Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a delightful dish that brings together crispy fried shrimp and a sweet, spicy homemade hot honey. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is sure to impress guests at gatherings or simply serve as a delicious weeknight dinner. The combination of flavors makes it a standout dish that everyone will rave about!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal prep time and comes together in under 30 minutes.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices and hot honey provides a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as an appetizer, part of a main course, or even as a topping for salads!
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its crunchy texture and bold flavors, it’s a guaranteed hit at parties.
• Customizable Heat Levels: Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your spice tolerance, making it friendly for all palates.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Deep frying pot
• Slotted spoon
• Candy or deep-fry thermometer
• Medium mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep frying pot: A good pot allows you to fry multiple shrimp at once, ensuring even cooking.
• Slotted spoon: This tool helps you safely remove shrimp from hot oil while keeping excess oil at bay.
• Candy or deep-fry thermometer: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is key for achieving that crispy texture.

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Ingredients

For this Hot Honey Fried Shrimp recipe, gather the following ingredients:

For the Shrimp

• 1 pound large shrimp, (thawed, peeled, deveined, tail-on)
• 1 cup (245 g) buttermilk

For the Coating

• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

For Frying

• vegetable oil, (for frying)

For Finishing Touches

• ½ cup (170 g) hot honey (homemade or store-bought)
• parsley, (chopped for garnish)

How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

To start, add the shrimp to a medium bowl. Pour the buttermilk over the shrimp, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let them marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In another medium bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until well combined. Set this aside for later use.

Step 3: Dredge the Shrimp

Remove each shrimp from the buttermilk marinade one by one. Allow any excess liquid to drip off before dredging them generously in the seasoned flour mixture. Ensure each shrimp is fully coated before placing them on a large baking sheet. Repeat this process with all remaining shrimp.

Step 4: Heat Oil for Frying

In a large pot over medium heat, pour in about 2 inches of vegetable oil. Use your candy or deep-fry thermometer to bring the oil up to 350°F.

Step 5: Prepare for Frying

While waiting for the oil to heat up, line another baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside for holding cooked shrimp.

Step 6: Fry the Shrimp

Once the oil is ready, tap off any excess flour from each shrimp carefully. Gently transfer them into the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each batch for about 2–3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on the oil temperature; it may drop after adding new shrimp.

Step 7: Drizzle with Hot Honey

Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried shrimp from the oil and place them on your lined baking sheet. Drizzle generously with hot honey while still warm.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Finally, sprinkle chopped parsley over your hot honey fried shrimp for an added touch of flavor and color. Serve immediately while hot!

How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these shrimp can adapt to your serving style. Here are some delicious options to consider.

As an Appetizer

• Serve the shrimp on a platter with extra hot honey for dipping. This allows guests to enjoy the sweet and spicy flavor with each bite.

Main Course Delight

• Pair the shrimp with rice or quinoa for a filling meal. The grains will soak up the hot honey, enhancing the overall flavor.

On a Salad

• Toss the fried shrimp over a fresh garden salad. The crunchy texture complements the crisp greens, making it a light yet satisfying option.

With Tacos

• Use the shrimp as a filling for soft or hard tacos. Top them with fresh slaw and avocado for a tasty twist.

In a Sandwich

• Create a hot honey shrimp sandwich using crusty bread. Add lettuce and tomato for freshness, making it perfect for lunch.

How to Perfect Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

To achieve crispy and flavorful Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, consider these helpful tips:

• Marinate properly: Allowing the shrimp to soak in buttermilk enhances tenderness and flavor.
• Use enough oil: Ensure you have at least 2 inches of oil in your pot so that the shrimp fry evenly without sticking together.
• Maintain oil temperature: Keep an eye on your oil temperature to ensure each batch fries perfectly golden without being greasy.
• Don’t overcrowd the pot: Fry in small batches to prevent steaming, which can lead to soggy shrimp.
• Let them rest: Allow fried shrimp to rest on paper towels briefly after frying to absorb excess oil before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Complementing your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp with delicious side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent pairings:

1. Coleslaw
   A crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the spicy shrimp. Try adding apples for sweetness.

2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
   Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort and richness that balance the heat of the shrimp.

3. Corn on the Cob
   Grilled or boiled corn on the cob brings sweetness and is easy to prepare alongside your main dish.

4. Cucumber Salad
   A light cucumber salad tossed in vinegar offers a cool, crisp side that pairs well with the spicy notes of the shrimp.

5. Rice Pilaf
   Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs acts as an excellent base for soaking up any extra hot honey sauce.

6. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition, complementing both taste and presentation beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp experience. Here are some key pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the marinade: Marinating the shrimp in buttermilk is crucial for flavor and tenderness. Don’t rush this step; let them soak for at least 15 minutes.

• Using the wrong oil: Not all oils are suitable for frying. Choose a high smoke point oil like vegetable oil to prevent burning and ensure a crispy texture.

• Crowding the pan: Frying too many shrimp at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy shrimp. Fry in smaller batches for perfectly crispy results.

• Not monitoring oil temperature: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the shrimp will absorb too much oil. Use a thermometer to keep it around 350°F throughout frying.

• Neglecting seasoning: Under-seasoning can lead to bland shrimp. Ensure you coat each piece thoroughly with the seasoned flour mix for maximum flavor.

• Skipping garnishes: A simple garnish like chopped parsley adds color and freshness to your dish. Don’t skip this easy step!

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Duration: Store Hot Honey Fried Shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• • Temperature: Make sure your refrigerator is set below 40°F.
• • Separation: To maintain crispness, store shrimp without hot honey until ready to serve.

Freezing Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

• • Duration: You can freeze cooked shrimp for up to 2 months.
• • Containers: Use freezer-safe bags or containers, ensuring as much air is removed as possible.
• • Thawing: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and place shrimp on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes or until heated through.

• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, about 30 seconds at a time, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.

• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a little oil and gently reheat shrimp until warmed, about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Hot Honey Fried Shrimp:

Can I make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp ahead of time?

You can prep the shrimp by marinating them and coating in flour ahead of time. Just fry them fresh when you’re ready to serve!

What can I serve with Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

These shrimp pair well with a variety of sides like coleslaw, rice, or a fresh salad. Feel free to get creative!

How spicy is Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

The heat level depends on the amount of cayenne pepper used and the spiciness of your hot honey. Adjust these elements according to your preference!

Can I use frozen shrimp for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

Yes! Just ensure they are fully thawed before marinating and frying for optimal results.

How do I know when my shrimp are done frying?

Shrimp are done when they turn golden brown and float to the top of the oil. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per batch.

Final Thoughts

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is not only delicious but also versatile! Whether served as an appetizer or main dish, it’s sure to impress family and friends. Feel free to customize it by adjusting spice levels or trying different dipping sauces. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!