Craving a quick weeknight dinner that’s easy to make and packed with flavor? Try crispy hot honey fried shrimp made with homemade honey sauce for a family favorite meal, save for later

Crispy Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Introduction

Crispy Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a dish that embodies the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, all while boasting a satisfying crunch that will leave you craving for more. This recipe is a testament to the magic that happens when everyday ingredients are combined with a dash of creativity and a pinch of love. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and accessibility, requiring minimal effort to achieve impressive results that are sure to dazzle your family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their seafood game and indulge in a flavor explosion that will leave a lasting impression.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of hot honey, crispy breading, and succulent shrimp creates a harmonious balance of flavors that is both familiar and exciting. The ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets, making this dish a practical choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive presentation, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are simple to work with, making it a great option for those short on time or new to cooking.
Impressive results with minimal effort: The crispy hot honey fried shrimp is a show-stopper, with its golden-brown exterior and juicy interior. The dish is sure to impress your guests, and the best part is that it requires minimal effort to achieve such stunning results.

Key Ingredients

The key ingredients in this recipe include succulent shrimp, hot honey, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, eggs, panko breadcrumbs, and a blend of spices. The hot honey is the star of the show, adding a deep, rich flavor that is both sweet and spicy. The panko breadcrumbs provide a satisfying crunch, while the eggs and flour help to create a delicate, lacy coating. You can substitute the shrimp with other seafood options like scallops or fish, and the hot honey can be replaced with a combination of honey and hot sauce for a similar flavor profile.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by preparing the shrimp. Peel and de-vein the shrimp, and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. In another dish, whisk together the eggs and a splash of water. In a third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
Step 2: Dip each shrimp into the flour mixture, coating it lightly, then into the egg mixture, making sure to coat it completely, and finally into the panko breadcrumbs, pressing the crumbs gently onto the shrimp to ensure they stick. Place the coated shrimp on a plate or tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set the coating.
Step 3: Heat about 1/2-inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Fry the shrimp in batches until they are golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: In a small saucepan, warm the hot honey over low heat until it’s fluid and easy to brush. Brush the hot honey over the fried shrimp and serve immediately. You can garnish with sliced scallions, sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added flavor and texture.

Handy Tips

Make sure to not overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery. Cook them until they are just opaque and firm to the touch.
Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches the correct temperature. This will help the shrimp cook evenly and prevent them from becoming greasy.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying the shrimp. Cook them in batches if necessary, to ensure they have enough room to cook evenly.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial when frying the shrimp. The ideal temperature for frying is between 325°F and 375°F. If the oil is too hot, the shrimp will burn on the outside before they are fully cooked on the inside. If the oil is too cold, the shrimp will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature, and adjust the heat as needed to maintain a consistent temperature.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor is what sets this dish apart from other fried shrimp recipes. The panko breadcrumbs provide a light, airy crunch that complements the succulent shrimp perfectly. To achieve the perfect crunch, make sure to not overcoat the shrimp with the breadcrumbs. A light coating is all you need to achieve a satisfying crunch. Also, don’t overcook the shrimp, as this can cause the coating to become soggy and lose its crunch.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

Use a mixture of all-purpose flour and cornstarch to create a light, airy coating that fries up crispy and golden.
Add a splash of acid, such as lemon juice or vinegar, to the egg mixture to help the coating adhere to the shrimp.
Use a spider or slotted spoon to remove the shrimp from the oil, as this will help to drain excess oil and prevent the shrimp from becoming greasy.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Reheat the shrimp in the oven or microwave until they are crispy and hot.
Freeze the shrimp for up to 2 months, and reheat them in the oven or microwave until they are crispy and hot.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you want to give the crispy hot honey fried shrimp as a gift, consider packaging them in a decorative tin or jar with a clear plastic lid. You can also wrap them in parchment paper or wax paper and tie with a ribbon or twine. Add a few garnishes, such as sliced scallions or sesame seeds, to give the gift a pop of color and texture.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chili powder to the flour mixture for a smoky, spicy flavor.
🌟 Use different types of hot sauce, such as sriracha or hot sauce, to create a unique flavor profile.
🌟 Add some grated ginger or garlic to the egg mixture for an Asian-inspired flavor.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If the shrimp are too greasy, it may be because the oil was too hot or the shrimp were overcooked. If the shrimp are too dry, it may be because they were overcooked or the coating was too thick.
Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have hot honey, you can substitute it with a combination of honey and hot sauce. If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, you can substitute them with regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
Over/undercooking signs: If the shrimp are undercooked, they will be translucent and soft to the touch. If they are overcooked, they will be opaque and firm to the touch.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the crispy hot honey fried shrimp for up to 2 months. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Is it gluten-free? The recipe as written is not gluten-free, as it contains all-purpose flour. However, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make more crispy hot honey fried shrimp. Simply multiply all the ingredients by two, and cook the shrimp in batches if necessary.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the crispy hot honey fried shrimp is a dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. With its perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, and its satisfying crunch, this dish is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their seafood game. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal effort to achieve impressive results. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the ooohs and ahhhs from your guests as you serve up this stunning dish.

Crispy Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe