Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

The golden crunch of the shrimp, perfectly fried to a crisp exterior, gives way to tender, juicy bites inside, making each piece a flavor-packed delight. Then comes the magic: that sweet, spicy kick of hot honey. The syrupy glaze clings to the shrimp like a love letter to your taste buds, creating the perfect balance between heat and sweetness. The hot honey isn’t just a topping—it’s an essential element that elevates the dish from simple to extraordinary, adding complexity and depth. Every bite is a dance of flavors that hits just the right notes, from the initial sweetness to the bold, lingering heat that follows. The slight tang of the shrimp, coated in that luscious glaze, gives you a satisfying contrast that keeps you reaching for more.

It’s hard not to get excited about the endless possibilities for pairing this dish. Whether it’s a crispy slaw to balance the heat, or a zesty dipping sauce on the side, these shrimp are a perfect base to get creative with your sides. Personally, I love serving them with a refreshing cucumber salad, which adds a cool contrast that highlights the heat even more. If you’re a fan of extra spice, drizzle a bit more hot honey on top or even sprinkle some red pepper flakes before serving to really bring out that bold, fiery kick. It’s the kind of dish that’s guaranteed to impress, whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to something special at home.

Key Ingredients for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

To create the perfect Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, each ingredient plays a crucial role in bringing out the incredible balance of flavors and textures. From the succulent shrimp to the fiery hot honey glaze, every element works in harmony to elevate this dish into something truly unforgettable.

Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
These plump, tender shrimp are the star of the show. Peeled and deveined, they are easy to enjoy without any distractions, offering that delicate, sweet flavor that contrasts beautifully with the bold seasoning and the hot honey.

All-purpose flour
The flour creates a light, crispy coating for the shrimp, helping to lock in that delicious, juicy interior while giving each bite a satisfying crunch. It’s the base of the crispy batter that makes every shrimp so irresistible.

Salt
Salt enhances all the natural flavors of the shrimp and the batter, bringing everything together into one delicious bite. It’s a simple ingredient, but it plays a big role in balancing the overall flavor.

Black pepper
The pepper adds just a hint of warmth and sharpness to the batter, complementing the sweetness and heat from the honey and hot sauce. It’s a subtle touch, but it makes the dish feel well-rounded.

Paprika
Paprika brings in a smoky, slightly sweet note that pairs wonderfully with the other spices and the shrimp. It also gives the batter a beautiful color that hints at the bold flavors to come.

Garlic powder
A staple in any savory dish, garlic powder provides an earthy depth to the shrimp’s coating, adding that rich, savory punch that balances the sweetness of the hot honey glaze.

Onion powder
Onion powder adds another layer of savory flavor, giving the batter a rich, umami undertone that pairs so well with the shrimp. It’s a quiet ingredient, but it’s essential for creating a full-bodied flavor profile.

Eggs
Eggs help bind the flour and seasonings to the shrimp, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated and golden brown once fried. They also contribute to the crispy texture we crave in fried foods.

Water
A little water thins out the egg mixture, making it easier to coat the shrimp without weighing them down. It’s a small ingredient, but it’s important for achieving that delicate, crispy coating.

Buttermilk
Buttermilk not only helps tenderize the shrimp but also adds a tangy flavor to the batter that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the hot honey. It’s the secret ingredient for a creamy, crispy exterior.

Vegetable oil, for frying
Vegetable oil is the perfect choice for frying—its high smoke point ensures a crisp, golden-brown finish on each shrimp. It creates the ideal frying environment without overpowering the flavors.

Honey
The honey is the foundation of the hot honey glaze. Its rich sweetness perfectly balances the heat from the hot sauce, giving the shrimp a luscious, syrupy coating that’s pure perfection.

Hot sauce
Hot sauce provides the fiery kick that gives this dish its signature heat. It adds a spicy punch to the honey, creating a glaze that’s equal parts sweet and hot.

Lemon juice
Lemon juice brightens up the hot honey glaze, adding a refreshing, tangy note that cuts through the richness of the dish. It’s the finishing touch that brings everything together, adding a burst of freshness.

How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Serving Suggestions for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Crispy Slaw
The cool, crisp crunch of a simple slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect counterpoint to the spicy, sweet shrimp. The slaw adds a refreshing bite that balances out the heat and gives your dish a lovely crunch—plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!

Garlic Butter Rice
Imagine fluffy, buttery rice infused with garlic and a touch of lemon zest. It’s the ultimate comfort side that complements the bold flavors of the shrimp without stealing the spotlight. Plus, you can scoop up all that extra hot honey glaze with each bite. Heavenly!

Grilled Corn on the Cob
For a slightly smoky, charred addition to your meal, grilled corn on the cob is an ideal pairing. The natural sweetness of the corn enhances the heat from the shrimp, while the smokiness adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Brush with a little butter and sprinkle with a pinch of chili powder for an extra kick!

How to Store Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), there are a few simple ways to store your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp to keep them as delicious as when they were freshly made. First, let’s talk about keeping them in the fridge. Allow the shrimp to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. This prevents condensation from making them soggy, which is a total flavor killer. Stored this way, your shrimp will stay fresh for up to two days.

Now, I know that crispy texture is the real star of the show, so if you’re planning to reheat them, try popping them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lay the shrimp out on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re hot and crispy again. It’s a quick and easy way to restore that golden crunch without turning them into a sad, soggy mess.

For those of you with a stash that you don’t plan on eating right away, you can freeze them too. To freeze, place the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and pop them in the freezer for about an hour. Once they’re frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheat them in the oven (just like you would for leftovers), and you’ll have shrimp that tastes almost as fresh as the day they were made.

Conclusion

There you have it—Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, the perfect balance of crispy, juicy shrimp with that irresistible sweet and spicy glaze. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, craving a fun weeknight meal, or just treating yourself to something special, this dish is sure to wow your taste buds. Every bite is packed with flavor, from the crunch of the shrimp to the bold, fiery heat of the hot honey sauce.

And don’t forget those amazing sides you can pair with it—each one complements the shrimp in its own delicious way. From a refreshing slaw to buttery garlic rice or smoky grilled corn, there’s no shortage of ways to create the perfect meal.

If you decide to make these shrimp, I’d love to hear how they turn out! Drop a comment or let me know if you have any questions or need a little help with the recipe. I’m always here to chat and share in the joy of cooking!

Print Recipe

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Author: Lily Anderson Courses: Appetizer

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 30 mins

Calories: null

Description

Crispy, golden fried shrimp drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. The perfect balance of heat and sweetness with a crunchy bite that keeps you coming back for more—this dish is a flavor-packed sensation you won’t want to miss!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon onion powder

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tablespoon water

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying

• ¹⁄₄ cup honey

• 2 tablespoons hot sauce

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

1. Peel and devein 1 pound of large shrimp.
2. In a shallow bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder.
3. In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs and 1 tablespoon of water.
4. Pour 1 cup of buttermilk into a third shallow bowl.
5. Heat 2 cups of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
6. Dip each shrimp into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
7. Next, dip the shrimp into the egg mixture and coat evenly.
8. Finally, dip the shrimp into the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off.
9. Place the coated shrimp into the hot oil and fry in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
10. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the fried shrimp onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
11. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of hot sauce, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
12. Pour the hot honey sauce over the fried shrimp and toss gently to coat.
13. Serve the hot honey fried shrimp immediately and enjoy!

Note

• Ensure the shrimp are completely peeled and deveined for the best texture and presentation.
• For extra crispiness, double-dip the shrimp by repeating the flour, egg, and buttermilk steps.
• Adjust the hot sauce amount based on your spice preference, or use a milder sauce for less heat.
• If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with a mixture of regular milk and a teaspoon of vinegar.
• Serve with a side of dipping sauce, like ranch or blue cheese, for added flavor contrast.

Keywords: hot honey fried shrimp recipe, crispy shrimp with hot honey, sweet and spicy fried shrimp, hot honey shrimp appetizer, easy fried shrimp with honey sauce