Sweet, Spicy, Irresistible Shrimp

This crispy hot honey fried shrimp recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweet heat and satisfying crunch that makes it impossible to stop at just one bite. The golden exterior gives way to tender, juicy shrimp inside, all enveloped in a glossy, spicy-sweet glaze that will have everyone reaching for more.

I first made these shrimp for a last-minute dinner party, and they disappeared faster than anything else on the table. Now whenever friends come over, they specifically request my "honey heat shrimp" before they even arrive.

Ingredients

• Large shrimp: peeled and deveined fresh shrimp provides the best texture and flavor, look for firm, translucent flesh with no ammonia smell
• All-purpose flour: creates the foundation of our crispy coating, trapping moisture for a perfect crust
• Cornstarch: the secret to extra crispiness that stays crunchy even after glazing
• Paprika: adds a subtle smokiness and beautiful color to the coating
• Garlic powder: infuses the breading with savory notes that complement the sweet glaze
• Eggs: act as the binding agent to help the breading adhere perfectly to each shrimp
• Buttermilk: tenderizes the shrimp and creates a thicker egg wash for better coating adhesion
• Panko breadcrumbs: Japanese-style breadcrumbs provide that signature extra-crispy texture
• Hot honey: the star ingredient that brings sweet heat, use store-bought or make your own
• Butter: adds richness and helps the glaze cling beautifully to each piece of shrimp
• Soy sauce: provides umami depth that balances the sweetness of the honey
• Red chili flakes: customize the heat level to your preference with this optional kick

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp:

Pat each shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This critical step ensures the breading will stick properly and helps prevent dangerous oil splatter during frying. The drier your shrimp, the crispier your final result will be.

Create Your Breading Station:

Combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl, whisking thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly. In a second bowl, whisk eggs and buttermilk until completely combined with no streaks remaining. Pour panko breadcrumbs into a third bowl, spreading them out for easy coating.

Bread the Shrimp:

Working with one shrimp at a time, dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture, ensuring complete coverage and tapping off excess. Next, dip into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, press firmly into the panko breadcrumbs, patting gently to adhere the crumbs to all surfaces. Place breaded shrimp on a baking sheet and repeat with remaining shrimp.

Heat Your Oil:

Pour oil to a depth of approximately 2 inches in a heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven. Heat to exactly 350°F, verifying with a thermometer for accuracy. Maintaining proper oil temperature is crucial for perfect crispiness without greasiness. The oil should bubble gently when a breadcrumb is dropped in.

Fry to Golden Perfection:

Carefully add shrimp to the hot oil in small batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan which would lower the temperature. Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning once, until the coating turns a beautiful golden brown and the shrimp curl into a crescent shape. Transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet, never paper towels which can make them soggy.

Create the Honey Glaze:

Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat, being careful not to brown it. Add hot honey, soy sauce, and chili flakes if using, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Keep warm while finishing the shrimp.

Glaze the Shrimp:

Transfer the fried shrimp to a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm glaze over the shrimp and gently toss using a silicone spatula until each piece is evenly coated with the glistening sauce. Work quickly while everything is still hot for the best glaze adhesion.

Garnish and Serve:

Transfer the glazed shrimp to a serving platter, arranging them in an attractive pile. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds and fresh green onions for a pop of color and texture contrast. Serve immediately while still hot and crispy.

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The hot honey is truly the magical element in this recipe. I discovered it during a trip to Nashville where it seemed to be drizzled on everything from fried chicken to pizza. The way it transforms these shrimp from simply crispy to absolutely irresistible still amazes me every time I make them.

Make-Ahead Options

While these shrimp are best served immediately after cooking, you can prepare certain components in advance to streamline your cooking process. The dry flour mixture can be combined up to a week ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The egg wash can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated. You can even bread the shrimp completely up to 2 hours before cooking, arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet in the refrigerator. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature for about 15 minutes before frying for the most even cooking.

Perfect Pairings

These crispy honey shrimp shine as the centerpiece of several meal options. For a lighter presentation, serve them atop a crisp Asian slaw with thinly sliced cabbage, carrots, and a rice vinegar dressing. They also make fantastic shrimp tacos when tucked into warm corn tortillas with avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside coconut rice and steamed vegetables. The sweet-spicy flavor profile pairs beautifully with cold beer, especially light lagers, or a slightly sweet Riesling wine that complements both the heat and sweetness.

Customizing Your Heat Level

One of the beauties of this recipe is how easily you can adjust the spiciness to suit your preferences. For mild palates, use regular honey with just a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce mixed in. Medium heat can be achieved with store-bought hot honey or making your own by warming regular honey with sliced jalapeños. For those who truly love heat, increase the chili flakes in the glaze, add a minced Thai bird chile, or even incorporate a small amount of ghost pepper sauce for serious spice lovers. The sweetness of the honey provides a perfect canvas for experimenting with different heat levels.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ What can I serve with hot honey fried shrimp?

Hot honey fried shrimp pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, Asian-style slaw, or fresh salad greens. It also works beautifully with creamy sides like macaroni and cheese or coleslaw. For a complete meal, serve with roasted vegetables or crispy french fries. The sweet-spicy shrimp also make excellent taco fillings or po' boy sandwich ingredients.

→ Can I make these shrimp less spicy?

Absolutely! To reduce the spiciness, you can use regular honey instead of hot honey, or mix regular honey with just a small amount of hot honey to control the heat level. You can also omit the red chili flakes completely. The dish will still have wonderful flavor from the other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, and soy sauce.

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

Hot honey is simply honey infused with chili peppers for a sweet-heat combination. You can easily make it at home by warming 1 cup of honey with 1-2 tablespoons of red pepper flakes (adjust to your heat preference) in a small saucepan. Let it simmer on low for about 10 minutes, then strain or leave the flakes in for more heat. Store in a jar at room temperature for up to 3 months.

→ Can I bake or air-fry these shrimp instead of deep-frying?

Yes! For a lighter version, you can air-fry the breaded shrimp at 380°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. For baking, arrange the breaded shrimp on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray with cooking oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes. Then toss with the hot honey glaze as directed in the original instructions.

→ How do I know when the shrimp are properly cooked?

Properly cooked shrimp will turn from translucent gray to opaque pink and white. They should form a loose 'C' shape when done. If they curl into a tight 'O' shape, they're overcooked. For fried shrimp specifically, they should have a golden brown exterior and take approximately 2-3 minutes per side in 350°F (175°C) oil. Shrimp cook very quickly, so watch them carefully to prevent overcooking.

→ Can I prepare any components of this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the flour mixture and the buttermilk-egg mixture up to a day ahead and store them covered in the refrigerator. The hot honey glaze can also be made in advance and gently reheated when ready to use. However, for the best texture, bread the shrimp just before frying, as the coating can become soggy if left too long. Fried shrimp are best enjoyed immediately after cooking and glazing.