Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Introduction
Imagine biting into crispy, succulent shrimp coated in a perfect blend of sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. That’s what you get with Hot Honey Fried Shrimp – a dish that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds and become a favorite at your dinner table. This recipe is not only delicious but also simple enough to make any day of the week.
Fresh and Quality Ingredients
Using fresh and high-quality ingredients is crucial for the best results. Fresh shrimp provide the best texture and flavor, making a significant difference in the final dish.
Where to Source Your Shrimp
If you live near the coast, local seafood markets often have the freshest shrimp. For those inland, many grocery stores carry quality shrimp, or you can order it online from reputable seafood suppliers.
Preparing the Shrimp
Cleaning and Deveining
Start by cleaning and deveining the shrimp. Rinse them under cold water, and use a small knife to make a shallow cut along the back of each shrimp to remove the vein.
Marinating the Shrimp
Marinate the cleaned shrimp in buttermilk for about 30 minutes. This step helps tenderize the shrimp and allows the flavors to penetrate.
Making the Hot Honey Sauce
Key Ingredients for the Sauce
The hot honey sauce is the star of the dish, combining sweetness and heat in perfect harmony.
Step-by-Step Sauce Preparation
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, and apple cider vinegar.
- Heat over low heat, stirring until the butter is melted and the ingredients are well combined.
- Keep the sauce warm until ready to use.
Breading the Shrimp
Choosing the Right Breading
A mix of all-purpose flour and cornmeal gives the shrimp a perfect crispy coating.
Step-by-Step Breading Process
- In a large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off.
- Dredge the shrimp in the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is well coated.
Frying the Shrimp
Choosing the Right Oil
Vegetable oil is ideal for frying as it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor.
Perfect Frying Temperature
Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or large pot. Use a thermometer to maintain the correct temperature.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Do not overcrowd the pot; fry the shrimp in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Keep an eye on the oil temperature to prevent the shrimp from becoming greasy.
Combining the Shrimp and Sauce
Tossing the Shrimp in Hot Honey Sauce
Once fried, place the shrimp on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Then, transfer them to a large bowl.
Ensuring Even Coating
Pour the hot honey sauce over the fried shrimp and toss gently to coat each piece evenly.
Seasoning and Adjusting Flavors
Balancing Sweetness and Heat
Taste the dish and adjust the flavors as needed. If you prefer more heat, add extra hot sauce. For more sweetness, a bit more honey can do the trick.
Seasoning Tips
A sprinkle of salt and a dash of cayenne pepper after tossing in the sauce can enhance the flavors further.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
Avoiding Overcooking
Shrimp cook quickly, usually in 2-3 minutes per batch. Overcooking can make them tough, so watch closely.
Enhancing Flavors
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can brighten the dish and add a layer of freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Perfect Plate Presentation
Serve the Hot Honey Fried Shrimp on a large platter or individual plates. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and lemon wedges for a pop of color and flavor.
Accompaniments and Side Dishes
Pair this dish with coleslaw, a green salad, or corn on the cob. These sides complement the shrimp and provide a balanced meal.
Pairing with Beverages
Best Drink Choices
- A cold beer: The crispness pairs well with the fried shrimp.
- A chilled white wine: Such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
- Lemonade or iced tea: For a refreshing non-alcoholic option.
Why These Drinks Work
These beverages enhance the dish’s flavors without overpowering them, making each bite and sip a delightful experience.
Variations and Substitutions
Alternative Ingredients
- Use chicken tenders instead of shrimp for a different take.
- For a gluten-free version, use almond flour and gluten-free cornmeal.
Making it Vegetarian
Replace the shrimp with cauliflower florets for a delicious vegetarian version.
Nutritional Information
Caloric Breakdown
This dish is indulgent, so it’s higher in calories. A typical serving can have around 500-600 calories.
Health Benefits
Shrimp is a good source of protein and contains essential vitamins and minerals.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Best Practices for Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating Tips
Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This helps maintain the crispiness of the shrimp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?
Yes, but thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating to avoid excess moisture.
How to Prevent Breading from Falling Off?
Ensure the shrimp are well-coated in the flour mixture and fry at the right temperature.
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Honey?
You can use store-bought honey, but fresh, local honey often has better flavor.
Can I Make it Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the shrimp and sauce separately ahead of time, but fry the shrimp just before serving for the best texture.
Is There a Non-Fried Version?
Yes, you can bake the breaded shrimp in a 400°F oven for about 15 minutes, turning halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
Conclusion
There you have it – a delicious and exciting dish that’s sure to impress anyone you serve it to. Hot Honey Fried Shrimp combines the perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors with the delightful crunch of perfectly fried shrimp. It’s a dish that’s simple to make yet delivers a gourmet experience. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a culinary adventure that’s nothing short of extraordinary.
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, thawed, peeled, deveined, tail-on
- 1 cup (245 g) buttermilk
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- vegetable oil, for frying
- ½ cup (170 g) hot honey (homemade or store-bought)
- parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
To a medium bowl, add shrimp. Pour the buttermilk over the shrimp, making sure to coat each one. Marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes.
To a separate medium bowl, add flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix to combine. Set aside.
Working one at a time, remove the shrimp from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge the shrimp generously in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to coat the entire surface of each shrimp. Place on a large baking sheet, and repeat with the remaining shrimp.
To a large pot over medium heat, add about 2 inches of vegetable oil. Using a candy or deep-fry thermometer, bring the oil to a temperature of 350°F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
When ready, tap off any excess flour and carefully transfer coated shrimp into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until the shrimp are golden brown and crispy. (Please note: You may have to let the oil heat up to 350°F again after each batch of fried shrimp.)
Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried shrimp from the oil and place onto the lined baking sheet. Drizzle shrimp with hot honey.
Garnish with parsley. Serve hot.