Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a bold and irresistible dish that combines crispy, golden-fried shrimp with a drizzle of spicy-sweet hot honey sauce. The contrast of crunchy coating and sticky glaze creates a flavor-packed bite that’s perfect for entertaining, snacking, or serving as a main course with your favorite sides.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish brings together two standout elements: perfectly seasoned, crispy fried shrimp and a hot honey glaze that delivers a sweet-spicy punch. The buttermilk marinade tenderizes the shrimp and infuses it with smoky, garlicky flavor, while the coating stays light and crisp. Whether served as an appetizer or a main, it’s guaranteed to impress and satisfy.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Shrimp:

Large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
Buttermilk (or milk + lemon juice alternative)
Garlic powder
Smoked paprika
Black pepper
Salt

For the Coating:

All-purpose flour
Cornstarch
Cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and pepper

For Frying:

Vegetable oil for deep frying

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

Honey
Hot sauce (halal-friendly)
Red pepper flakes
Apple cider vinegar

Optional Garnish:

Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Marinate the Shrimp:
In a mixing bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Add the shrimp and stir to coat. Let marinate for at least 20 minutes.
Prepare the Coating:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.
Heat the Oil:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain temperature for even frying.
Dredge the Shrimp:
Remove the shrimp from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to coat thoroughly.
Fry the Shrimp:
Fry the shrimp in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar. Warm gently until just combined and slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
Serve:
Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the fried shrimp or serve on the side as a dip. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Marinating time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: 60–65 minutes

Variations

Use chicken tenders or cauliflower florets for a different protein or vegetarian option.
Swap the hot sauce for sriracha or chili garlic paste for a different flavor profile.
Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the red pepper flakes in the sauce.
Serve over waffles or on slider buns for a Southern-style twist.

Storage/Reheating

For best results, serve immediately after frying.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) until hot and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it will soften the coating.
Hot honey sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently before using.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure they’re completely thawed and patted dry before marinating.

What oil is best for frying?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level is moderate and can be adjusted by controlling the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes.

Can I make it without cornstarch?

Cornstarch helps the coating get extra crispy, but you can use all flour in a pinch.

What can I serve with these shrimp?

They pair well with coleslaw, fries, rice, or on top of a salad.

Is the hot honey sauce necessary?

It’s highly recommended for flavor contrast, but the shrimp are also delicious on their own.

Can I air-fry the shrimp?

Yes, spray the coated shrimp with oil and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the hot sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free.

How long should I marinate the shrimp?

20–30 minutes is sufficient, but you can marinate up to 1 hour for deeper flavor.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

It can be—omit the cayenne and reduce the heat in the honey sauce to suit younger palates.

Conclusion

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a crave-worthy dish that delivers crispy, flavorful shrimp with a sweet and spicy kick. Perfect for sharing or enjoying as a main course, this recipe brings a gourmet twist to classic comfort food. With simple ingredients and bold results, it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.

[tasty-recipe id=”18451″]