Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a deliciously crispy dish that balances sweet honey glaze with a spicy kick. Perfectly coated shrimp are fried to golden perfection and finished with a warm, spicy honey drizzle. This quick and versatile recipe works as an appetizer, main dish, or party snack, with customizable heat levels and gluten-free options available.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 lb medium to large peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten free)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten free)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
Hot Honey Glaze
- 1/2 cup hot honey (honey infused with chili flakes or store-bought hot honey)
Frying
- Vegetable oil (or neutral oil like canola or peanut) for frying, enough to deep fry
- Prepare the Shrimp: Peel and devein shrimp if necessary. Rinse under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine buttermilk with a pinch of salt and pepper. Submerge shrimp in the mixture and let soak for at least 15 minutes to tenderize and enhance flavor.
- Set Up the Breading Station: Prepare three bowls: one with seasoned flour (flour mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper), one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and cornstarch. This layering creates a crispy, light coating.
- Coat the Shrimp: Remove shrimp from buttermilk. Dredge each shrimp in the seasoned flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the panko and cornstarch mixture. Make sure shrimp are evenly coated for the best crunch.
- Fry the Shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry shrimp in small batches for 2-3 minutes each until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Drizzle with Hot Honey: Warm hot honey slightly until fragrant and fluid. Drizzle generously over the fried shrimp just before serving for that signature sweet and spicy finish.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for even frying without greasiness.
- Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure crispiness.
- Pat shrimp dry before breading to help coating adhere better and crisp up.
- Make your own hot honey by gently heating honey with chili flakes to customize spice level.
- For gluten-free option, replace flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes or air fryer to restore crispiness; avoid microwaving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz (about 6 shrimp)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 175mg
Keywords: hot honey, fried shrimp, crispy shrimp, sweet and spicy shrimp, appetizer, easy shrimp recipe, gluten free shrimp