Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

⏱ 15 min · 🍽 4 servings · 🔥 500 kcal

Deliciously crispy fried shrimp coated in a spicy honey sauce.

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a crispy, spicy delight that pairs perfectly with a side of creamy coleslaw or roasted vegetables.

Why You'll Love This Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Crispy shrimp: Perfectly fried to golden perfection, offering a delightful texture contrast.
Flavor explosion: The sweet-hot honey glaze adds an irresistible flavor profile that's hard to resist.
Versatile serving: Great for any occasion from casual dinners to special gatherings.

Key Ingredients & Why They Matter

Jumbo shrimp: Plump and succulent, these extra-large shrimp ensure a generous portion in every bite. Buttermilk: A key ingredient that helps tenderize the meat for an exceptionally juicy texture.

How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Step by Step

Cook time: 15 min. Begin by peeling and deveining the shrimp, ensuring they are patted dry with paper towels. This helps in achieving a crispier exterior.
Prepare a buttermilk brine: Mix buttermilk with Old Bay Seasoning, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Submerge the shrimp for 30 minutes to marinate, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour seasoned with additional Old Bay and hot sauce.
Fry the shrimp in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels before drizzling with homemade honey-glazed sauce for an added layer of flavor.

Tips, Substitutions & Variations

Use coconut aminos as a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce in the brine if you or guests have dietary restrictions.
For a creamier taste, mix 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard into the honey glaze before drizzling over the shrimp.
Incorporate grilled vegetables like bell peppers and onions as a side for added color and nutrition to your meal.

Serving Suggestions

Coleslaw: A tangy, crisp coleslaw complements the sweetness of the honey glaze while providing a cool contrast in texture.
Roasted vegetables: Roast broccoli or asparagus alongside the shrimp for a balanced and nutrient-packed meal.

Storage & Meal Prep

This dish can be prepped up to 1 day in advance. Refrigerate the marinated shrimp, and fry them just before serving. Fried shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days. For freezing, fully cool the fried shrimp on a wire rack then pack into freezer-safe containers or bags, allowing up to 2 months of storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make sure the shrimp are perfectly crispy?

To achieve that perfect crust, ensure your oil is hot enough and use paper towels to pat them dry after marinating. Overcrowding can also cause them to steam rather than fry properly.

Can I substitute the hot honey glaze for something else?

A simple maple glaze or a sweet chili sauce would work well as an alternative, providing a different but equally delicious flavor profile. Feel free to experiment!

What side dishes go well with Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

Rice pilaf, grilled corn on the cob, and mixed greens dressed in a light vinaigrette are all fantastic accompaniments that balance out the richness of the shrimp.

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Hot Honey Fried Shrimp