Introduction
If you love bold flavors with a kick, Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a must-try dish that combines crispy, golden shrimp with a sweet and spicy honey sauce. This fusion of crispy fried shrimp and a hot honey glaze creates an irresistible balance of textures and flavors. The shrimp are perfectly crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and drenched in a luscious sauce that brings both sweetness and heat to every bite.
In this article, we will guide you through making this delicious dish from scratch. We’ll cover why Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is so popular, share a step-by-step guide to preparing it, and suggest ways to make it even more customizable. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a main dish for dinner, or just a satisfying snack, this dish fits every occasion and will surely leave everyone asking for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A Perfect Balance of Flavors: The heat from the hot sauce and the sweetness from the honey come together perfectly, giving each shrimp a wonderful contrast of flavors.
- Crispy and Juicy: The shrimp are coated in a crunchy batter, providing a satisfying texture that complements the tender shrimp inside.
- Quick and Easy: Despite its delicious complexity, this recipe is simple to prepare and doesn’t take much time, making it perfect for busy nights or quick gatherings.
- Perfect for Sharing: Whether as an appetizer or a snack, this dish is perfect for sharing with friends and family, making it great for parties or family dinners.
- Customizable Heat Levels: You can adjust the level of spiciness in the hot honey sauce to suit your personal taste, ensuring that everyone enjoys it to their liking.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Total Time: 45 minutes (15 minutes for prep, 30 minutes for cooking)
- Servings: This recipe serves 4, with about 6-8 shrimp per person depending on size.
- Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 20g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fat: 20g
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp: Peeled and deveined, the shrimp will be the star of this dish.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: To create the crispy coating for the shrimp.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds depth and smokiness to the shrimp batter.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: For a subtle savory flavor.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall seasoning of the shrimp.
- 1 teaspoon salt: To season the shrimp and batter.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: To balance the seasoning and add some heat.
- 1 large egg: To help bind the flour mixture to the shrimp.
- 1 cup buttermilk: For a tender, moist texture in the shrimp.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Use enough oil to submerge the shrimp for deep frying.
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- ½ cup honey: Provides the sweetness that balances the heat.
- 3 tablespoons hot sauce: Choose a hot sauce with a bit of depth; a cayenne-based sauce works best for a moderate heat level.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Helps to balance the sweetness with acidity, enhancing the overall flavor.
- 1 garlic clove (minced): Adds a savory element to the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: To give the sauce an extra kick of heat.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional): For a touch of brightness and freshness.
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped parsley: For a fresh, herbal touch to garnish the fried shrimp.
- Lemon wedges: To serve alongside the shrimp, offering a zesty contrast to the sweetness of the sauce.
- Sesame seeds: For a crunchy topping and visual appeal.
Step-by-Step Preparation
FIRST STEP: PREPARE THE SHRIMP
- Prepare the Shrimp: Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp if they aren’t already prepped. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, as this will help the batter adhere better.
- Make the Flour Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Make the Wet Mixture: In another shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk until smooth. This will be used to dip the shrimp before coating them in the flour mixture.
- Coat the Shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the wet mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then coat the shrimp thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Set the coated shrimp aside on a plate or tray.
SECOND STEP: FRY THE SHRIMP
- Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be deep enough to submerge the shrimp for even frying. Test the temperature by dropping a small amount of the flour mixture into the oil—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
- Fry the Shrimp: Working in batches, carefully add the shrimp to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: If needed, adjust the heat to maintain the oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F to ensure the shrimp cook evenly and crisply.
THIRD STEP: MAKE THE HOT HONEY SAUCE
- Combine the Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, butter, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir the ingredients over medium heat until the butter melts and the sauce is well combined.
- Simmer the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste the sauce and adjust the level of heat by adding more hot sauce or red pepper flakes, depending on your preference.
- Optional Lemon Juice: For an extra layer of flavor, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the sauce just before removing it from the heat. This will add brightness and a bit of acidity to balance the sweetness and spice.
FOURTH STEP: TOSS THE SHRIMP IN THE HOT HONEY SAUCE
- Toss the Shrimp: Once the shrimp are fried and drained, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the hot honey sauce over the shrimp and toss gently to coat all the shrimp in the sticky, spicy-sweet sauce.
- Serve Immediately: Once the shrimp are coated, serve them immediately while they’re still warm and crispy. Garnish with chopped parsley, sesame seeds, and lemon wedges if desired.

How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp can be served in various ways, making it perfect for any occasion. Here are a few serving suggestions:
1. As an Appetizer
These shrimp are ideal as a flavorful appetizer for a gathering or party. They’re easy to eat with your hands, making them perfect for casual settings. Serve them with a side of dipping sauce like ranch, blue cheese, or even extra hot honey sauce.
2. Over Rice or Salad
For a heartier meal, serve the shrimp over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside a refreshing salad. The crispy shrimp pairs wonderfully with the freshness of greens, and the hot honey sauce adds a delicious contrast to the rice or salad’s flavors.
3. In Tacos or Wraps
For a fun and creative twist, you can use the shrimp to make tacos or wraps. Simply place the shrimp in soft tortillas or lettuce leaves and top with fresh salsa, avocado, and a drizzle of lime for a vibrant, spicy meal.
4. Pair with Beverages
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp pairs well with a cold drink. For a non-alcoholic option, try pairing it with iced tea, lemonade, or a refreshing cucumber mint drink. If you prefer a drink with alcohol, an ice-cold beer or a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc would complement the flavors of the dish.
Additional Tips
- Make It Extra Crispy: For an even crispier texture, try double-coating the shrimp by dipping them in the flour mixture, followed by the wet mixture, and then dipping them back into the flour mixture before frying.
- Adjust the Sweetness and Spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey and hot sauce in the glaze to suit your preferences. If you like it sweeter, add more honey; for more heat, increase the amount of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
- Use Shrimp with Shells On: If you prefer, you can leave the shells on the shrimp for added flavor. Just make sure to peel and devein them before cooking to ensure they’re clean and ready to eat.
Recipe Variations
While the classic hot honey fried shrimp recipe is fantastic as written, you can get creative with different variations:
1. Add Extra Seasoning
For an added flavor boost, consider seasoning the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, or even a bit of chili powder before frying. This will give the shrimp an extra layer of flavor and complexity.
2. Make It Gluten-Free
If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Be sure to check the ingredients of your hot sauce and honey to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.
3. Bake Instead of Frying
For a lighter version, you can bake the shrimp instead of frying them. Simply coat the shrimp with the flour mixture and place them on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Freezing and Storage
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and freeze your hot honey fried shrimp:
- Refrigerating Leftovers: Store the leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the shrimp on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to crisp them back up.
- Freezing: To freeze the shrimp, allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for 2-3 hours, then transfer the shrimp to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until crispy.
Special Equipment
You don’t need much special equipment to make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, but these tools will help streamline the process:
- Deep Fryer or Frying Pan: For deep frying the shrimp.
- Mixing Bowls: To prepare the flour mixture and wet mixture.
- Tongs or Slotted Spoon: For safely placing the shrimp in and removing them from the hot oil.
- Paper Towels: To drain excess oil from the fried shrimp.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure the batter sticks properly.
2. Can I use a different hot sauce?
Absolutely! Experiment with different hot sauces to adjust the heat level and flavor. Options like sriracha, Frank’s RedHot, or buffalo sauce can work well.
3. Can I make the hot honey sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the hot honey sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just reheat it before using.
Conclusion
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is the perfect dish for anyone who loves a balance of sweet and spicy flavors. With its crispy exterior, juicy shrimp, and sticky hot honey glaze, it’s an unforgettable treat. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, a main dish, or a fun snack, it’s sure to impress your guests and leave everyone craving more. Try it today, and enjoy the perfect combination of sweet heat in every bite!