Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a delightful dish that combines crispy fried shrimp with a sweet and spicy twist from homemade hot honey. Perfect for gatherings, this dish can be served as an appetizer or a main course. The unique blend of flavors and textures makes it a must-try for shrimp lovers everywhere!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Perfection: Each shrimp is deep-fried to golden-brown perfection, delivering a satisfying crunch.
• Sweet and Spicy Kick: The hot honey adds an irresistible sweetness balanced with heat, making every bite memorable.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy as an appetizer, snack, or main dish paired with your favorite sides.
• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time, you can whip up this delicious meal in under 30 minutes!
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for a family dinner or a party, Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is guaranteed to impress your guests.

Tools and Preparation

To make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure the best results. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Deep-fryer or large pot
• Candy or deep-fry thermometer
• Medium mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Slotted spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep-fryer or large pot: Essential for achieving the perfect frying temperature necessary for crispy shrimp.
• Candy or deep-fry thermometer: Ensures that your oil reaches the ideal frying temperature of 350°F, preventing soggy shrimp.
• Medium mixing bowls: Ideal for marinating shrimp and mixing dry ingredients without mess.
• Slotted spoon: Helps you safely remove fried shrimp from hot oil without losing any crispy coating.

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this mouthwatering Hot Honey Fried Shrimp recipe:

For the Shrimp

• 1 pound large shrimp, (thawed, peeled, deveined, tail-on)
• 1 cup (245 g) buttermilk

For the Coating

• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

For Frying and Garnish

• Vegetable oil, (for frying)
• ½ cup (170 g) hot honey, (homemade or store-bought)
• Parsley, (chopped for garnish)

How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

To start, add the large shrimp into a medium bowl. Pour the buttermilk over them until they are fully coated. Allow the shrimp to marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating Mixture

In another medium bowl, combine:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Paprika
3. Garlic powder
4. Onion powder
5. Kosher salt
6. Black pepper
7. Cayenne pepper

Mix these dry ingredients together thoroughly and set aside.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

Remove each shrimp from the buttermilk marinade one at a time:
1. Let any excess liquid drip off.
2. Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture until fully coated.
3. Place them on a large baking sheet and repeat with remaining shrimp.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

In a large pot over medium heat, add about 2 inches of vegetable oil. Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to heat the oil to 350°F.

Step 5: Prepare for Frying

Line another baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside for placing fried shrimp later.

Step 6: Fry the Shrimp

Once your oil is ready:
1. Tap off any excess flour from each coated shrimp.
2. Carefully place them in the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding.
3. Fry for about 2-3 minutes while turning occasionally until they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Remove and Drizzle with Hot Honey

Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the fried shrimp from the oil:
1. Place them on the lined baking sheet.
2. Drizzle generously with hot honey while they’re still warm.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Finish by garnishing with chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot!

Enjoy creating this flavorful Hot Honey Fried Shrimp dish that’s sure to become a favorite!

How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is not only a delicious main dish but also an excellent appetizer. Here are some creative ways to serve this flavorful shrimp that will impress your guests.

As an Appetizer

• Serve with extra hot honey for dipping. The sweet and spicy sauce makes every bite irresistible.
• Pair with fresh vegetable sticks like carrots and celery for a crunchy contrast.

As a Main Course

• Serve over a bed of rice or quinoa to soak up the hot honey. This adds texture and makes for a filling meal.
• Accompany with a side salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the shrimp.

In Tacos

• Use small tortillas and fill them with fried shrimp, shredded cabbage, and a drizzle of hot honey. This creates a fun and interactive meal.

With Dipping Sauces

• Offer various sauces such as ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy mayo alongside the shrimp for added flavor options.

How to Perfect Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

To achieve the best results when making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp will have better flavor and texture than frozen.
• Marinate properly: Allowing the shrimp to soak in buttermilk enhances moisture and tenderness.
• Heat oil correctly: Ensure the oil reaches 350°F before frying; this ensures crispy results without oily shrimp.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and cook evenly.
• Drizzle immediately: Adding hot honey right after frying allows it to adhere better to each shrimp.
• Garnish generously: A sprinkle of chopped parsley not only adds color but also freshness to the dish.

Best Side Dishes for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Serving side dishes alongside your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options that pair well with this dish:

1. Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw with a tangy dressing complements the sweetness of the shrimp.
2. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra hot honey sauce.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized add depth and flavor.
4. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn balances the spicy notes of the fried shrimp beautifully.
5. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad offers a cool contrast to spicy shrimp bites.
6. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs provides a nice base for serving the shrimp.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your dish. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:

• Skipping the Marinade: Neglecting to marinate the shrimp in buttermilk can lead to less flavorful and tender shrimp. Always allow at least 15 minutes for marination.
• Overcrowding the Fryer: Trying to fry too many shrimp at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy shrimp. Fry in small batches for the best crispiness.
• Not Draining Excess Flour: Failing to tap off excess flour can create a heavy coating that doesn’t fry well. Make sure to gently shake off any extra flour before frying.
• Ignoring Oil Temperature: Cooking shrimp in oil that’s not hot enough can result in greasy, undercooked shrimp. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches 350°F before frying.
• Using Low-Quality Oil: Using an oil with a low smoke point can affect flavor and cooking results. Opt for oils like vegetable or peanut oil that withstand high heat.
• Forgetting the Garnish: Skipping the parsley garnish may make your dish look less appealing. A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds freshness and color.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Hot Honey Fried Shrimp in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

• Freeze shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Microwave: Place shrimp on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 30 seconds intervals until warm, but this may make them less crispy.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally for even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp:

Can I use frozen shrimp for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just ensure they are thawed completely and patted dry before marinating.

How spicy is Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

The level of spice can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper used in the seasoning mix.

What should I serve with Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp pairs well with coleslaw, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for a tasty gluten-free version of Hot Honey Fried Shrimp.

How long does it take to prepare Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

The total time needed is around 28 minutes, including preparation and cooking time.

Final Thoughts

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a delightful combination of sweet and spicy flavors that elevates any meal. Its versatility allows it to be served as an appetizer or main course alongside various side dishes. Feel free to customize the heat level or add different spices according to your taste preferences!