There’s an undeniable thrill that comes from biting into perfectly fried shrimp, but when you elevate that experience with a sweet, spicy glaze, it becomes something truly magical. I created this Hot Honey Fried Shrimp recipe on a whim after a summer barbecue, where someone mentioned how they loved the contrast of heat and sweetness in their dishes. Intrigued, I headed to the kitchen to whip up a glistening batch that was crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside.
This dish is a fantastic way to shake off those fast-food cravings and treat your taste buds to an explosion of flavor. The hot honey glaze envelops each shrimp in a heavenly combination of sweetness and spice, making it a surefire crowd-pleaser—perfect for everything from casual dinners to festive gatherings. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to tweak the heat level to suit your palate! Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or impressing guests, these Hot Honey Fried Shrimp are sure to become a favorite in your home kitchen. Let’s dive into making this delightful dish!
Why will you love Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
Crispy Goodness: Each bite is beautifully crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, offering the perfect textural contrast.
Sweet-Spicy Delight: The hot honey glaze brings a unique sweet-spicy experience, sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in no time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Customizable Heat: Tailor the spice level to your preference, ensuring it appeals to everyone at your table.
Crowd-Pleaser: With its mouthwatering flavors, these shrimp are guaranteed to impress guests, turning any meal into a festive occasion.
For more incredible seafood options, check out my post on easy seafood recipes.
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Ingredients
For the Shrimp
• Shrimp – Fresh or frozen, peeled, and deveined shrimp serve as the main protein for this delightful dish.
For the Coating
• Flour – This ingredient adds a wonderful crispiness; gluten-free flour can be substituted for a lighter version.
• Cornstarch – Enhances the crunchiness; try replacing half with rice flour for added texture.
• Egg – Acts as a binding agent to help the batter stick to the shrimp; for a vegan option, use a flax egg instead.
For the Glaze
• Hot Honey – The star of this dish, it combines sweetness with a spicy kick—which makes these hot honey fried shrimp truly irresistible!
• Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning, bringing balance to all the flavors in the dish.
For Frying
• Oil – A neutral oil with a high smoke point—like vegetable or canola oil—ensures perfect frying results.
Feel free to experiment with these ingredients to create your unique twist on this delectable hot honey fried shrimp!
How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
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Prepare Shrimp: Rinse and pat dry the shrimp thoroughly, ensuring they’re free from water. This helps the batter adhere better and keeps the coating crispy.
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Make Batter: In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg until smooth for a great binding agent to hold the batter.
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Coat the Shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off. Then dredge them in the flour mixture until they are evenly coated, creating an enticing layer of crunch.
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Heat Oil: In a deep skillet, heat your oil over medium-high heat. Test the temperature by dropping in a bit of batter; it should sizzle eagerly when the oil is ready.
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Fry Shrimp: Carefully add shrimp to the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy, which should take about 2-3 minutes per side.
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Make Hot Honey Glaze: In a small saucepan, gently warm the hot honey until it reaches a pourable consistency, stirring occasionally for an even texture.
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Serve: Drizzle the luscious hot honey glaze generously over your crispy fried shrimp just before serving, creating a delightful fusion of flavors.
Optional: Serve with a side of crunchy slaw for an added texture contrast.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine as you make this dish your own!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend for a tasty option that everyone can enjoy.
- Vegan Twist: Replace the shrimp with crispy tofu bites and use a flax egg for a plant-based alternative that’s equally delightful.
- Extra Crunchy: Add panko breadcrumbs to the coating mixture for an even crunchier texture that will satisfy your fried-food craving.
- Spicy Heat: For those who love a kick, double the cayenne pepper or incorporate fresh chopped jalapeños into the batter.
- Sweet-Tangy Glaze: Mix in a splash of apple cider vinegar with the hot honey for a tangy twist that beautifully complements the sweetness.
- Tropical Flair: Toss in some fresh mango or pineapple chunks when serving for a refreshing balance of flavors that transports you to the beach.
- Savory Add-in: Stir finely chopped green onions or fresh herbs like cilantro into the batter for a burst of freshness that enhances every bite.
- Flavor Boost: Try adding a teaspoon of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the coating for an aromatic layer of flavor that makes the dish even more irresistible.
What to Serve with Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
Bring your dining experience to the next level with sides that complement the sweet and spicy shrimp goodness.
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Crispy Coleslaw: This crunchy slaw adds a refreshing contrast, balancing the rich flavors with its tangy crunch.
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Steamed Jasmine Rice: A light and fluffy base that soaks up the hot honey drizzle, providing a lovely palate cleanser.
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Garlic Butter Noodles: Easy to whip up, these noodles deliver a comforting texture while pairing perfectly with the bold shrimp.
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Spicy Roasted Broccoli: Packed with nutrients and a hint of heat, the roasted broccoli enhances the meal’s flavor profile beautifully.
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Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness and crunchy texture create a delightful contrast to the savory shrimp, making every bite exciting.
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Mango Avocado Salad: This vibrant salad with its creamy and fruity elements brightens the dish and adds a fresh zing.
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Chilled White Wine: A glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc acts as a refreshing companion, cutting through the richness and enhancing the meal’s enjoyment.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: For dessert, serve warm cookies for a sweet finale, echoing the hot honey’s delightful sweetness in a different form.
Make Ahead Options
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep! You can prepare the batter and coat the shrimp up to 24 hours in advance. To do this, follow the instructions to make the batter and coat the shrimp, then layer them in a single layer on a baking sheet and refrigerate. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavor as they marinate in the coating. When you’re ready to serve, simply heat the oil, fry the shrimp until they’re golden brown and crispy, and drizzle over the hot honey glaze for that sweet-spicy finishing touch. Each bite will be just as delicious!
Expert Tips for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
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Oil Temperature Check: Always test your oil’s heat with a small bit of batter. It should sizzle on contact, ensuring your shrimp cook perfectly.
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Batch Frying: Fry shrimp in small batches to avoid overcrowding. This allows for even cooking and maintains that crispy texture you crave in hot honey fried shrimp.
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Drain Excess Oil: After frying, let shrimp rest on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. This keeps them light and crisp!
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Customize Spice: Adjust the heat by adding more cayenne or chili flakes to your batter. Experiment to find the perfect balance for your palate.
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Storage Tips: Enjoy your hot honey fried shrimp fresh, but if you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat them in the oven for the best texture!
How to Store and Freeze Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
- Room Temperature: Best enjoyed fresh, but if necessary, you can leave out for up to 2 hours. Beyond that, discard to ensure safety.
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain crispiness.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze hot honey fried shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: To preserve texture, reheat frozen shrimp directly from the freezer in the oven until heated through and crispy, approximately 15-20 minutes.
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting shrimp, look for fresh, firm, and glossy specimens with a mild ocean scent. If you choose frozen, ensure they are properly thawed and have a clean appearance, free from dark spots or signs of freezer burn. For convenience, I often opt for peeled and deveined shrimp to save time in the kitchen!
How should I store leftover hot honey fried shrimp?
Very good question! To ensure the best quality, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispy texture—this method works wonders!
Can I freeze hot honey fried shrimp?
Yes, you can! To freeze, first arrange the fried shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring to remove as much air as possible. They can be stored for up to 1 month; when you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat from frozen in the oven for 15-20 minutes until crispy!
What if my shrimp aren’t crispy after frying?
No worries! If your shrimp come out soggy, it might be due to excess moisture or overcrowding in the pan. Always ensure the shrimp are patted dry before coating and fry in small batches. If they are still not crispy, try adjusting the oil temperature; you want it hot enough that the batter sizzles on contact!
Is this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! You can make this dish gluten-free by substituting the flour with a gluten-free alternative. For those who need a vegan option, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let it sit for a few minutes to thicken). Always double-check that all ingredients meet your dietary needs!
Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Fried Shrimp You'll Crave Again
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse and pat dry the shrimp thoroughly.
- In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg until smooth.
- Dip each shrimp into the egg wash, then dredge them in the flour mixture.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Carefully add shrimp to the hot oil in batches and fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- In a small saucepan, gently warm the hot honey until pourable.
- Drizzle the hot honey glaze over the fried shrimp before serving.