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How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp:
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by patting the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This ensures the batter sticks well and fries up crispy. Set the shrimp aside.
Step 2: Make the Coating
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. These seasonings will give the shrimp a flavorful kick.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and buttermilk together until smooth. This will be the wet mixture that helps the coating stick to the shrimp.
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
Dip each shrimp into the wet mixture (egg and buttermilk), allowing any excess to drip off. Then, dredge the shrimp in the dry flour mixture, making sure each shrimp is well-coated. Set aside the coated shrimp on a plate or tray.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot enough for frying, so test it by dropping a small bit of batter into the oil—if it sizzles and floats to the surface, it’s ready.
Carefully add the shrimp to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the shrimp in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, hot sauce, butter, apple cider vinegar, and chili flakes (if using). Stir the mixture until the butter melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Let it simmer for a minute or two to thicken slightly and intensify the flavors.
Step 6: Coat the Shrimp with Hot Honey Sauce
Once the shrimp are fried and crispy, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the hot honey sauce over the shrimp and toss gently to coat them evenly in the sauce. Make sure every shrimp is drenched in that spicy-sweet goodness!
Step 7: Serve
Serve your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired. Pair with a side of dipping sauce, such as ranch or a squeeze of fresh lime, for an extra layer of flavor.
Tips for the Best Hot Honey Fried Shrimp:
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you love heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or hot sauce. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the spice.
- Double-Dip for Extra Crunch: For an even crispier shrimp, dip the shrimp back into the wet mixture after the first round of coating, then dredge it again in the flour mixture before frying.
- Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor, use fresh shrimp, although frozen shrimp can also work. Just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
- Use High-Heat Oil: Choose an oil with a high smoke point for frying, such as vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil, to avoid burning during the frying process.
Serving Suggestions:
- As an Appetizer: Serve the shrimp on their own with a side of dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- In Tacos: Fill soft corn or flour tortillas with the hot honey fried shrimp, shredded cabbage, and a squeeze of lime for a quick and tasty meal.
- Over Rice or Salad: Serve the shrimp over a bed of steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
- With Veggies: Pair the shrimp with a side of roasted vegetables or a crispy slaw for a balanced dish.
Conclusion:
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is the perfect combination of crispy, juicy shrimp with a sweet and spicy glaze that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether you serve them as a snack, appetizer, or main course, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. So, grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and treat yourself to these irresistible hot honey fried shrimp today!
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