Description

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp offers a perfect balance of crispy golden texture and a sweet-spicy glaze that excites the palate. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy-to-make dish features shrimp coated in a crunchy batter and tossed in a luscious hot honey sauce combining honey’s sweetness with a kick of heat, ideal as an appetizer, main course, or party favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Coating

1 lb medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined
3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free rice flour for gluten-free option)
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika, plus extra for seasoning
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2 large eggs

Frying

Vegetable oil or canola oil, enough for deep frying (about 2-3 cups)

Hot Honey Glaze

1/3 cup honey
1–2 tbsp hot sauce or 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp fresh lemon or lime juice

Optional Garnishes

Chopped cilantro or parsley
Toasted sesame seeds
Thinly sliced green onions
Additional lime wedges for serving

Instructions

Prepare the shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them completely dry using paper towels. Lightly season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of paprika to enhance their natural flavor.
Mix the coating ingredients: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, and a pinch of extra paprika. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth for the batter.
Coat the shrimp: Dip each shrimp first into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then thoroughly dredge in the flour mixture until fully coated. Ensure every shrimp is evenly covered to create a crunchy crust.
Fry the shrimp: Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in batches, avoiding overcrowding, and cook each batch for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Remove the shrimp and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Prepare the hot honey glaze: In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm the honey with your choice of hot sauce or chili flakes and a squeeze of lemon or lime juice. Stir until well combined and heated through. Adjust the spice level according to taste.
Toss shrimp in glaze: Place the fried shrimp in a large bowl, drizzle with the hot honey glaze, and toss carefully until each piece is fully coated with the sticky sweet heat.

Notes

Ensure shrimp are thoroughly dried before coating to achieve maximum crispiness.
Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F to avoid greasy shrimp and ensure even cooking.
Do not overcrowd the fryer; fry in small batches for best texture.
Adjust the heat level of the glaze gradually to suit your spice preference.
Serve immediately after glazing for optimal crunch and flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 oz (approximately 6-8 shrimp)
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 12 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 20 g
Cholesterol: 190 mg

Keywords: hot honey, fried shrimp, sweet and spicy shrimp, crispy shrimp, appetizer, quick shrimp recipe, honey glaze, spicy shrimp