Hot Honey Shrimp
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
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.
Hot Honey Shrimp is not only a delicious dish but also a culinary trend that's taking over social media. The combination of succulent shrimp with the sweet kick of hot honey offers a unique flavor profile that delights the palate. To elevate your Hot Honey Shrimp dish, consider pairing it with refreshing sides like coleslaw or a light salad, which complement the spiciness and enhance your dining experience. You can also serve it over a bed of rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce. Additionally, using high-quality shrimp can make a significant difference in taste and texture. Choose fresh, large shrimp for optimal results. Marinating shrimp in buttermilk not only adds to their tenderness but also helps the coating adhere better during frying, ensuring a crispy finish. Experimenting with various spices can also allow you to customize the flavor to your liking. Lastly, don’t forget about the presentation. A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh flavor that balances the richness of the fried shrimp. This dish is sure to impress guests at dinner parties or festive gatherings, becoming a memorable highlight of your culinary repertoire.