Introduction

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a perfect balance of crispy, spicy, and sweet flavors that will excite your taste buds. This dish features tender shrimp marinated in buttermilk, coated in a spicy seasoned flour, and then fried to golden perfection before being drizzled with luscious hot honey. It’s an easy and impressive appetizer or main course for any occasion.

A metal tray lined with brown paper contains a large pile of golden-brown fried shrimp, each piece crispy with a rough texture and sprinkled with small green herb bits and red chili flakes. The shrimp have a light glaze giving them a shiny look. In the bottom left corner of the tray, there is a clear glass bowl filled with an orange-colored dipping sauce that has visible bits of chili flakes floating in it. The tray is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, thawed, peeled, deveined, tail-on
1 cup (245 g) buttermilk
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
Vegetable oil, for frying
½ cup (170 g) hot honey (homemade or store-bought)
Parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, add the shrimp and pour the buttermilk over them, ensuring each shrimp is fully coated. Let them marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes.
Step 2: In a separate medium bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well and set aside.
Step 3: Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk one at a time, letting excess liquid drip off. Dredge each shrimp generously in the seasoned flour mixture, coating thoroughly. Place coated shrimp on a large baking sheet and repeat with remaining shrimp.
Step 4: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a large pot and heat over medium until it reaches 350°F, using a candy or deep-fry thermometer to check the temperature.
Step 5: Line another baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside for the cooked shrimp.
Step 6: Carefully fry the shrimp in batches, avoiding overcrowding, for 2-3 minutes. Turn occasionally until shrimp are golden brown and crispy. Be sure to allow the oil to return to 350°F between batches.
Step 7: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried shrimp to the lined baking sheet. Drizzle the hot shrimp generously with hot honey.
Step 8: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, double dredge the shrimp by dipping them back into the buttermilk and flour mixture before frying.
Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level in the flour coating.
Use homemade hot honey by warming honey with chili flakes gently for about 10 minutes, then strain.
Serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Storage

Store any leftover fried shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes to help maintain the crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy. Drizzle with fresh hot honey after reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of crispy fried shrimp piled together, each piece golden-brown and crunchy with textured, bubbly batter. The shrimp are sprinkled with small green herb bits, adding a touch of color. Some shrimp show curled tails and rough, crunchy edges with an inviting sheen of light oil or sauce glistening on the surface. The background consists of a white marbled texture, complementing the warm tones of the fried shrimp. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just be sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before marinating to avoid excess moisture during frying.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.