What makes the perfect sweet and spicy combo? It’s this crispy hot honey fried shrimp recipe, flavored with lemon and made easy for a quick weeknight dinner. Save this idea for your next family favorite meal to try soon

crispy hot honey fried shrimp, sweet spicy and irresistiblely flavored with lemon

Introduction

Imagine a dish that combines the succulent sweetness of shrimp, the tangy zing of lemon, and the deep, velvety heat of hot honey, all wrapped up in a crunchy, golden package. This is what our crispy hot honey fried shrimp promises to deliver – an explosion of flavors and textures that will leave you and your guests craving for more. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few everyday ingredients and some simple cooking techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is sure to become a favorite, perfect for everything from quick weeknight dinners to special occasion meals.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of hot honey, lemon, and crispy fried shrimp creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile that is both sweet and spicy, while using ingredients that are readily available in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive flavor and texture, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring minimal cooking time and straightforward techniques.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The end result is a dish that looks and tastes like it was made in a high-end restaurant, but can be whipped up in your own kitchen with just a few minutes of effort.

Key Ingredients

The key to this recipe lies in its ingredients. You’ll need large shrimp, preferably fresh and peeled, but frozen and thawed will also work. For the hot honey sauce, you’ll need honey, hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot), lemon juice, and garlic. The breading for the shrimp consists of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and panko breadcrumbs, which provide the perfect crunch. Finally, some olive oil for frying and fresh parsley for garnish complete the dish. Practical substitutions include using different types of hot sauce for varying levels of heat, or substituting the panko breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs for a slightly different texture.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Peel and de-vein the shrimp, and mix the flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt in a shallow dish. In another dish, beat an egg for egg wash. In a third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
2. Step 2: Prepare the hot honey sauce by mixing honey, hot sauce, lemon juice, and minced garlic in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and let it cook until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally.
3. Step 3: Dip each shrimp into the flour mixture, coating it lightly, then into the egg wash, making sure it’s fully coated, and finally into the panko breadcrumbs, pressing the crumbs onto the shrimp to ensure they stick. Heat about 1/2 inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Fry the coated shrimp until they’re golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain the shrimp on paper towels.
4. Step 4: To serve, place the fried shrimp on a serving platter or individual plates, and drizzle the hot honey sauce over them. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges on the side. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Handy Tips

• For an extra crispy coating, chill the breaded shrimp in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before frying.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp; they should be opaque and firm to the touch but still juicy inside.
• Adjust the level of heat in the hot honey sauce to your liking by using more or less hot sauce.

Heat Control

When frying the shrimp, it’s crucial to maintain the right temperature. 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 cooking through; if it’s too cold, the shrimp will absorb too much oil and be greasy. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature, and adjust the heat as needed. Also, don’t overcrowd the skillet; fry the shrimp in batches if necessary, to ensure they have enough room to cook evenly.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the panko breadcrumbs, which provide a light, airy texture that complements the softness of the shrimp perfectly. To achieve the perfect crunch, make sure the breadcrumbs are evenly coated on the shrimp and that the oil is at the right temperature for frying. Also, don’t over-fry the shrimp; they should be golden brown but still juicy inside.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For easier cleanup, line your work surface with parchment paper or a silicone mat before breading the shrimp.
• Use a spider or slotted spoon to remove the fried shrimp from the oil, allowing excess oil to drip back into the skillet.
• Keep the fried shrimp warm in a low oven (around 200°F) while frying the remaining batches, to ensure everything is served hot and at the same time.

Storage Tips

• Leftover fried shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until crispy and warm.
• The hot honey sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat it gently before serving.
• For longer storage, the breaded but unfried shrimp can be frozen on a baking sheet, then transferred to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Fry them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the frying time.

Gift Packaging Ideas

While crispy hot honey fried shrimp is best served fresh, the hot honey sauce makes a wonderful gift. Package it in decorative jars, add a ribbon and a gift tag with serving suggestions, and you have a unique and thoughtful present for any food lover. You could also package the sauce with some frozen breaded shrimp and a recipe card for a complete gift basket.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Try adding some smoked paprika or garlic powder to the breading for a smoky or savory twist.
• Creative toppings: Serve the fried shrimp with some additional toppings like diced mango, sliced jalapeños, or a sprinkle of cilantro for added flavor and texture.
• Ingredient swaps: Substitute the shrimp with chicken tenders or tofu for a different protein option, or use different types of hot sauce for varying levels of heat.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the breading falls off the shrimp during frying, it might be because the egg wash wasn’t sticky enough or the breadcrumbs weren’t pressed onto the shrimp firmly enough. Adjust your technique and try again.
• Ingredient replacements: If you can’t find panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs will work, though the texture might be slightly different. For the hot honey sauce, you can substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different flavor profile.
• Over/undercooking signs: Shrimp that are overcooked will be tough and rubbery, while undercooked shrimp will be soft and translucent. Adjust your cooking time based on the size of your shrimp and the temperature of your oil.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the breaded but unfried shrimp for up to 2 months. Fry them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the frying time.
• Is it gluten-free? The recipe as written contains gluten in the all-purpose flour. However, you can substitute the flour with gluten-free flour and ensure the panko breadcrumbs are gluten-free to make the dish gluten-free.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe. Just be sure to fry the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.

Conclusion

With its irresistible combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, crispy hot honey fried shrimp is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner solution or an impressive dish to serve at your next party, this recipe has you covered. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make the dish your own, and enjoy the process of creating something truly delicious. Happy cooking, and we look forward to hearing about your culinary adventures!