Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a delightful and savory dish that combines the crispy texture of fried shrimp with the sweetness of honey and the subtle heat of hot sauce. The balance between sweet, spicy, and savory flavors makes this dish a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. It’s a great appetizer or main course, perfect for seafood lovers and those who enjoy a bit of a kick in their meals. The golden, crunchy coating surrounding the tender shrimp pairs well with the drizzle of honey, creating an irresistible dish that will have everyone reaching for more.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- 1 cup (240g) cornmeal
- 2 tbsp hot sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the shrimp marinade
In a large mixing bowl, pour the buttermilk and add the hot sauce. Stir the mixture until the hot sauce is evenly distributed in the buttermilk. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp into the bowl, making sure each shrimp is fully submerged and well-coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step not only infuses the shrimp with flavor but also tenderizes the meat, making it juicy once fried.
Step 2: Prepare the coating
While the shrimp marinates, prepare the coating by combining the dry ingredients. In a separate large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if you’re using it for extra heat), salt, and pepper. The cornmeal gives the shrimp a crispy texture, while the spices provide a well-rounded flavor. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your preference for heat.
Step 3: Heat the oil
Pour the vegetable oil into a deep skillet or deep fryer, filling it about halfway. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Using a deep-fry thermometer will ensure that your oil reaches and maintains the right temperature for frying, which is crucial for achieving a perfectly crispy exterior. If the oil is too hot, the shrimp will cook too quickly and burn, while if it’s too cold, they will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
Step 4: Dredge the shrimp
Once the shrimp have marinated, remove them from the buttermilk mixture and let any excess liquid drip off. One by one, dredge each shrimp in the flour-cornmeal mixture, ensuring they are fully coated on all sides. Shake off any excess coating to prevent clumps from forming. This step is key for creating the crispy texture that makes these shrimp so irresistible.
Step 5: Fry the shrimp
In batches, carefully lower the coated shrimp into the hot oil. Fry each shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet or fryer, as this can lower the temperature of the oil and affect the crispiness. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 6: Drizzle with honey
While the shrimp are still hot, drizzle the honey over them. Toss the shrimp gently to ensure that each one is evenly coated with the sweet honey glaze. The heat from the shrimp will slightly warm the honey, allowing it to seep into the crispy coating, creating a wonderful contrast between the savory crunch and the sweetness.
COOKING Note:
For an extra layer of flavor, feel free to add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the shrimp just before serving. This adds a tangy brightness that enhances the other flavors. Additionally, if you like more heat, consider adding a bit of extra cayenne pepper to the honey drizzle or incorporating a bit of chili flakes into the honey.
Serving Suggestions:
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp can be served as a main dish or as an appetizer. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with coleslaw, potato salad, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with classic Southern sides like cornbread or macaroni and cheese. For dipping, a creamy ranch sauce or spicy aioli would complement the flavors beautifully. Don’t forget to garnish with lemon wedges for a fresh citrus note.
Tips:
- Adjust the heat: If you love spicy food, you can increase the cayenne pepper in the dredge or mix some hot sauce directly into the honey before drizzling it over the shrimp.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the shrimp in small batches to ensure they cook evenly and maintain their crispiness.
- Use a thermometer: Keeping the oil at a consistent temperature ensures that the shrimp fry evenly and don’t absorb too much oil, resulting in a crispy coating rather than a greasy one.
- Make ahead: You can marinate the shrimp ahead of time (up to 4 hours in advance) to save time when cooking.
- Serving size: This recipe makes enough for about four servings, but you can easily double or triple the recipe if you’re serving a larger group.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 400 kcal per serving
- Protein: 25g per serving
- Sodium: 550mg per serving
FAQs:
1. Can I make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp ahead of time?
It’s best to serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp immediately after cooking to ensure they stay crispy. However, you can prepare the shrimp by marinating them in the buttermilk mixture ahead of time. Fry the shrimp just before serving to retain their crisp texture.
2. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating. This ensures the marinade sticks to the shrimp and they fry up crispy.
3. How can I store leftovers?
Leftover fried shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to regain some crispiness.
4. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, if you prefer a healthier alternative, you can bake the shrimp at 425°F (220°C) on a greased baking sheet for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and cooked through.
5. Is there a substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.
Conclusion:
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is the perfect combination of crispy, sweet, and spicy, making it an unforgettable dish for any seafood lover. Whether served as an appetizer or the main course, these shrimp will impress your guests with their bold flavors and satisfying crunch. Follow the steps, tips, and suggestions in this recipe to create a memorable meal that’s sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the crispy shrimp with a drizzle of honey, and savor the flavor-packed bite each time!
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Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- 1 cup (240g) cornmeal
- 2 tbsp hot sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the shrimp marinade
In a large mixing bowl, pour the buttermilk and add the hot sauce. Stir the mixture until the hot sauce is evenly distributed in the buttermilk. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp into the bowl, making sure each shrimp is fully submerged and well-coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step not only infuses the shrimp with flavor but also tenderizes the meat, making it juicy once fried.
Step 2: Prepare the coating
While the shrimp marinates, prepare the coating by combining the dry ingredients. In a separate large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if you’re using it for extra heat), salt, and pepper. The cornmeal gives the shrimp a crispy texture, while the spices provide a well-rounded flavor. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your preference for heat.
Step 3: Heat the oil
Pour the vegetable oil into a deep skillet or deep fryer, filling it about halfway. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Using a deep-fry thermometer will ensure that your oil reaches and maintains the right temperature for frying, which is crucial for achieving a perfectly crispy exterior. If the oil is too hot, the shrimp will cook too quickly and burn, while if it’s too cold, they will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
Step 4: Dredge the shrimp
Once the shrimp have marinated, remove them from the buttermilk mixture and let any excess liquid drip off. One by one, dredge each shrimp in the flour-cornmeal mixture, ensuring they are fully coated on all sides. Shake off any excess coating to prevent clumps from forming. This step is key for creating the crispy texture that makes these shrimp so irresistible.
Step 5: Fry the shrimp
In batches, carefully lower the coated shrimp into the hot oil. Fry each shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet or fryer, as this can lower the temperature of the oil and affect the crispiness. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 6: Drizzle with honey
While the shrimp are still hot, drizzle the honey over them. Toss the shrimp gently to ensure that each one is evenly coated with the sweet honey glaze. The heat from the shrimp will slightly warm the honey, allowing it to seep into the crispy coating, creating a wonderful contrast between the savory crunch and the sweetness.
Notes
COOKING Note:
For an extra layer of flavor, feel free to add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the shrimp just before serving. This adds a tangy brightness that enhances the other flavors. Additionally, if you like more heat, consider adding a bit of extra cayenne pepper to the honey drizzle or incorporating a bit of chili flakes into the honey.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sodium: 550mg
- Protein: 25g