Name: Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 teaspoon hot sauce; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; vegetable oil for frying; 1/3 cup honey; 2 tablespoons hot sauce; 1 tablespoon butter; pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

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If you’ve been dreaming about serving up something crispy, crave-worthy, and just the right amount of sweet-heat for dinner or your next gathering, let me introduce you to Hot Honey Fried Shrimp—your new party trick that’s easier than you think and bursts with flavor in every bite. Plump shrimp get soaked in a tangy buttermilk marinade, fried to shatteringly crisp perfection, and then anointed with a buttery, fiery honey sauce that’s downright irresistible. One plate disappears in minutes, so fair warning: you might want to make a double batch!

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The soul of Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is truly in its ingredients—each one brings something special, whether it’s crunch, spice, or that glossy golden finish. You don’t need a pantry full of supplies, but quality makes all the difference here!

Shrimp: Large, peeled, deveined shrimp with the tails left on keep things juicy and perfect for dipping.
Buttermilk: Tenderizes the shrimp and helps the coating really cling for ultimate crunch.
Hot Sauce: Perks up the marinade and the sauce, letting you control just how spicy you want your shrimp.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of that crispy coating.
Cornstarch: Adds extra lightness and shatter-crisp texture to the fry.
Paprika: Sneaks in color and a subtle smoky undertone.
Garlic Powder: Boosts the savory note so the shrimp are never bland.
Salt: Enhances every other flavor and ensures nothing tastes flat.
Black Pepper: Adds background heat and depth.
Vegetable Oil: The hero for frying. Go for a neutral oil with a high smoke point.
Honey: The star of the hot honey sauce, making everything glossy and addictive.
Butter: Rounds out the sauce, adding richness and that silky finish.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who love a little extra kick at the end.

How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

Start your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp adventure by whisking together the buttermilk and a splash of your favorite hot sauce. Toss your shrimp right in, making sure each piece gets slippery and coated. Let them soak for about 15 to 20 minutes—this is where they pick up that gentle tang and where the magic for juicy interiors begins.

Step 2: Dredge with Spiced Coating

While your shrimp marinate, stir together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish. This blend is the key to the shatteringly crisp exterior you want. Working one at a time, dredge the shrimp in the flour mixture, turning to coat well and tapping off any excess. A well-dusted shrimp is a happy shrimp!

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat a couple of inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350℉ (175℃). Fry the shrimp in batches, taking care not to crowd the pan, for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’ll see them turn deep golden, with curly tails and a scent that’s absolutely irresistible. Drain the cooked shrimp on paper towels to keep them perfectly crisp.

Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Sauce

Meanwhile, it’s sauce time! In a small saucepan over low heat, stir together honey, hot sauce, butter, and, if you love a fiery finish, a pinch of red pepper flakes. Heat gently until the butter melts and everything becomes smooth and pourable. The aroma alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen!

Step 5: Sauce and Serve

Now comes the best part of making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp: bring the fried shrimp and your irresistible sauce together. You can either drizzle the sauce over the shrimp for gloss and shine or toss them gently in a bowl to coat each piece thoroughly. Serve immediately while the shrimp are still crunchy and that sauce is warm and sticky!

How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Garnishes

A big platter of Hot Honey Fried Shrimp deserves a final flourish. Try a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, chives, or even thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color. A wedge of lemon on the side brightens every bite and balances the sweet heat beautifully.

Side Dishes

To balance all that zippy flavor, pair your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp with a vibrant slaw, a crisp cucumber salad, or even fluffy white rice. For something bolder, try it alongside corn on the cob slicked with butter or a refreshing avocado salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t hesitate to get playful! Pile your shrimp onto mini slider buns with a swipe of creamy slaw for unforgettable sandwiches, or serve them taco-style with shredded cabbage and a drizzle of extra hot honey. For a party spread, arrange them with toothpicks for easy grab-and-go bites—these shrimp know how to steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, leftover Hot Honey Fried Shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible, to maintain that signature crispness until you’re ready to reheat.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your cooked shrimp, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’re best eaten within a month for optimal flavor and texture. Always freeze without the sauce for best results.

Reheating

To maintain maximum crispiness, reheat your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp in a preheated 400℉ oven or air fryer for several minutes until hot and crunchy. Warm the sauce separately and drizzle or toss the shrimp just before serving for that made-fresh feel!

FAQs

Can I make the Hot Honey Fried Shrimp less spicy?

Absolutely! Just choose a milder hot sauce, and skip the red pepper flakes in the honey sauce. Taste as you go—you control the heat level every step of the way.

Do I need to peel the shrimp completely?

Peeling and deveining the shrimp is important for texture and ease of eating, but leaving the tails on adds great presentation and gives you a handy grip for dipping.

What oil is best for frying?

Stick with a neutral oil that can handle high heat, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil, for the best and cleanest flavor. Avoid olive oil for frying shrimp.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just be sure the shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry before marinating, which helps the coating stick and ensures a crispy fry.

Is there a way to make this gluten-free?

You can try swapping the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend and substitute cornstarch as directed. Just be sure your other ingredients, like hot sauce, are certified gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to wow your taste buds (and your friends) with something truly exciting, this Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is the recipe to try next. It’s guaranteed to bring big flavor, happy smiles, and maybe even a few requests for an encore! Dive in while it’s hot and enjoy every sticky, crispy, finger-licking bite.

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Hot Honey Fried Shrimp are a delicious combination of crispy fried shrimp coated in a spicy hot honey sauce. Perfect for a flavorful appetizer or main course, these shrimp are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

For the shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
vegetable oil for frying

For the hot honey sauce:

1/3 cup honey
2 tablespoons hot sauce
1 tablespoon butter
pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

Marinate the shrimp: In a medium bowl, whisk buttermilk and hot sauce. Add shrimp and toss to coat. Let marinate for 15–20 minutes.
Prepare the coating: In a shallow dish, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
Fry the shrimp: Heat oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Fry shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
Make the hot honey sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, and red pepper flakes. Stir until butter melts and sauce is smooth. Drizzle over fried shrimp or toss shrimp in the sauce before serving.