Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is the kind of dish that makes your taste buds do a happy dance. Picture crispy, golden shrimp that have been kissed by the warmth of hot honey, creating a delightful balance of sweet and spicy. The moment you take a bite, a symphony of flavors hits your palate—crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and that heavenly drizzle of honey adds just the right touch!
I remember the first time I tried Hot Honey Fried Shrimp at a local seafood joint. I was instantly hooked! It was like a flavor explosion in my mouth. Now, it’s become my go-to dish for casual get-togethers and family dinners. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday or a festive Friday night, these shrimp are bound to steal the show. Are you ready to embark on this delicious journey? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is incredibly easy to prepare with just a few simple ingredients
- The flavor profile combines sweet heat that makes every bite unforgettable
- Visually appealing with their golden color, these shrimp look as good as they taste
- Versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or main course, they’re perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Shrimp: Use large, peeled and deveined shrimp for optimal crunch and flavor; fresh or frozen works fine.
All-Purpose Flour: This will create that beautiful crispy coating; feel free to substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
Cornstarch: Helps achieve an extra crunch; don’t skip this ingredient if you want that perfect texture.
Hot Honey: A blend of honey and chili flakes adds just the right kick; store-bought works great, but homemade is even better!
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; taste as you go to ensure perfect seasoning.
For the frying:
Vegetable Oil: Use oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil for frying; it keeps things crispy without burning.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Gathering Your Ingredients
First things first: gather all your ingredients on your kitchen counter like an excited group of friends ready for a party. This simplifies your cooking process and keeps everything organized.
Preparing the Shrimp
Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Drying them ensures they fry up nice and crisp instead of steaming in hot oil.
Coating the Shrimp
In one bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Dredge each shrimp in this mixture until they’re well coated—think of it as giving them a cozy little flour blanket before their hot-oil bath.
Heating Up the Oil
In a deep skillet or pot, pour enough vegetable oil to submerge those shrimp (about two inches). Heat it over medium-high until it reaches around 350°F (175°C). You’ll know it’s ready when small bubbles form around the edge when you dip in a wooden spoon!
Frying Time
Carefully drop in shrimp one by one (don’t crowd them!). Fry until they turn golden brown—about three minutes per side. Remove them and place on paper towels to drain excess oil while you get ready for that glorious drizzle.
Adding Hot Honey
Once all your shrimp are fried to perfection, drizzle hot honey over them generously while they’re still warm. Make sure each bite gets that sticky-sweet goodness—this is how we create magic!
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp on a colorful platter with lemon wedges and perhaps some fresh herbs for garnish. Pairing these beauties with a refreshing salad or crunchy coleslaw elevates your dining experience!
Enjoying Your Creation
Now comes my favorite part: digging in! Share with friends or keep them all for yourself (I won’t tell anyone). Each bite bursts with flavor that dances between sweet and spicy—absolutely irresistible!
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers (which I doubt), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat them in an air fryer or oven to keep that crunch intact—it’s totally worth it!
There you have it! Your very own guide to making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp that will impress everyone at your dinner table—and might even earn you some applause! Now go forth and fry!
You Must Know
- Hot honey fried shrimp are a delightful blend of sweet and savory, bringing an exciting twist to your dinner table
- This recipe is simple and adaptable, making it perfect for both casual meals and special gatherings
- Get ready to impress with this delicious dish!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the shrimp in hot honey and spices while heating oil in a skillet. Once the oil is hot, fry the shrimp until golden brown. This sequence ensures maximum flavor infusion and crispy results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your hot honey fried shrimp! Swap out shrimp for chicken or tofu, add your favorite spices, or even experiment with different types of honey for unique flavor profiles.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover hot honey fried shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, bake them at 350°F until heated through to maintain their crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For optimal crunch, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches instead
- Finally, let the shrimp rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil
Sometimes, I whip up these hot honey fried shrimp for family game night. The kids devour them so quickly that I barely get a bite!
FAQs:
What is Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a delicious dish that combines crispy fried shrimp with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. The shrimp are typically coated in a seasoned batter and fried until golden brown, then drizzled or tossed with hot honey. This dish offers a fantastic balance of flavors, making it perfect for appetizers or main courses.
How do I make the batter for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
To create the batter for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, mix flour, cornstarch, and spices such as paprika and garlic powder in a bowl. Whisk in cold water or beer until you achieve a smooth consistency. This light batter will help the shrimp become crispy when fried. Dip each shrimp into the batter before frying to ensure an even coating.
Can I use frozen shrimp for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp. Just remember to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial to achieving that desired crispy texture when frying.
What dishes pair well with Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp pairs wonderfully with various sides like coleslaw, rice, or a fresh garden salad. You can also serve it alongside dipping sauces like ranch or tartar sauce to enhance the meal’s flavor profile. These sides complement the sweetness and spiciness of the dish beautifully.
Conclusion for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp:
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a delightful combination of crunchy texture and bold flavors that everyone will love. By mastering the batter and ensuring your shrimp are fresh or properly thawed, you can enjoy this dish at home easily. Pairing it with side dishes adds variety to your meal, making it perfect for gatherings or casual dinners. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different spice levels in your hot honey sauce; this recipe is all about personal taste!
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a deliciously addictive dish that combines crispy, golden shrimp with a tantalizing sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. Perfect for any occasion, this easy-to-make recipe will impress your family and friends with its irresistible crunch and flavor explosion. Whether served as an appetizer or main course, each bite promises to ignite your taste buds and leave everyone wanting more.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry thoroughly.
- In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture until well coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry shrimp in batches for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and drizzle hot honey over the shrimp before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 shrimp (120g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
