Prepare the Shrimp: Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps the breading stick better and results in a crispier fry.
Make the Breading: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the beaten egg and buttermilk.
Coat the Shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated, then dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breading sticks well. Repeat until all the shrimp are coated.
Fry the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should reach 350°F (175°C) when ready. Fry the shrimp in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan, for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Once done, transfer the shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Make the Hot Honey Sauce: While the shrimp are frying, prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and butter. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until the butter melts and the sauce is smooth and well-combined. If you like extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes and adjust the hot sauce to taste.
Toss the Shrimp in the Sauce: Once the shrimp are fried and crispy, place them in a large bowl. Pour the hot honey sauce over the shrimp and toss gently to coat each shrimp evenly in the sweet and spicy sauce.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Hot Honey Fried Shrimp immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or green onions, if desired. These shrimp are perfect on their own or paired with a side of creamy coleslaw or crispy fries.
Tips for Serving and Storing:
Serving Tip:
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is best enjoyed immediately while they’re still crispy and hot. Serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy dipping or over a bed of greens for a more filling dish. Pair with a refreshing drink like iced tea or lemonade to balance the heat from the hot honey sauce.
Storing Tip:
If you have leftovers, store the fried shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep them crispy, reheat the shrimp in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes before serving. The hot honey sauce can also be stored separately in the fridge for up to a week.
Variants:
Spicy BBQ Fried Shrimp:
For a different twist, replace the hot sauce in the honey sauce with your favorite barbecue sauce for a smoky, tangy flavor. The BBQ sauce will still blend perfectly with the honey for a sweet and spicy combination.
Lemon Garlic Hot Honey Shrimp:
For a citrusy spin, add the juice and zest of half a lemon to the hot honey sauce. This will give the shrimp a bright, refreshing flavor that pairs wonderfully with the heat from the hot sauce.
Air-Fried Hot Honey Shrimp:
If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can air fry the shrimp instead of deep-frying them. Lightly spray the shrimp with cooking oil and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through for a crispy result.
FAQ:
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels before breading and frying to ensure the best results.
What can I serve with Hot Honey Fried Shrimp? Hot Honey Fried Shrimp pairs well with a variety of sides such as coleslaw, mashed potatoes, fries, or a light salad. You can also serve it with some garlic bread or a refreshing cucumber salad.
How spicy is the hot honey sauce? The spiciness level of the hot honey sauce can be adjusted to your liking. Start with 2 tablespoons of hot sauce for a moderate heat level, and add more if you prefer extra spice. The honey will balance the heat, but feel free to experiment with the quantities until it’s perfect for you.
Can I make the hot honey sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can make the hot honey sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stove before using it to toss the shrimp.
What if I don’t like fried shrimp? If you don’t want to fry the shrimp, you can also bake them in the oven. Simply coat the shrimp in the breading, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until crispy.
Conclusion:
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a flavor-packed dish that brings together the perfect balance of sweetness and heat. Crispy shrimp tossed in a sticky, spicy-sweet sauce is an absolute treat for the taste buds. Whether you’re making this for a special occasion or a casual meal, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy all your cravings. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can enjoy this irresistible dish at home in no time. Enjoy every spicy, crunchy bite of this delectable creation!
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