Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish combines the satisfying crunch of perfectly fried shrimp with a sweet-spicy glaze that adds complexity and excitement to every bite. The hot honey glaze can be adjusted to your preferred heat level, making it great for all taste buds. It’s a quick recipe that looks and tastes gourmet, making it perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Shrimp:

Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Garlic powder
Smoked paprika
Salt
Black pepper
All-purpose flour
Buttermilk
Panko breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Hot Honey Glaze:

Honey
Hot sauce (adjust to taste)
Butter
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Apple cider vinegar

Directions

Prepare the Shrimp

Pat shrimp dry and season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Set up a dredging station: flour in one bowl, buttermilk in another, and panko breadcrumbs in a third.

Coat the Shrimp

Dredge each shrimp in flour, dip into buttermilk, then coat with panko breadcrumbs. Place coated shrimp on a tray and repeat.

Fry the Shrimp

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
Fry shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking for 2-3 minutes until golden and crisp.
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Make the Hot Honey Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, red pepper flakes (if using), and apple cider vinegar.
Simmer over medium heat, stirring until smooth and melted. Remove from heat.

Serve

Drizzle the hot honey glaze over the fried shrimp or serve on the side as a dipping sauce.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Adjust heat: Use more or less hot sauce and red pepper flakes to control spiciness.
Gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives.
Extra crunch: Add crushed cornflakes or crushed pork rinds to the breadcrumb mix.
Citrus twist: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the glaze for brightness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Best eaten fresh but can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer to maintain crispness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning.

What kind of hot sauce works best?

Classic hot sauces like Frank’s RedHot work well, but feel free to use your favorite.

Is buttermilk necessary?

It helps the coating stick and tenderizes the shrimp, but you can use milk with a splash of vinegar as a substitute.

Can I bake instead of fry?

For a lighter version, bake at 425°F until crispy, but frying gives the best texture.

Can I make the glaze ahead?

Yes, prepare the glaze in advance and warm gently before serving.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just fry in batches and keep cooked shrimp warm in the oven.

How do I prevent soggy shrimp?

Drain well after frying and avoid overcrowding the pan.

Can I add herbs to the breadcrumb mix?

Yes, dried parsley or Italian seasoning add extra flavor.

What can I serve with this?

Serve with coleslaw, a green salad, or steamed rice.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use dairy-free milk for dredging and vegan butter or oil in the glaze.

Conclusion

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is an easy yet impressive dish that combines crispy fried shrimp with a sweet and spicy glaze. Perfect for sharing or indulging solo, it’s sure to be a new favorite for seafood lovers craving bold flavors with minimal effort.