Hot Honey Fried Shrimp combines crispy, deep-fried shrimp with a sweet and spicy homemade hot honey drizzle. This dish brings bold flavors with its perfect balance of heat and sweetness, making it an irresistible appetizer or main course. Serve it on its own or pair with side dishes, and enjoy a truly memorable seafood experience.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, thawed, peeled, deveined, tail-on

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• 1/2 tsp kosher salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

• Vegetable oil, for frying

• 1/2 cup hot honey (homemade or store-bought)

• Chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Marinate the Shrimp: Place the shrimp in a medium bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Let them marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes.

2. Prepare the Flour Coating: In a separate bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper.

3. Coat the Shrimp: Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, letting any excess liquid drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the seasoned flour mixture and set them on a large baking sheet.

4. Fry the Shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat to 350°F. Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan. After frying, place the shrimp on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

5. Drizzle with Hot Honey: Once all the shrimp are fried, drizzle them with hot honey and garnish with parsley.

6. Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy, sweet, and spicy shrimp!

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 904 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 60g

• Protein: 40g

• Fat: 58g

• Cholesterol: 320mg

• Sodium: 1100mg

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 34g

The Appeal of Fried Shrimp

Fried shrimp is a beloved dish around the world, known for its crispy texture and succulent, tender shrimp. When prepared properly, fried shrimp offers the perfect crunch on the outside while remaining juicy and flavorful on the inside. The secret to perfect fried shrimp lies in the coating and the frying process. The seasoned flour coating in this recipe creates a golden, crispy exterior that pairs beautifully with the shrimp’s natural sweetness and delicate flavor. When combined with the hot honey drizzle, fried shrimp becomes a delicious explosion of textures and flavors, making it a standout dish that can be enjoyed any time.

The Hot Honey Drizzle

One of the defining features of this dish is the hot honey drizzle. Hot honey, which is honey infused with chili peppers or hot sauce, adds a sweet and spicy element to the fried shrimp. The sweetness of the honey balances the heat from the peppers, creating a flavor combination that is both bold and addictive. This drizzle not only elevates the flavor of the shrimp but also provides a beautiful glossy finish that makes the dish visually appealing. Whether you make your own hot honey or use a store-bought version, the drizzle is the perfect complement to the crispy shrimp, giving it an extra layer of complexity.

Choosing the Right Shrimp

The shrimp used in Hot Honey Fried Shrimp should be large, thawed, peeled, and deveined with the tails on for an elegant presentation. Large shrimp are ideal for frying because they retain their juicy texture and are substantial enough to hold up to the coating and frying process. The tails are left on to add a touch of sophistication and make the shrimp easier to handle when serving. Be sure to thoroughly dry the shrimp after thawing them, as excess moisture can affect the batter’s ability to stick and the shrimp’s ability to fry properly. The buttermilk marinade ensures that the shrimp remain tender and juicy, enhancing their overall flavor and texture.

The Flour Coating

The seasoned flour coating is a crucial component of this dish. The mixture of flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper creates a flavorful crust that adds both depth and heat to the shrimp. Paprika gives a subtle smokiness, garlic and onion powder provide savory notes, and cayenne pepper adds a touch of heat. The flour coating helps the shrimp stay crispy after frying, ensuring that each bite is crunchy and flavorful. The buttermilk marinade also helps the flour mixture adhere to the shrimp, creating a perfectly coated, golden-brown crust when fried.

Frying the Shrimp

Frying the shrimp is a crucial step in this recipe. The key to perfectly fried shrimp is maintaining the right temperature of the oil. Vegetable oil should be heated to around 350°F (175°C) to ensure that the shrimp fry evenly and develop that crispy, golden exterior. It’s important to fry the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy shrimp. Frying for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown is the sweet spot, allowing the shrimp to cook through while achieving the perfect crunch. Once fried, place the shrimp on a parchment-lined baking sheet to help drain any excess oil.

Serving Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Once all the shrimp are fried, it’s time to drizzle them with the hot honey. The hot honey should be applied just before serving to ensure it stays warm and adds the perfect amount of sweetness and heat. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness that complements the richness of the shrimp and the hot honey. This dish is best served immediately while the shrimp is still warm and crispy, allowing you to enjoy the full texture and flavor profile.

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp can be served on its own as a decadent appetizer or paired with various sides. For a lighter meal, serve it with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or a tangy slaw. For a heartier meal, pair it with rice, mashed potatoes, or even fries for a satisfying, well-rounded dish.

Nutritional Profile of Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a flavorful and indulgent dish, and while it’s not low in calories or fat, it provides a satisfying meal packed with protein. Each serving contains 40 grams of protein, which is excellent for muscle repair and overall health. The dish also provides a good amount of carbohydrates (60g) from the coating and shrimp, as well as fiber (3g) from the shrimp and any accompanying vegetables or side dishes. With 58 grams of fat, it is a rich dish, and the high fat content comes from the frying process. However, this provides a satisfying meal that can fuel you for hours.

The 34 grams of sugar per serving come primarily from the hot honey drizzle, adding sweetness to balance the heat. The dish also contains 320mg of cholesterol and 1,100mg of sodium, which should be taken into account if you’re watching your intake of these nutrients. While this dish is indulgent, the shrimp offers essential nutrients like protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.

Customization Options

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a versatile dish that can be easily customized. If you prefer less heat, simply reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or opt for a milder hot honey. For those who enjoy a bit more spice, you can increase the cayenne or use a hotter variety of hot honey. You can also experiment with different spices in the flour coating, such as smoked paprika for a deeper smokiness or chili powder for an extra layer of heat. Additionally, feel free to add different garnishes such as lime wedges, green onions, or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to add a zesty contrast to the sweet and spicy shrimp.

Conclusion

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a perfect combination of crispy, golden shrimp with a spicy-sweet hot honey drizzle that is sure to impress anyone who tries it. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or a main dish, the balance of heat and sweetness makes it an irresistible option for seafood lovers. The crispy shrimp, savory seasoning, and tangy honey drizzle come together to create a unique and memorable dining experience. Perfect for any occasion, Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a flavorful, indulgent treat that brings bold flavors to the table and guarantees a satisfying seafood experience.