If you love the perfect balance of sweet heat and crispy, juicy seafood, you are going to be absolutely obsessed with this Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe. It brings together succulent shrimp, coated in a crunchy golden crust and drizzled with a sticky, spicy honey glaze that hits all the right flavor notes. Whether you’re whipping it up for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing friends at your next gathering, this dish delivers bold, irresistible taste with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in a handful of simple, straightforward ingredients that work beautifully together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each one plays a crucial role—from seasoning the shrimp perfectly to giving it that crispy coating and finishing it off with an addictive sweet-and-spicy glaze.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the dish, plump and juicy shrimp deliver tender seafood goodness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory depth without overwhelming the shrimp.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smoky warmth that elevates the flavor.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all other ingredients.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: Creates the initial coating that helps the batter stick.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Keeps the shrimp moist and tangy and helps the panko breadcrumbs adhere.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: Provides that signature crunchy, airy crust.
- Vegetable oil, for frying: Vital for achieving a crispy, golden-brown finish.
- â…“ cup honey: The sweet base for the glaze that perfectly contrasts the heat.
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste): Adds a fiery kick customized to your spice preference.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Makes the glaze rich and glossy.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For an extra layer of heat and texture.
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar: Adds a hint of acidity to balance the sweetness.
How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Begin by patting your shrimp dry to ensure that the coating sticks properly. Season them evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This seasoning blend infuses the shrimp with loads of flavor while still letting their natural sweetness shine through.
Step 2: Prepare the Dredging Stations
Set up three separate bowls to make the breading process smooth and efficient. Put the flour in the first bowl, the buttermilk in the second, and the panko breadcrumbs in the third. This classic three-step dredging technique guarantees a flawlessly crisp crust that stays put during frying.
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
One by one, dredge each shrimp first in flour, then dip it in the buttermilk, and finally coat it generously with panko breadcrumbs. Lay the coated shrimp out on a tray. This triple layer seals in moisture and creates that crave-worthy crunch everyone loves.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and cause sogginess. Fry each batch for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn golden brown and irresistibly crispy. Transfer them to paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar. Gently simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until everything melts and melds into a smooth, glossy glaze. This sauce is the heart of the Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe, delivering the perfect balance of sweetness and heat.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
Drizzle the hot honey glaze directly over the freshly fried shrimp or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce for that dramatic wow factor. Either way, this finishing touch ties the whole dish together and makes it absolutely unforgettable.
How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes take your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe to the next level, adding a pop of color and brightness. Try topping with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, a squeeze of lime juice, or finely sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich, crispy shrimp.
Side Dishes
Pair your shrimp with simple sides that complement rather than overpower the bold flavors. Crisp coleslaw, a light cucumber salad, or fluffy jasmine rice are wonderful options that bring balance and round out the meal with textures and flavors that play beautifully together.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe as part of a sharable platter with dipping sauces like ranch or spicy aioli. Alternatively, pile the shrimp atop a bed of greens, or stuff them into soft slider buns for delightful shrimp sandwiches that burst with flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the fried shrimp and glaze separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. This prevents the shrimp from becoming soggy and keeps the flavors fresh and vibrant.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the fried shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month. Freeze the hot honey glaze separately in an airtight container.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to retain their crunch without drying out, then drizzle with reheated glaze. Avoid microwaving to keep the delicious crispy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and breading so they fry up crispy rather than soggy.
How can I adjust the heat level?
You can easily control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes in the glaze. Feel free to add more for extra kick or reduce for a milder version.
Is there a substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, a quick substitute is regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, left to sit for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
What oil is best for frying shrimp?
Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil to get that perfect crisp without imparting unwanted flavors.
Can I make the hot honey glaze ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the glaze ahead and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Simply warm it gently before serving to restore its smooth consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe is pure joy on a plate—crispy, flavorful shrimp with a fabulous sticky glaze that makes you want to eat it by the dozen. It’s perfect for any occasion when you crave a little sweet heat and crunchy comfort in one bite. Give it a try soon, and get ready for rave reviews from everyone lucky enough to dig in!
Print
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A deliciously crispy fried shrimp recipe tossed in a spicy-sweet hot honey glaze. Perfectly seasoned shrimp are dredged in flour, buttermilk, and panko breadcrumbs before being deep-fried to golden perfection. The shrimp are then coated in a luscious hot honey sauce made from honey, hot sauce, butter, and a touch of vinegar and red pepper flakes, creating a harmonious balance of heat and sweetness.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Hot Honey Glaze
- â…“ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season them evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to enhance their flavor.
- Prepare Dredging Stations: Set up three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with buttermilk, and the last with panko breadcrumbs to create a crispy coating.
- Coat the Shrimp: Dredge each shrimp first in the flour, then dip it into the buttermilk, and finally coat it thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs. Place the breaded shrimp on a tray to keep them ready for frying.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot and heat it to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s hot enough to fry the shrimp properly without absorbing excess oil.
- Fry the Shrimp: Working in batches, carefully fry the shrimp for 2-3 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Hot Honey Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer over medium heat while stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and the butter is fully melted. Remove from heat.
- Serve: Drizzle the warm hot honey glaze over the fried shrimp or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Use a deep thermometer to maintain correct oil temperature for perfectly crispy shrimp.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crispier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Serve immediately for the best texture before the coating softens.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
