Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
**Introduction**
The culinary magic happens when sweet heat meets succulent seafood. Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a dish of beautiful contrasts, offering a symphony of flavors in every bite. Plump, juicy shrimp are enveloped in a light, crispy coating, then tossed or drizzled with a glaze that is the star of the show: a spicy, sticky, and irresistibly sweet hot honey. This glaze clings to the golden crust, creating a shell of flavor that crackles with each mouthful, followed by the tender, sweet shrimp within. It’s a dynamic dish that manages to be both indulgent and surprisingly light, delivering a punch of flavor that is utterly addictive. This recipe is your ticket to a restaurant-quality experience in your own kitchen, requiring minimal effort for maximum applause. It’s the perfect solution when you crave something special that comes together in a flash.
**Perfect for:**
* Quick and Impressive Weeknight Dinners
* Game Day Snacking and Appetizer Spreads
* Summer Party Finger Food
* Gourmet Sandwiches and Tacos
* Date Night In
**Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe**
**Incredibly Flavorful:** This isn’t a one-note dish. The seasoned flour, the hint of spice in the hot honey, the tang from optional vinegar, and the natural sweetness of the shrimp and honey create a complex, multi-layered taste experience.
**Fast and Foolproof:** From fridge to plate in under 30 minutes, this recipe is a testament to how quickly incredible food can come together. The frying process is swift, and the glaze is a simple mix-and-heat operation.
**Versatile & Customizable:** The heat level is entirely in your hands. Adjust the spice in the honey to your preference, and serve the shrimp in countless ways—over rice, on a salad, in a bao bun, or simply with toothpicks.
**Crowd-Pleasing Centerpiece:** Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, this dish disappears fast. Its glossy, vibrant appearance and mouthwatering aroma are guaranteed to draw everyone to the table.
**Preparation and Cooking Time**
Total Time: 25 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 380-420 calories
**Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Estimate):**
**Calories:** 380-420 kcal
**Protein:** 24g
**Carbohydrates:** 42g
**Fat:** 14g
**Fiber:** 1g
**Sugar:** 22g
**Nutritional Disclaimer**
aileenrecipes is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
**Ingredients**
*For the Shrimp:*
* 1 ½ pounds large shrimp (16/20 or 21/25 count), peeled and deveined, tails on or off
* ½ cup all-purpose flour
* ½ cup cornstarch
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1 teaspoon kosher salt
* ½ teaspoon black pepper
* Neutral oil for frying (such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
*For the Hot Honey Glaze:*
* ½ cup honey
* 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or Sriracha), adjust to taste
* 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
* 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice
* ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
*For Garnish (optional):*
* Sliced green onions
* Toasted sesame seeds
* Flaky sea salt
**Step-by-Step Instructions**
1. **Prep the Shrimp:** Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for a crisp coating.
2. **Make the Dry Mix:** In a large bowl or shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. **Coat the Shrimp:** Add the dried shrimp to the flour mixture. Toss thoroughly until each shrimp is evenly and lightly coated. Shake off any excess flour and place the coated shrimp on a plate or baking sheet.
4. **Heat the Oil:** In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, Dutch oven, or deep skillet, heat about 1 ½ inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a deep-fry or candy thermometer for accuracy.
5. **Fry the Shrimp:** Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully add the shrimp to the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. The shrimp cook quickly.
6. **Drain:** Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to transfer the fried shrimp to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This keeps them crisp. Repeat with remaining shrimp.
7. **Make the Glaze:** While the shrimp fry, combine the honey, hot sauce, butter, and vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth and simmering. Let it bubble gently for 1-2 minutes to slightly thicken. Stir in red pepper flakes if using. Remove from heat.
8. **Glaze the Shrimp:** You have two options. For very crisp shrimp, drizzle the hot honey glaze generously over the plated shrimp. For a more uniform, sticky coating, add all the fried shrimp to a large bowl, pour the glaze over them, and toss quickly and gently to coat.
**How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp**
* **As an Appetizer:** Serve on a platter with toothpicks and lemon wedges, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
* **The Main Event:** Plate over a bed of steamed jasmine rice, coconut rice, or creamy grits. Add a simple side of steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus.
* **Taco Night:** Pile the glazed shrimp into warm corn or flour tortillas with a crunchy slaw, sliced avocado, and a drizzle of crema.
* **Salad Topper:** Transform a basic green salad or a grain bowl into something spectacular by adding a few pieces of hot honey shrimp on top.
**Additional Tips for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp**
* For extra flavor, add a ½ teaspoon of onion powder and/or cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
* Ensure your oil returns to 350°F between batches for consistently crispy results.
* For a lighter version, shrimp can be air-fried at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, shaking halfway, then tossed with the glaze.
* A splash of soy sauce or a teaspoon of minced fresh ginger added to the glaze introduces a delicious savory-umami note.
* Serve immediately after glazing for the best texture.
**Recipe Variations of Hot Honey Fried Shrimp**
* **Buttermilk Brined Version:** For supremely tender shrimp, soak them in seasoned buttermilk for 30 minutes before dredging in the flour mixture.
* **Extra-Crispy Version:** Use a wet hand/dry hand method: dip shrimp in beaten egg, then into the flour mixture, then back into the egg, and finally into the flour again for a double coat.
* **Gluten-Free Version:** Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free.
**Freezing and Storage for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp**
**Storage:** Leftover glazed shrimp are best enjoyed within 24 hours. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in an air fryer or a 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid the microwave, as it will make them soggy.
**Freezing:** It is not recommended to freeze the glazed shrimp, as the texture will suffer. You can freeze the unglazed, fried shrimp. Cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Re-crisp from frozen in a 400°F oven or air fryer, then toss with freshly made hot honey glaze.
**FAQ Section about Hot Honey Fried Shrimp**
**Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?**
A: Absolutely. Thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight, then pat them extremely dry before coating.
**Q: How can I make the hot honey glaze spicier or milder?**
A: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes. Start with less, taste the glaze, and add more incrementally. For milder heat, use a less-vinegary hot sauce like Cholula.
**Q: What can I substitute for cornstarch?**
A: You can use all flour, but the cornstarch is key for an ultra-crisp, light coating. Arrowroot powder is another good substitute.
**Q: Is there a way to make this without deep-frying?**
A: Yes. For a pan-fry, use just enough oil to coat the bottom of a skillet and cook the shrimp in a single layer, turning once, for 2-3 minutes per side. The coating will be less uniform but still delicious.
**Conclusion of Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe**
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is more than just a recipe; it’s a flavor experience that consistently delights. It successfully bridges the gap between effortless weeknight cooking and gourmet indulgence, proving that spectacular food doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. The harmonious blend of spicy, sweet, salty, and crisp textures makes it a universally appealing dish that adapts to any occasion. Once you master this simple technique, it will become a cherished staple in your culinary repertoire, ready to impress at a moment’s notice. So heat that oil and whisk that glaze—a plate of irresistibly golden, sticky, spicy-sweet shrimp awaits.