Sweet, Spicy, Irresistible Shrimp

This crispy hot honey fried shrimp recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweet heat and satisfying crunch in every bite. I created this recipe after searching for that ideal appetizer that would wow dinner guests without keeping me stuck in the kitchen all evening. The combination of crispy coating and sticky-sweet glaze has quickly become my signature dish for gatherings.

I first made this recipe when entertaining friends who love both seafood and spicy food. The empty plate and requests for the recipe told me everything I needed to know this would become a regular in my cooking rotation.

Ingredients

• Large shrimp: Peeled and deveined creates the perfect foundation for this dish with their sweet flavor and ideal size for even cooking
• All purpose flour: Provides structure to the coating ensuring it adheres properly to the shrimp
• Cornstarch: Is my secret weapon for extra crispiness that stays crunchy even after glazing
• Paprika: Adds subtle smoky notes and beautiful color to the coating
• Garlic powder: Infuses the breading with savory depth without burning like fresh garlic might
• Eggs: Combined with buttermilk create the perfect sticky base for the breadcrumbs to adhere to
• Panko breadcrumbs: Deliver superior crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs look for authentic Japanese panko for best results
• Hot honey: Forms the backbone of our glaze choose a quality brand or make your own by infusing honey with chilis
• Butter: Adds richness and helps the glaze coat each shrimp evenly
• Soy sauce: Introduces umami depth that balances the sweetness perfectly

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp:

Thoroughly pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This crucial step ensures the coating adheres properly and prevents dangerous oil splatter during frying. I like to lay them out on a baking sheet lined with paper towels for maximum drying effectiveness.

Set Up Breading Station:

Create an assembly line with three distinct bowls. First bowl combines flour cornstarch and all seasonings whisked thoroughly to distribute spices evenly. Second bowl contains beaten eggs and buttermilk whisked until completely homogenous. Third bowl holds panko breadcrumbs spread out for easy coating. This organized approach makes the breading process efficient and less messy.

Coat the Shrimp:

Using one hand for dry ingredients and one for wet prevents the dreaded breaded fingers. Dredge each shrimp completely in the seasoned flour mixture shaking off excess then submerge fully in the egg mixture allowing extra to drip off before pressing firmly into the panko to ensure maximum coverage and crunch potential. Place breaded shrimp on a clean baking sheet without overlapping.

Heat the Oil:

Pour oil to a depth of about two inches in a heavy bottomed pot or deep pan. Heat to precisely 350°F using a thermometer for accuracy. Temperature control is absolutely essential for achieving the perfect crispy exterior while ensuring the interior cooks properly without becoming rubbery. Too cool and the shrimp absorb excess oil too hot and they burn before cooking through.

Fry the Shrimp:

Work in small batches of 5 to 6 shrimp depending on your pan size to maintain oil temperature. Gently lower each shrimp into the hot oil and fry for exactly 2 minutes before carefully flipping to cook the other side for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until deeply golden brown. The coating should bubble vigorously and take on a rich golden hue. Transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet never paper towels which can make them soggy.

Make the Hot Honey Glaze:

In a small saucepan over low heat melt butter completely without browning. Add hot honey and soy sauce stirring constantly to combine into a smooth glossy mixture. Add red pepper flakes if you desire extra heat watching carefully as the glaze will bubble slightly as it warms. The perfect glaze should coat the back of a spoon but still pour easily.

Coat the Shrimp:

Transfer the fried shrimp to a large heat resistant bowl. Pour the warm glaze over the shrimp and gently toss using a silicone spatula or wooden spoon to ensure each piece is evenly coated without damaging the crispy exterior. Work quickly while the glaze is still warm for best adhesion and coverage.

Garnish and Serve:

Transfer glazed shrimp to a serving platter and immediately sprinkle with sesame seeds which will adhere to the sticky glaze. Scatter freshly chopped green onions over the top for color contrast and fresh flavor. The dish should be served right away while still hot and at peak crispiness.

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My absolute favorite aspect of this recipe is the way the hot honey creates a glossy lacquer that perfectly balances sweetness with heat. My husband who typically avoids spicy food always makes an exception for these shrimp claiming the sweetness helps tame the fire just enough to make it addictive rather than overwhelming.

Perfect Pairings

These crispy hot honey shrimp make an exceptional main course when served with cooling sides that balance the heat. Coconut rice absorbs the extra glaze beautifully while providing contrast to the spicy flavors. A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar brings refreshing acidity that cuts through the richness. For a complete meal experience consider adding stir fried sugar snap peas or broccoli to introduce a green vegetable component that complements without competing with the star of the show.

Storage Solutions

While these shrimp are undeniably best served immediately after preparation they can be stored if necessary. Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat arrange shrimp on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 7 to 10 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwave reheating which will destroy the crispy texture. The glaze may thicken when chilled so have extra hot honey on hand to refresh the coating if needed.

Make It Your Own

This recipe welcomes creative adaptations based on your flavor preferences. For a citrus twist add a teaspoon of lime zest to the hot honey glaze. Coconut lovers can replace half the panko with unsweetened shredded coconut for tropical notes. Those seeking extra dimension might incorporate a tablespoon of grated ginger into the glaze. For a completely different direction substitute the hot honey with buffalo sauce and serve with blue cheese dipping sauce for a shrimp version of classic buffalo wings.

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Recipe FAQs

→ What can I serve with Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad. It also works great in tacos with avocado and lime, or served over noodles. For a complete meal, consider adding roasted vegetables or a side of cornbread to complement the sweet and spicy flavors.

→ Can I make this dish without deep frying?

Yes! For a lighter version, you can air fry the breaded shrimp at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through. Alternatively, arrange the breaded shrimp on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes. While the texture won't be identical to deep-fried, you'll still get delicious results with less oil.

→ What is hot honey and can I make it myself?

Hot honey is simply honey infused with chili peppers. You can easily make it at home by warming 1 cup of honey with 1-2 tablespoons of red pepper flakes in a small saucepan for 5 minutes. Let it steep for 1 hour, then strain if desired. Store in a jar at room temperature for up to 3 months.

→ How do I prevent the breading from falling off the shrimp?

To ensure your breading stays put, thoroughly pat the shrimp dry before starting the breading process. After coating each shrimp, press the breadcrumbs gently to adhere. Let the breaded shrimp rest for 5-10 minutes before frying, and make sure your oil is at the proper temperature (350°F) before adding the shrimp.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

For best results, fry the shrimp just before serving to maintain crispiness. However, you can prepare the breaded shrimp up to 2 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to fry. The hot honey glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance and gently reheated. For leftovers, reheat in an air fryer or oven at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness.

→ How spicy is this dish?

The spice level is customizable based on your preference. As written, the dish has a moderate heat that balances nicely with the sweetness. For a milder version, reduce or omit the red chili flakes. To increase the heat, add more chili flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the glaze. You could also sprinkle cayenne pepper into the flour mixture.