Hot Honey Fried Shrimp: A Sweet and Spicy Delight

Dive into the perfect balance of crispy, golden shrimp coated in a sticky, sweet, and spicy hot honey sauce. This hot honey fried shrimp recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make and packed with bold flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a game night, a family dinner, or just craving something indulgent, this dish brings a fun twist to classic fried shrimp. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an easy way to add excitement to your table.

How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

This recipe serves 4 and takes about 25 minutes to prepare. Here’s everything you need and clear steps to follow.

Ingredients

• For the shrimp:
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, your choice)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)
• For the hot honey sauce:
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Equipment

• Large skillet or deep fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs or slotted spoon
• Paper towels
• Small saucepan
• Whisk

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to help the batter stick. Set aside.
2. Set up the dredging station: In one bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk eggs and milk until smooth.
3. Coat the shrimp: Dip each shrimp in the egg mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture, pressing gently to coat. Shake off excess flour and place on a plate.
4. Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (a pinch of flour should sizzle). If using a deep fryer, follow its instructions.
5. Fry the shrimp: Carefully add shrimp to the hot oil in batches, avoiding crowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove with tongs or a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
6. Make the hot honey sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter. Stir in honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until combined and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust heat or sweetness if needed.
7. Toss and serve: Place the fried shrimp in a large bowl, drizzle with hot honey sauce, and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

• Get the oil temperature right: Too cool, and the shrimp get greasy; too hot, and they burn. Aim for 350°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dropping a bit of batter in—it should sizzle and float.
• Keep the batter light: Cornstarch in the flour mix makes the coating extra crispy. Don’t skip it, but don’t pack it on too thick either—shake off excess for a light crunch.
• Adjust the heat: Hot sauce brands vary in spiciness. Start with less and add more to the sauce if needed. For milder palates, use a splash of sriracha or a milder hot sauce.
• Work in batches: Frying too many shrimp at once lowers the oil temperature, making them soggy. Fry in small batches for the best texture.
• Keep it warm: If you’re frying in batches, keep cooked shrimp warm on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while you finish the rest.
• Make it ahead: You can prep the shrimp (dredge and coat) and refrigerate them for up to an hour before frying. Make the sauce just before serving to keep it fresh.

How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

This dish is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides to suit any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions:

• As an appetizer: Serve on a platter with toothpicks and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
• With sides: Pair with coleslaw, fries, or a cucumber salad to balance the heat and sweetness. Corn on the cob or macaroni and cheese also make great companions.
• In tacos: Tuck the shrimp into warm tortillas with shredded lettuce, avocado, and a drizzle of extra hot honey sauce for a fun twist.
• Over rice: Serve over jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the sauce, with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans.
• Presentation: For a vibrant look, garnish with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve on a colorful plate to make the golden shrimp pop.

Keep the shrimp warm until serving to maintain their crispiness. Offer extra hot honey sauce on the side for those who want a bolder flavor.

How to Store and Reheat

• Storage: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the sauce separate to prevent sogginess.
• Reheating: Reheat shrimp in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Microwaving can make them soggy. Warm the sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth.
• Freezing: Freezing fried shrimp isn’t ideal, as they lose their crunch. If you must, freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven, not the microwave.

Why This Recipe Works

Hot honey fried shrimp is a winning combination of textures and flavors—crispy, juicy shrimp meet a sticky, sweet, and spicy sauce that’s hard to resist. The recipe is straightforward, using pantry staples and minimal equipment, making it accessible for home cooks. It’s versatile enough to serve as a snack, main dish, or party appetizer, and the adjustable heat level suits all tastes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this dish brings bold, satisfying flavors without complicated steps.

Enjoy this hot honey fried shrimp as a fun, flavorful way to spice up your next meal. It’s a simple recipe that delivers big on taste and leaves everyone wanting more.