Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug on a rainy day. Imagine crispy shrimp, perfectly golden and crunchy, tantalizing your taste buds with a spicy-sweet sauce that feels like a party in your mouth. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, making it nearly impossible to resist sneaking a bite before they even reach the table.
Now, picture this: it’s a Friday night, and you’ve got friends over for game night. You whip up this dish, and suddenly you’re the star of the evening. Everyone’s raving about those Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, reminiscing about how you turned an ordinary weekend into an unforgettable feast filled with laughter and deliciousness.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Hot Honey Fried Shrimp recipe offers the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds
- It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for both casual dinners and festive gatherings
- The stunning visual appeal—those golden shrimp glistening in hot honey—will impress your guests and elevate your dining experience
- Versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or main course, these shrimp are sure to become a new favorite in your household
Ingredients for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Shrimp: Use large, deveined shrimp for the best texture. Fresh or frozen works great; just ensure they’re thawed if using frozen.
All-Purpose Flour: This will create that lovely crisp coating when fried; consider using seasoned flour for extra flavor.
Cornstarch: A secret weapon for achieving that super-crispy texture on the shrimp.
Hot Sauce: Choose your favorite brand to give that spicy kick; adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
Honey: Opt for raw honey if possible; it adds depth and richness to the dish.
For the Sauce:
Garlic Powder: A must-have for seasoning; it brings out incredible flavor without the hassle of peeling garlic.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper provides a bold contrast to the sweetness of honey.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Shrimp
Start by rinsing your shrimp under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This ensures they fry up nice and crispy later.
Step 2: Make the Coating
In a shallow bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix it well so every bit of flour gets infused with flavor.
Step 3: Heat Your Oil
In a deep skillet or fryer, pour enough oil to submerge half of the shrimp—about two inches deep should do it. Heat it over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering but not smoking.
Step 4: Coat and Fry
Dredge each shrimp in your flour mixture until well-coated. Fry shrimp in batches for about three minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Ensure you don’t overcrowd the pan!
Step 5: Prepare Your Sauce
While those delightful morsels are frying away, whisk together honey and hot sauce in a small bowl until blended. Adjust sweetness or heat according to your taste.
Step 6: Toss It All Together
Once fried, place shrimp on paper towels to drain excess oil briefly before tossing them straight into the bowl with your hot honey sauce. Give them a good shake!
Transfer to plates and drizzle with any remaining sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Serve immediately while hot and crispy!
With these simple steps laid out clearly, you’ll be well on your way to creating an unforgettable dish that will make anyone’s mouth water at just the thought of it!
You Must Know
- This Hot Honey Fried Shrimp recipe combines crispy, succulent shrimp with a sweet and spicy glaze that elevates any meal
- It’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in
- Plus, it’s quick and easy to whip up, making it great for busy weeknights
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the shrimp in your favorite seasonings while heating the oil. Dredge the shrimp in flour and cornmeal for an irresistible crunch. Fry them until golden brown, then drizzle with hot honey for a sweet finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to mix things up by using different spices or adding garlic powder to the dredge. You can swap out the shrimp for chicken or tofu, keeping the hot honey sauce for that sweet kick!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Hot Honey Fried Shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F to restore that crispy texture, avoiding the microwave if possible.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfectly fried shrimp, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying
- Avoid crowding the pan, which can lower the temperature
- Lastly, let the shrimp rest on a wire rack post-frying for maximum crispiness
It was my dad’s birthday when I first made Hot Honey Fried Shrimp. The look on his face when he took a bite was priceless—like he had just discovered a secret treasure!
FAQs :
What are the key ingredients for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
To make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, you’ll need fresh shrimp, flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and spices like paprika and garlic powder. The hot honey is a blend of honey and chili flakes or hot sauce, which adds a sweet and spicy kick to the dish. Additionally, you should have oil for frying. These ingredients come together to create a crispy exterior with a deliciously flavorful interior.
How do I ensure my Hot Honey Fried Shrimp stays crispy?
To keep your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp crispy, make sure to dry the shrimp thoroughly before coating them. Use a mixture of flour and cornstarch for the breading to enhance crunchiness. Fry in oil at the right temperature; it should be hot enough to create a seal quickly around the shrimp but not so hot that it burns. Finally, drain the fried shrimp on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Can I make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp in advance?
While Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare certain components in advance. Marinate your shrimp in spices before frying and make the hot honey sauce ahead of time. If you must store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer to restore some crispiness instead of microwaving.
What variations can I try with Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
You can experiment with various spices and heat levels when making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp. For example, add cayenne pepper for extra heat or incorporate different herbs like parsley or cilantro for freshness. You might also try different types of honey, such as wildflower or clover, to influence flavor profiles. Serve your shrimp on a bed of greens or as part of a taco for added creativity.
Conclusion for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp :
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp combines crispy texture with sweet and spicy flavors that tantalize your taste buds. By using fresh ingredients and proper frying techniques, you can achieve restaurant-quality results at home. Remember to keep your shrimp dry before breading and ensure your oil is at the right temperature for frying. With these tips in mind, enjoy this dish as an appetizer or main course that’s sure to impress family and friends!
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a deliciously addictive dish that brings together crispy, golden shrimp and a sweet-spicy glaze, making it an ideal choice for game nights or festive gatherings. Each bite offers a tantalizing crunch followed by a burst of flavor that will have your guests coming back for more. This easy-to-make recipe not only looks stunning on the plate but also promises to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup raw honey
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a shallow bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Dredge shrimp in the flour mixture and fry in batches for about 3 minutes, or until golden brown.
- In a bowl, whisk together honey and hot sauce.
- Drain fried shrimp on paper towels and toss in the hot honey sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 fried shrimp (140g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
