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Raw large shrimp beside bowls of buttermilk, flour, and cornstarch for making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp.

Ultra-Crispy Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is the ultimate sweet and spicy dinner! Ultra-crispy shrimp tossed in a thick, glossy garlic chili honey glaze.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 410
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Shrimp & Marinade
  • 1 lb large shrimp (450g) peeled, deveined, tails removed
  • 0.5 cup buttermilk (120ml)
Crispy Coating & Oil
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
  • 0.25 cup cornstarch (30g)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt (5g)
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper (1g)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder (3g)
  • 2 cups neutral frying oil (475ml) canola, vegetable, or peanut oil
Hot Honey Glaze
  • 0.5 cup honey (170g)
  • 2 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1 tsp red chili flakes (2g)
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce (15ml)
  • 1 tbsp oil (15ml) for sautéing garlic

Equipment

  • 1 Heavy-bottomed Dutch oven For maintaining steady oil temperatures.
  • 1 Deep-Fry Thermometer Essential for monitoring the 350°F (175°C) frying temperature.
  • 1 Spider strainer For safely removing the shrimp from the hot oil.

Method
 

Frying & Glazing Process
  1. In a shallow bowl, pour the buttermilk. In a second bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Pat the shrimp dry, dip in the buttermilk, then thoroughly coat in the flour mixture.
  2. Pour the neutral frying oil into a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven. Heat over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers exactly 350°F (175°C).
  3. Carefully drop the coated shrimp into the hot oil in batches. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes until a deep golden-brown crust forms. Remove with a spider strainer and drain on a wire rack.
  4. In a skillet over medium-low heat, add 1 tbsp of oil and sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds. Add the honey, red chili flakes, and hot sauce. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until thick and glossy.
  5. Remove the glaze from the heat. Toss the freshly fried shrimp in the warm glaze until perfectly coated. Serve immediately in a large bowl.

Notes

Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep your oil steadily at 350°F (175°C) to prevent soggy shrimp.
Use a Wire Rack: Always drain on a wire rack to preserve the ultra-crispy texture.