There’s a certain joy that fills the kitchen when the scent of hot oil mingles with the sweet aroma of honey. One evening, as I was lifting weights on my culinary creativity, a spicy idea struck: why not blend the crispy crunch of fried shrimp with a delightful drizzle of hot honey? The result? A plate of Hot Honey Fried Shrimp that not only made my dinner a hit, but also had friends begging for the recipe.
With a perfectly spiced coating and that irresistible sweet and spicy glaze, these shrimp are an exquisite appetizer or a show-stopping main dish. They deliver on flavor, pack a satisfying crunch, and will surely impress anyone at your table. So, if you’re ready to elevate your dinner game and ditch the fast food habit, let’s dive into this easy yet gourmet recipe that promises a taste adventure like no other!
Why will you love Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
Irresistible Crunch: The light, crispy coating perfectly complements the succulent shrimp, creating a delightful texture in every bite.
Sweet and Spicy Harmony: This dish boasts a unique blend of heat and sweetness, thanks to the hot honey sauce that’s both bold and flavorful.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Ideal for gatherings, these shrimp are guaranteed to impress guests and make any meal feel special.
Easy to Prepare: Even with moderate cooking skills, you can whip up this delicious dish in no time, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Versatile Serving Options: Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, pairing with a refreshing side salad or crispy fries elevates the meal to new heights.
Make It Your Own: Feel free to experiment with different hot sauces to customize the heat level and flavor profile to your liking!
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Ingredients
For the Shrimp
• Large Shrimp – Use peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience and tenderness.
• Vegetable Oil – Essential for frying; ensure it reaches 350°F for perfect crispiness.
For the Coating
• All-Purpose Flour – A must for creating a light, crispy shell that clings to the shrimp.
• Garlic Powder – Adds deep, savory notes without any prep hassle.
• Onion Powder – Introduces subtle sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
• Smoked Paprika – Infuses the dish with a mild smokiness for added depth.
• Cayenne Pepper – Delivers a clean, sharp heat that balances the sweetness of the honey.
• Salt – An essential element to enhance and unite all the flavors.
• Black Pepper – Provides a mild spiciness that complements the shrimp perfectly.
• Eggs (2) – Acts as a binder, ensuring the flour mixture adheres to the shrimp.
• Milk (2 tablespoons) – Lightens the egg mixture for a fluffier batter.
For the Sauce
• Honey (½ cup) – The star of the dish, offering sweetness and a glossy finish to the shrimp.
• Hot Sauce (2 tablespoons) – Adjust to your spice preference for the perfect kick.
• Unsalted Butter (1 tablespoon) – Adds richness and a velvety texture to the sauce.
• Apple Cider Vinegar (1 tablespoon) – Introduces a tangy balance to the sauce’s sweetness.
• Red Pepper Flakes (¼ teaspoon) – Offers additional heat and texture, enhancing the flavor further.
Now that you have all the ingredients for these delightful Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, you’re one step closer to a truly delicious dining experience!
How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
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Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan, heat honey, hot sauce, butter, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes over medium heat until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes to thicken.
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Prep Shrimp: Rinse the large shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. This ensures they’re ready for a perfect frying experience!
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This will create the flavorful coating for your shrimp.
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Make Egg Wash: In another bowl, beat the eggs with the milk until smooth. This egg wash will help the flour stick to the shrimp.
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Heat Oil: In a deep pan, fill with vegetable oil about 2 inches deep, and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accurate cooking; the oil is ready when a small piece of flour sizzles!
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Coat Shrimp: Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg wash, and return to the flour for a double coating. This will give your shrimp that extra crunch.
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Fry Shrimp: Carefully add the coated shrimp to the hot oil in batches. Fry for 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
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Toss in Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the still-warm fried shrimp with your prepared hot honey sauce, tossing gently to ensure every piece is coated evenly.
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Serve Promptly: Arrange the Hot Honey Fried Shrimp on a platter. You might want to serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping — it’s a crowd-pleaser!
Optional: Garnish with chopped green onions for an added pop of color and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Hot Honey Fried Shrimp are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to savor their sweet and spicy goodness any time! You can prepare the shrimp batter and the sauce up to 24 hours in advance by storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. For optimal freshness, coat the shrimp just before frying to maintain that irresistible crunch. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply heat the oil and fry the shrimp as directed, then toss in the prepared hot honey sauce for a quick and delicious finish. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll have restaurant-quality shrimp on the table with minimal effort, making those busy weeknights a breeze!
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Variations
Customize your dish with these delightful twists and alternatives that will elevate your meal!
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Dairy-Free: Swap milk with almond or oat milk in the egg wash for a dairy-free version that still coats beautifully.
This change allows a tender crunch while focusing on rich flavors without the dairy. -
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free crunch that everyone can enjoy.
It makes no compromise on flavor and the texture remains satisfyingly crispy! -
Crispy Panko: Replace flour with panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunch that delivers texture like no other.
Panko gives the shrimp an airy, crispy layer that makes them irresistibly snackable. -
Lemon Zest: Add the zest of one lemon to the coating mix for a bright, citrusy pop that complements the sweetness of the honey.
The zest elevates the overall flavor while adding freshness to every bite. -
Smoky BBQ Twist: Incorporate smoked paprika and a touch of BBQ sauce instead of hot sauce for a sweet and smoky vibe.
This variation gives your shrimp a unique twist, adding deep flavors that’s perfect for BBQ lovers. -
Spicy Infusion: Mix chipotle powder into the flour for a smokier, spicier coating that offers an intense flavor punch.
This option is for those who yearn for heat with every savory bite! -
Veggie Delight: Substitute shrimp with cauliflower florets for a vegetarian alternative that still packs a crunch and flavor.
These crispy bites are perfect for plant-based eaters and absorb all the delicious sauce. -
Herbed Delight: Add fresh herbs like thyme or oregano to your coating mix for an aromatic flair that elevates the classic recipe.
The herbs introduce a garden freshness, offering brightness and depth to your dish.
How to Store and Freeze Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Room Temperature: Serve the shrimp immediately after frying for the best flavor and texture; they should not sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Fridge: Store any leftover fried shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore the crispness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat by baking in the oven at 375°F until warmed through, about 10-12 minutes. This helps keep your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp crispy and delicious!
What to Serve with Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
Create a delightful meal that brings out the best in your shrimp by pairing it with these complementary options.
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Creamy Coleslaw: The crisp and cool textures of coleslaw balance the spicy shrimp, providing a refreshing contrast. It’s a classic pairing that bursts with flavor and color.
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Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover hot honey sauce, making each bite even more delicious. The crunchy texture complements the shrimp without overwhelming it.
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Zesty Cucumber Salad: This light and tangy salad offers a refreshing crunch, harmonizing beautifully with the shrimp’s sweetness and spiciness, elevating your dining experience.
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Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries add a subtle sweetness that balances the heat of the shrimp, while their texture is simply irresistible. Enjoy them with a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flavor.
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Roasted Asparagus: Charred and tender, roasted asparagus brings elegance to your plate with its earthy flavors, and it’s a healthy side that never disappoints.
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Mango Salsa: This vibrant salsa adds a burst of tropical sweetness and acidity, which enhances the spicy elements of the shrimp, creating a truly harmonious dish.
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Chilled White Wine: A crisp, chilled white wine perfectly complements the buttery textures and flavors; it balances the spices and elevates the dining experience.
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Lemon Sorbet: For dessert, a light lemon sorbet refreshes the palate after the meal, providing a zesty finish that will leave everyone feeling satisfied.
Expert Tips for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
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Perfect Oil Temperature: Ensure your oil is at 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying. Use a thermometer or drop a small piece of flour in; it should sizzle immediately.
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Dry Shrimp Well: Pat your shrimp completely dry before coating. This helps the flour adhere better and results in a crispier texture.
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Double Coating Magic: For that extra crunch, always double coat your shrimp — first in the flour, then in the egg wash, and back to the flour again.
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Batch Frying: Fry shrimp in batches to maintain oil temperature and prevent overcrowding, which can lead to soggy shrimp.
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Cool Sauce Quickly: After cooking, let your hot honey sauce cool slightly to thicken before tossing it with the shrimp. This enhances flavor and coating adherence.
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Customize the Heat: Don’t hesitate to adjust the amount of hot sauce in the recipe to suit your spice preference, making your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp just right for your taste!
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for large shrimp that are peeled and deveined for convenience. Fresh shrimp have a firm texture and a mild ocean scent. Avoid shrimp with dark spots or a strong fishy odor, as those can indicate they’re not fresh.
How should I store leftover Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
You can refrigerate any leftover fried shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F until they regain their crispy texture—about 10-12 minutes.
Can I freeze cooked Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
Yes, indeed! To freeze, lay cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and place in the freezer until they’re firm. Then, transfer the shrimp to an airtight freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, reheat from frozen in the oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
What can I do if my shrimp batter isn’t sticking?
Very often, the key to a great coating is having the shrimp dry enough before dredging it in the flour. If you find the batter slipping off, pat the shrimp more thoroughly dry with paper towels before coating them. Another tip is to ensure your oil is hot enough at 350°F (175°C); if it’s too cool, the batter might not adhere properly.
Are these shrimp suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
It’s important to note that the recipe includes shrimp (seafood) and common allergens like eggs and wheat (flour). If you’re accommodating allergies, consider using alternatives like gluten-free flour or a plant-based egg replacer for the batter. Keep in mind that these would create a different texture and flavor, but they can still be delicious!
How spicy are these shrimp, and can I adjust that?
The level of spice is quite user-friendly! The hit of hot sauce can be adjusted to your preference. If you enjoy a milder flavor, reduce the hot sauce to 1 tablespoon or replace it with a less spicy variety. For extra heat, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Enjoy the thrill of spicy experimentation when making your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp!
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp for a Sweet and Spicy Dinner Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a saucepan, heat honey, hot sauce, butter, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes over medium heat until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes to thicken.
- Rinse the large shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs with the milk until smooth.
- In a deep pan, fill with vegetable oil about 2 inches deep, and heat it to 350°F (175°C).
- Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg wash, and return to the flour for a double coating.
- Carefully add the coated shrimp to the hot oil in batches. Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- In a large bowl, combine the still-warm fried shrimp with your prepared hot honey sauce, tossing gently to ensure every piece is coated evenly.
- Arrange the Hot Honey Fried Shrimp on a platter. Serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping.