Name: Sweet and Spicy Honey Fried Shrimp That You’ll Crave
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Large Shrimp (Peeled, deveined, and tail-on); 1 cup Buttermilk (Can use homemade); 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (Can substitute with self-rising flour); 1 tsp Paprika; 1 tsp Garlic Powder; 1 tsp Onion Powder; 1 tsp Kosher Salt; 1/2 tsp Black Pepper; 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper (Adjust to preference); 2 cups Vegetable Oil (Heated to 350°F); 1/2 cup Hot Honey (Homemade or store-bought); Parsley (Optional garnish)

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The rich aroma of crisp, golden shrimp sizzling in hot oil fills my kitchen, instantly transporting me to my favorite seafood joint. This is the magic of the Crispy Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, where the crunch of each perfectly fried morsel is just the beginning of your culinary journey. Coated in a seasoned flour mixture and finished off with a homemade hot honey sauce, this recipe transforms an ordinary meal into a flavorful celebration. Not only is it quick to whip up, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or surprise guests, but it’s also sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or a main dish, each bite promises a delightful blend of sweetness and heat that’s hard to resist. So, are you ready to impress your friends and family with this mouthwatering dish? Let’s get started!

What makes this shrimp recipe irresistible?

Crispy Texture: Each shrimp is perfectly fried, creating a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with a tender interior.
Sweet and Spicy: The homemade hot honey brings an addictive flavor that balances sweetness and heat, making it unlike any standard seafood dish.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just a matter of minutes, these shrimp are perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Crowd Favorite: Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, their stunning presentation and mouthwatering taste guarantee they’ll be a hit at your next gathering—just like our Spicy Honey Pepper chicken or Garlic Shrimp Over mashed potatoes.
Versatile Options: From varying the hot honey to experimenting with different seasonings, you can always keep the recipe fresh and exciting!
Easy Cleanup: Frying in a controlled space reduces mess, making this dish not just delicious but simple to clean up afterward.

Honey Fried Shrimp Ingredients

Explore the essential components for making delectable honey fried shrimp!

For the Shrimp

Large Shrimp – Use peeled, deveined, and tail-on shrimp for easy handling and a satisfying bite.
Buttermilk – Helps tenderize the shrimp while adding a tangy flavor; homemade buttermilk works well, too.

For the Coating

All-Purpose Flour – Creates a crispy coating; you can substitute with self-rising flour but it’s not necessary.
Paprika – Adds a beautiful color and mild smokiness to the coating.
Garlic Powder – Enhances the shrimp’s flavor with its aromatic depth.
Onion Powder – Provides savory notes for a more complex taste.
Kosher Salt – Essential for enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
Black Pepper – Adds a touch of mild heat and flavor to the mix.
Cayenne Pepper – Introduces extra heat; adjust according to your heat preference.

For Frying and Drizzling

Vegetable Oil – Necessary for frying; ensure it reaches 350°F for that perfect crispy texture.
Hot Honey – The star of your dish; use either homemade or store-bought, and feel free to customize the spice level!
Parsley – Use as an optional garnish for a fresh touch and a pop of color.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Honey Fried Shrimp

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Begin by placing your thawed large shrimp in a medium bowl and covering them with buttermilk. Make sure all the shrimp are fully submerged. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes; this step is crucial for achieving tenderness and enhancing flavor. The buttermilk will help create that luscious texture you want in your Honey Fried Shrimp.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating
While the shrimp marinates, grab a separate large bowl and combine all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until well mixed, creating a fragrant, seasoned flour mixture. This golden coating is what gives your Honey Fried Shrimp that irresistible crispy texture.

Step 3: Dredge the Shrimp
After 15 minutes, take the marinated shrimp and allow excess buttermilk to drip off before placing them one by one into the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure each shrimp is thoroughly coated, shaking off any excess flour afterwards. This step ensures a perfect crispy crust once fried. Prepare for the hot oil next, as timing is key for these delectable Honey Fried Shrimp!

Step 4: Heat the Oil
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, pour in enough vegetable oil to submerge the shrimp and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy. The oil must be hot to achieve that crispiness you desire; if it’s too cool, the coating may become soggy. Remember to be cautious while handling hot oil.

Step 5: Fry the Shrimp
Once the oil reaches the desired temperature, carefully add the coated shrimp in small batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy, turning them occasionally for even cooking. Keep an eye on the color as it should be a deep golden hue. After frying, place the Honey Fried Shrimp on a parchment-lined baking sheet to drain any excess oil.

Step 6: Coat with Hot Honey and Serve
To finish, drizzle your freshly fried shrimp generously with hot honey, allowing it to cling to each piece for that perfect sweet and spicy kick. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve your Honey Fried Shrimp immediately for a crunchy texture that everyone will love!

Expert Tips for Honey Fried Shrimp

Perfect Temperature: Ensure oil is heated to 350°F for crispy results; too low, and the shrimp will absorb excess oil and turn greasy.
Marinating Time: Don’t rush the buttermilk marination; a full 15 minutes is essential for tenderness and flavor enhancement.
Batch Frying: Fry shrimp in small batches to prevent overcrowding, ensuring even cooking and consistent crispiness throughout.
Flour Coating: Shake off excess flour after dredging the shrimp to achieve a light and airy crust that fries up perfectly golden.
Storage Care: Store any leftovers in an airtight container; reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain that delightful crunch!

What to Serve with Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Elevate your dining experience with delicious sides that perfectly complement the sweet and spicy allure of fried shrimp.

Crispy Coleslaw: A refreshing, tangy slaw adds crunch and balances the rich flavors, making every bite more enjoyable. The creamy dressing contrasts beautifully with the crispy shrimp.
Garlic Butter Rice: This savory side enhances the meal with a rich flavor that complements the shrimp’s sweet heat. Spoon it up alongside the shrimp for a delightful combination.
Zesty Lemon Wedge: A fresh squeeze of lemon brightens up the dish, cutting through the sweetness of the honey, enhancing all the flavors beautifully. A must-have to elevate each tasty morsel.
Crispy Fried Pickles: Their salty crunch pairs nicely with the shrimp, offering a delightful contrast that keeps your taste buds singing. The tangy flavor of pickles lifts each bite from ordinary to extraordinary.
Spicy Dipping Sauce: Create a quick sauce using Greek yogurt mixed with sriracha for a creamy kick that matches the shrimp’s kick. This dynamic duo will have everyone reaching for more.
Chilled White Wine: A glass of Sauvignon Blanc brings out the shrimp’s sweet and spicy profile, refreshing your palate with each sip. The crispness perfectly balances the richness of the dish.
Sweet Potato Fries: These fries bring a natural sweetness that harmonizes with the hot honey while adding a satisfying crunch. Pairing them is a delightful way to enjoy the contrast of flavors.

Make Ahead Options

These Crispy Hot Honey Fried Shrimp are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the shrimp in buttermilk up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring they are flavorful and tender. Additionally, you can mix the seasoned flour mixture and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days—this keeps the blend fresh and ready to go. When you’re ready to serve, simply dredge the marinated shrimp in the flour mixture, fry in hot oil, and generously drizzle with hot honey! This approach saves you time on busy weeknights while still delivering that mouthwatering restaurant-quality taste you crave.

Honey Fried Shrimp Variations

Feel free to take creative liberties with this recipe and personalize it to suit your tastes!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a delightful crispy texture.
Spicy Twist: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of Sriracha to the hot honey for an extra kick that heat lovers will adore.
Coconut Style: Swap half of the flour with shredded coconut for a tropical flavor and a little extra crunch.
Pineapple Honey: Mix in crushed pineapple with hot honey for a fruity explosion that balances sweetness and spice beautifully.
Add Crunch: Incorporate crushed cornflakes into the flour mixture for an extra layer of crunch with each bite.
Zesty Flavor: Use lemon zest in the flour mix for a refreshing citrus twist that brightens up the dish.
Chicken Variation: Try substituting shrimp with chicken tenders; the same crispy coating and hot honey sauce will make it a flavorful hit!
Herb Infusion: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like dill or cilantro to the flour coating for added flavor and a fresh finish.

These variations can elevate your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp into a new realm of flavor, making each experience as unique as you desire. A great pairing could also be enjoying them alongside our Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta for a full seafood feast!

Storage Tips for Honey Fried Shrimp

Fridge: Store leftover honey fried shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze uneaten shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months, ensuring no moisture causes freezer burn.

Reheating: To regain crispiness, reheat the shrimp in the oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes or in an air fryer for 5-7 minutes, avoiding sogginess.

Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe FAQs

What type of shrimp should I use for this recipe?
I recommend using large, peeled, and deveined shrimp with the tails on for convenience and presentation. This ensures a satisfying bite and enhances the texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with shrimp of different sizes, but larger shrimp tend to hold up better during frying.

How can I tell if my shrimp are fresh enough to use?
Absolutely! Fresh shrimp should have a slightly sweet smell, without any unpleasant or fishy odors. Look for shrimp with a translucent appearance and a firm texture; avoid any that have dark spots or are slimy, as these could indicate spoilage.

How do I store leftover honey fried shrimp?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To maintain their crispy texture, be sure to separate layers with parchment paper. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then move to a freezer bag to prevent sticking.

Can I freeze honey fried shrimp? If so, how?
Definitely! For optimal freezing, first arrange the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until solid. Once fully frozen, transfer the shrimp to a freezer-safe bag, ensuring to press out as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn and keeps them fresh for up to 3 months.

What should I do to avoid greasy shrimp?
Great question! Make sure the oil temperature reaches 350°F (175°C) before adding the shrimp; this is key to achieving a crispy coating. Additionally, don’t overcrowd the pot, as this can lower the oil temperature and make the shrimp soggy. Fry in small batches, and let the oil return to temperature between each batch for perfect results.

Are there any dietary considerations with hot honey fried shrimp?
Absolutely! If you’re serving this as a dish for friends or family with dietary restrictions, be mindful of potential allergens such as shrimp, and always check the hot honey ingredients for any added preservatives or allergens. If anyone has a shellfish allergy, consider using chicken tenders instead for a delicious alternative!