If you’re looking for a shrimp dish that delivers on both crunch and bold flavors, this Honey Hot Fried Shrimp recipe is a must try. These shrimp are coated in a seasoned flour batter, deep-fried to golden perfection, and finished with a sweet and spicy honey-hot sauce that takes them to the next level. The combination of Old Bay seasoning, honey, and hot sauce creates a flavor explosion that will keep you coming back for more.
Perfect as an appetizer, main course, or even a game-day snack, this dish is incredibly easy to make and even easier to devour. Pair it with a side of coleslaw, fries, or a cool dipping sauce to balance the heat. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, these Honey Hot Fried Shrimp are guaranteed to impress!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tablespoon seasoning salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter.
- Stir in the hot sauce, honey, and sesame oil. Simmer until the sauce thickens, then reduce heat to low and keep warm.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, Old Bay seasoning, seasoning salt, and black pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs with 1 tablespoon of water.
- Heat 3 inches of vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Dredge the shrimp in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip the shrimp in the egg mixture, then coat again in the flour.
- Fry for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Place shrimp in a large bowl, drizzle with the warm honey hot sauce, and toss gently to coat.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 190 kcal per serving | Servings: 4
Honey Hot Fried Shrimp – A Sweet and Spicy Delight
Crispy, juicy, and coated in a perfectly balanced honey-hot sauce, Honey Hot Fried Shrimp is a dish that seafood lovers will instantly fall in love with. This recipe combines the crunch of deep fried shrimp with the bold flavors of Old Bay seasoning, black pepper, and a sweet-and-spicy glaze made with honey, hot sauce, and sesame oil. It’s a simple yet irresistible dish that brings together the best elements of Southern-style fried seafood with a unique twist.
Whether you’re making this dish for a weekend gathering, a quick dinner, or a special occasion, Honey Hot Fried Shrimp will always be a crowd-pleaser. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of cooking time.
What Makes This Dish So Special?
There are plenty of shrimp recipes out there, but this one stands out for a few reasons:
1. Perfect Balance of Sweet and Spicy
The star of this recipe is the honey-hot glaze. The natural sweetness of honey complements the heat from the hot sauce, creating a well-balanced flavor that isn’t too overpowering. The touch of sesame oil adds a hint of nuttiness that rounds out the dish beautifully.
2. Crispy, Golden-Brown Coating
Fried shrimp is all about achieving the perfect crunch, and this recipe delivers just that. The shrimp are coated in a seasoned flour mixture that crisps up beautifully when fried, giving you that light and airy crunch in every bite. Unlike heavier batters that can feel greasy or overpowering, this method keeps the shrimp delicate yet satisfyingly crisp.
3. Quick and Easy to Prepare
One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. With just 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, you can have an impressive meal ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re making a last-minute dinner or whipping up a game-day snack, this dish is perfect when you need something quick, delicious, and foolproof.
4. Versatile Serving Options
Honey Hot Fried Shrimp can be served in a variety of ways:
- As an appetizer – Serve it with a creamy dipping sauce like ranch or a tangy remoulade.
- Over rice – Let the crispy shrimp soak up the sweet and spicy glaze over a warm bed of rice.
- In tacos – Use the shrimp as a filling for tacos, paired with shredded cabbage and a squeeze of lime.
- In a sandwich – Pile the shrimp onto a toasted bun with coleslaw for an epic seafood sandwich.
The Secret to Perfectly Fried Shrimp
Making great fried shrimp at home isn’t difficult, but there are a few key techniques to ensure they come out perfectly every time:
- Use Large Shrimp: Shrimp that are too small tend to overcook quickly. Look for large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture.
- Pat Dry Before Coating: Excess moisture can make the flour mixture clump up. Pat your shrimp dry with a paper towel before dredging.
- Season Every Step: The flour mixture, the wet dip, and the final glaze should all be seasoned well to create layers of flavor.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Frying at 350°F (175°C) ensures that the shrimp cook evenly and turn golden brown without becoming greasy.
- Drain Properly: Instead of placing fried shrimp directly on paper towels, use a wire rack to prevent sogginess and maintain crispness.
Pairing Ideas: What to Serve with Honey Hot Fried Shrimp
This dish is incredibly flavorful on its own, but if you’re looking to create a complete meal, here are some great side dish options:
- Coleslaw: A fresh, crunchy coleslaw with a hint of acidity balances the richness of the fried shrimp.
- French Fries: Classic crispy fries make the perfect pairing, especially when dipped into extra honey-hot sauce.
- Cornbread: A slice of buttery cornbread complements the sweet and spicy flavors beautifully.
- Rice Pilaf: A light, seasoned rice dish helps soak up any extra glaze for a well-rounded meal.
- Garlic Butter Green Beans: A simple veggie side adds freshness and balances the fried elements.
Variations & Customizations
This recipe is already packed with flavor, but you can always tweak it to suit your personal preferences. Here are a few variations to try:
1. Extra Heat
If you love spice, consider adding a few dashes of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for an extra kick. You can also experiment with different hot sauces, like sriracha for a garlicky heat or a habanero-based sauce for intense spice.
2. Air Fryer Version
For a healthier twist, you can make this dish in an air fryer. Simply coat the shrimp as directed, spray lightly with cooking oil, and air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. Gluten-Free Option
Swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour or cornstarch to make this dish completely gluten-free without sacrificing crispiness.
4. Asian-Inspired Twist
For an Asian-style shrimp dish, swap Old Bay seasoning for Chinese five-spice powder, add some soy sauce to the honey glaze, and serve the shrimp with a side of steamed jasmine rice and stir-fried vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s packed with bold flavors – Sweet honey, spicy hot sauce, and savory shrimp create an irresistible combination.
- Crispy and juicy – The shrimp stay crunchy while soaking up just the right amount of sauce.
- Fast and easy to make – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
- Perfect for parties and gatherings – A guaranteed hit at any event or dinner table.
Final Thoughts
Honey Hot Fried Shrimp is the ultimate seafood dish that delivers restaurant quality flavor right at home. The balance of sweetness, heat, and crunch makes every bite an explosion of taste, and the versatility of this dish means you can enjoy it in so many different ways. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining guests, this dish is bound to impress.
Next time you’re craving something crispy, flavorful, and easy to make, give this Honey Hot Fried Shrimp recipe a try. It might just become your new favorite shrimp dish!