Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners

• Flavorful: The hot honey glaze adds a unique sweet and spicy kick

• Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, main course, or party snack

• Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste

• Crowd-Pleaser: A hit with both kids and adults alike

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound large shrimp, thawed, peeled, deveined, tail-on

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 cup 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 hot honey

• Parsley, chopped for garnish

Directions

1. Marinate the Shrimp: Place the thawed, peeled, and deveined shrimp in a medium bowl. Pour the buttermilk over the shrimp, ensuring they are well-coated. Let the shrimp marinate for at least 15 minutes.

2. Prepare the Flour Mixture: In another large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.

3. Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large pot, filling it to about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain this temperature for optimal frying results.

4. Dredge and Fry the Shrimp: Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Carefully place the shrimp in the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each batch for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to transfer the fried shrimp to a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

5. Drizzle and Garnish: Once all the shrimp are fried, drizzle them with hot honey while they are still warm. This allows the honey to seep into the crispy coating. Finish by garnishing with chopped parsley for a touch of freshness and color.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade for extra heat

• Coconut Shrimp: Add shredded coconut to the flour mixture and pair the hot honey with a bit of lime juice for a tropical twist

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days

• Reheating: To reheat, place the shrimp on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy again

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure they are fully thawed before marinating them in buttermilk.

What is hot honey?

Hot honey is honey that has been infused with chili peppers. It adds a delightful spicy kick to the sweetness of the honey.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

What type of oil is best for frying?

Vegetable oil is recommended due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.

Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?

While frying yields the crispiest results, you can bake the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How can I make the dish less spicy?

Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and use regular honey instead of hot honey.

What sides pair well with this dish?

A light side salad with citrus vinaigrette or a bed of jasmine or basmati rice complements the shrimp well.

Can I prepare the shrimp ahead of time?

You can marinate the shrimp in buttermilk and prepare the flour mixture ahead of time, but it's best to fry them just before serving for optimal crispiness.

Is there a substitute for buttermilk?

Yes, you can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.

Can I use a different type of honey?

Yes, feel free to use your preferred type of honey. The flavor will vary slightly depending on the variety.

Conclusion

Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp is a versatile and flavorful dish that's sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Its combination of crispy texture and sweet-spicy glaze makes it a standout choice for any meal. Enjoy experimenting with the variations and make it your own!

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