Description
Crispy hot honey fried shrimp are a delicious blend of crunchy breading and tender shrimp, drizzled with a sweet and spicy honey sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, this dish offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1–2 tablespoons red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a medium bowl, pour the buttermilk over the shrimp, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until evenly mixed.
- Set up a breading station with the bowl of seasoned flour and cornmeal mixture next to the bowl of buttermilk-soaked shrimp, along with a large plate or baking sheet for the breaded shrimp.
- Remove the shrimp from the refrigerator. One at a time, take a shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off.
- Coat the shrimp in the flour and cornmeal mixture, pressing gently for an even coating. Shake off excess and place on the prepared plate.
- Repeat until all shrimp are breaded, remixing the breading mixture if it becomes clumpy.
- In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, pour enough vegetable oil to reach a depth of about 2 inches. Heat over medium-high until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add the breaded shrimp in batches, frying for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to turn them halfway through.
- Remove cooked shrimp and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining shrimp.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey and red pepper flakes. Stir gently to combine.
- Warm for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to infuse the honey with heat. Adjust red pepper flakes to taste.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
- Place all fried shrimp in a large mixing bowl.
- Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the shrimp, tossing gently to coat evenly.
- Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
- Ensure the oil is at the right temperature before frying to achieve a crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes