Oh, let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite recipes: Hot Honey Fried Shrimp! This dish is a true crowd-pleaser and so versatile. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party, having a cozy family night, or just treating yourself, these shrimp are sure to delight!
I’ve always had a love affair with seafood, but there’s something about the crispy, spicy, and sweet combo of these shrimp that brings me right back to my childhood. Every summer, my family would head to the coast, and there was this tiny beach shack that served the best fried shrimp I’ve ever had. They drizzled a sweet and spicy honey sauce over them, which honestly blew my mind! Today, I’ve recreated that beloved flavor in my kitchen, and I just can’t get enough.
What’s in Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
Now, let’s chat about what you’ll need to whip up this deliciousness!
Large Shrimp: The stars of the show! Make sure to get them peeled and deveined for ease. I usually go for wild-caught shrimp; they have so much more flavor than the farmed ones.
Buttermilk: This tenderizes the shrimp and adds a slight tang. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by mixing regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.
All-Purpose Flour: This is your go-to for that golden crust. It gives the shrimp a nice, crispy exterior.
Cornmeal: This adds an extra crunch and a bit of Southern flair—think hushpuppies!
Garlic Powder, Paprika, and Cayenne Pepper: These spices come together to create a perfect flavor blend. Adjust the cayenne to your liking if you’re feeling adventurous!
Vegetable Oil: For frying, I recommend peanut oil if you want a hint of nuttiness, but vegetable oil works just fine too.
Honey: This is where the magic happens! The sweetness balances perfectly with the spiciness.
Red Pepper Flakes: This will give that sweet heat we crave in our sauce.
Fresh Parsley: A little sprinkle on top for that pop of color and freshness.
Is Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Good for You?
Let’s be real—this isn’t the kind of dish you’d eat every day, but there are a few perks here and there!
Shrimp: These little guys are packed with protein and low in calories. Plus, they’re rich in nutrients like vitamin B12 and selenium. Just be sure to keep an eye on your portion sizes!
Honey: You get some health benefits with honey too! It has antioxidants and can be a better alternative to refined sugar in moderation.
On the flip side, frying can increase the calorie content, so if you’re watching your intake, enjoy these as an occasional treat rather than a daily indulgence.
The Ingredients List
For this shimmery, mouthwatering dish, you’ll need:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornmeal
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil, for frying
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
This recipe serves about 4 people, but I wouldn’t be surprised if you find yourself making extra!
How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?
Are you ready to dive into this scrumptious adventure? Here’s how to make it:
1. In a bowl, combine the shrimp and buttermilk. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This really helps to tenderize the shrimp and pack in that flavor.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Keep it well combined for maximum flavor!
3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). The oil gets hot quickly, so keep an eye on it!
4. Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, getting an even coating.
5. Carefully place the coated shrimp into the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 3-4 minutes or until they’re golden and crispy. Once done, drain them on paper towels.
6. In a small saucepan, combine honey and red pepper flakes. Warm it over low heat for about 2-3 minutes, letting those flakes infuse into the honey.
7. Drizzle the hot honey over the fried shrimp or serve it on the side for dipping—your call!
8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately while they’re still hot and crispy.
Sizzling Secrets and Serving Suggestions
Here’s the best part: you can kick this dish up a notch! If you love a tangy twist, try adding a splash of hot sauce to your honey. For a touch of zest, a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the shrimp can brighten things up beautifully.
You could also swap out the shrimp for crispy chicken nuggets for a fun twist! Likewise, serve these bad boys next to a crunchy coleslaw or over a light salad for a complete meal.
Before I go, I just want to say: make sure you try this recipe at home. It will be a hit, and I’d love to hear how yours turns out! Remember to take a photo and share your creation with your friends (and me, if you’re up for it!). Enjoy your culinary adventure with these heavenly Hot Honey Fried Shrimp!
