrimp are completely dry before breading to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent soggy coating.
• Use room temperature eggs and buttermilk for better adherence of breading and smoother coating process.
• For gluten-free version, substitute wheat flour with rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
• Control oil temperature carefully between 350-375°F to prevent burning and maintain perfect golden-brown exterior while keeping shrimp tender inside.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg