Hot Honey Fried Shrimp: A Sweet and Spicy Seafood Treat

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with our Hot Honey Fried Shrimp! This dish features crispy, golden-brown shrimp drizzled with a luscious hot honey sauce that perfectly balances sweet and spicy flavors. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a main course, or a party snack, these shrimp are sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into this irresistible combination of crunch and heat!

Ingredients

For the Fried Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Directions

1. Marinate the Shrimp:
   • Place the shrimp in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them, ensuring they are fully coated. Let them marinate for 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator.
2. Prepare the Coating:
   • In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the Shrimp:
   • Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating. Set the coated shrimp on a plate.
4. Fry the Shrimp:
   • Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
5. Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
   • In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, butter, red pepper flakes (if using), and apple cider vinegar. Heat over low heat, stirring until the butter is melted and the sauce is well combined. Remove from heat.
6. Serve:
   • Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the fried shrimp or toss them in the sauce for a more intense flavor. Serve immediately, garnished with extra red pepper flakes or fresh herbs if desired.

How to Prepare

The secret to crispy fried shrimp lies in the cornstarch and flour combination, which creates a light and crunchy coating. The hot honey sauce adds a perfect blend of sweetness and spice that takes this dish to the next level. Serve these shrimp as an appetizer with dipping sauces or alongside a fresh salad or coleslaw for a satisfying meal.

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes

Servings

This recipe serves 4 people.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just be sure to thaw and pat them dry before marinating.
• What can I serve with hot honey fried shrimp? These shrimp pair wonderfully with coleslaw, potato salad, or a simple green salad. They’re also great with fries or cornbread.
• Can I make this dish ahead of time? The shrimp are best served fresh, but you can make the hot honey sauce ahead and reheat it before serving.
• How do I adjust the spice level? Control the heat by adjusting the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes in the honey sauce.
• Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying? Yes, you can bake the coated shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are crispy and cooked through.