Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances crispy texture with a delightful blend of sweet heat, then this Hot Honey Fried Shrimp recipe is about to become your new favorite! Bursting with crispy, golden shrimp coated in a spicy, honey-glazed sauce, this dish is not only incredibly fast to prepare but also irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, Hot Honey Fried Shrimp will satisfy those taste buds in no time, bringing together sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in a way that’s simply unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Speedy Preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days or last-minute cravings.
• Flavor Explosion: A perfect harmony of crispy, sweet, and spicy flavors that will keep you coming back for more.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples that come together in a snap without fuss.
• Versatility: Easily customizable to suit different spice levels and dietary preferences.
• Impressive Presentation: Looks fancy while being wonderfully easy to make, ideal for guests or family meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, fresh ingredients that combine to create that unforgettable taste and texture. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering the crispy exterior, succulent shrimp, and that irresistible hot honey glaze.

• Shrimp: Peeled and deveined medium-sized shrimp provide the juicy base of the dish.
• Flour: All-purpose flour helps create the crispy coating when frying.
• Cornstarch: Added to the flour to enhance crispiness and help the coating stick better.
• Eggs: Acts as the binding agent to hold the coating on the shrimp.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for frying, ensure it’s neutral-flavored to let the shrimp shine.
• Hot Honey: A unique blend of honey infused with chili or hot pepper creates the signature sweet-heat glaze.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth to the coating mix.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors perfectly.

Variations for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Feel free to tweak this Hot Honey Fried Shrimp recipe to fit your flavor preferences or dietary needs. The dish is wonderfully adaptable, making it easy to switch things up while keeping that crispy, saucy magic alive.

• Spice Level Adjustment: Increase or decrease the chili in the hot honey to suit your heat tolerance.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
• Alternative Proteins: Try using scallops or firm fish fillets for a different seafood twist.
• Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme or cilantro to the batter for a fragrant touch.
• Sticky Sesame Variation: Mix in a little toasted sesame oil with the hot honey glaze for nutty richness.

How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare Your Shrimp

Start with peeled and deveined shrimp, pat them dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy coating that sticks well.

Step 2: Make the Coating

In a bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture will create that perfect crispy shell when fried.

Step 3: Dip and Coat

Beat the eggs in a separate bowl. Dip each shrimp into the egg wash, then dredge it thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure even coverage.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pan, heating it over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C) or is hot enough to sizzle a piece of batter immediately when dropped in.

Step 5: Fry the Shrimp

Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, fry the shrimp until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels to keep them crunchy.

Step 6: Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze

In a small saucepan, gently warm the hot honey over low heat until it’s easily drizzleable, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 7: Toss and Serve

Place the fried shrimp in a large bowl or serving platter, drizzle generously with hot honey, and toss lightly to coat every piece with that irresistible sweet-spicy shine.

Pro Tips for Making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

• Dry Shrimp Well: Patting the shrimp dry before coating helps the batter stick better and results in crunchier shrimp.
• Oil Temperature: Maintain consistent oil heat to avoid soggy or greasy shrimp.
• Batch Frying: Fry in small batches so the oil temperature stays hot and shrimp cook evenly.
• Hot Honey Warmth: Gently warming hot honey makes it pour easier and blends flavors better.
• Serving Fresh: Hot Honey Fried Shrimp tastes best fresh; serve immediately for maximum crunch and flavor.

How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Garnishes

Sprinkle with finely chopped green onions or freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of color and freshness. A squeeze of lime also adds a zesty edge that brightens up every bite.

Side Dishes

Pair your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp with light sides like a crisp garden salad, coleslaw, or steamed jasmine rice. Roasted vegetables or garlic mashed potatoes also complement the flavors nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the shrimp on toasted brioche buns with lettuce and pickles for spicy shrimp sliders. Alternatively, create a vibrant shrimp bowl with avocado, rice, and a drizzle of extra hot honey.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Hot Honey Fried Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Store the shrimp and glaze separately if possible to preserve crispiness.

Freezing

To freeze, lay the fried shrimp on a parchment-lined tray and flash freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. This prevents clumping and helps maintain texture.

Reheating

Reheat shrimp in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes to restore crunch. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp works great; just ensure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before coating and frying for the best results.

How spicy is Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

The heat level depends on the hot honey brand or how much chili you add, but it’s typically a balanced sweet heat – you can easily adjust the spice to your liking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as is, but swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or rice flour makes it a safe and delicious gluten-free option.

Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?

You can bake it at 425°F (220°C) for about 12-15 minutes for a healthier version, though the texture won’t be quite as crispy as frying.

What can I substitute for hot honey?

If you don’t have hot honey, combine regular honey with a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to mimic the sweet-spicy glaze.

Final Thoughts

This Hot Honey Fried Shrimp recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines speed, simplicity, and mouthwatering flavor all in one dish. Whether for a quick solo meal or a sharing platter with friends, the sweet and spicy crispy shrimp will become a go-to in your cooking repertoire. Don’t wait—try making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp tonight and treat yourself to a deliciously addictive experience!

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