Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a tasty treat that brings together crispy fried shrimp with a perfect mix of sweet honey and a little spicy kick. The shrimp get golden and crunchy on the outside, while the sauce adds a nice balance of flavors that makes each bite exciting and delicious.
I love making this dish when I want something quick but special. The hot honey glaze is what really makes it pop—you can make it as spicy or mild as you like, depending on how much heat you add. I usually drizzle a little extra honey on top before serving because that sweet heat combo is just so good.
When I serve this, I like to pair it with some simple rice or a fresh salad to keep things light and fresh. It’s a dish that everyone seems to enjoy at gatherings, whether for a casual weeknight dinner or as a fun party snack. It’s fun to share and even more fun to eat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Medium shrimp are perfect for frying because they cook quickly and have a great texture. You can use large shrimp too, just adjust the frying time slightly. If shrimp aren’t your thing, chicken tenders could work as a substitute.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a light, extra crispy coating. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs work but the crunch won’t be quite the same. For a gluten-free option, use crushed gluten-free crackers or cornflakes.
Honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and helps balance the heat. Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used instead if needed, though honey’s flavor is unique.
Hot Sauce: This adds spice and tang. Choose your favorite style—Frank’s RedHot is classic. Adjust the amount to control the heat level. For less heat, try a milder chili sauce or a dash of paprika instead.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and cuts through the richness. Lime juice can be an easy swap if you prefer a slightly different citrus note.
How Do You Get the Shrimp Crispy Without Overcooking?
The key to crisp shrimp is coating and frying at the right temperature. Here’s how I do it:
- Heat oil to around 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer if you have one to keep it steady.
- Coat shrimp well with flour, egg, and panko. Don’t skip any step—this triple layer creates a crunchy shell.
- Fry in small batches so the oil temperature doesn’t drop. Crowded pans cause soggy shrimp.
- Each side takes about 2-3 minutes. Watch for that golden-brown color, not too dark.
- Drain on paper towels briefly to remove excess oil but serve immediately for best crispiness.
Following these tips will help you get shrimp that’s crunchy outside and tender inside every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep frying pan or large skillet – I prefer this because it holds enough oil for even frying and heats quickly.
- Cooking thermometer – makes sure the oil stays at 350°F, so the shrimp turn out crispy just right.
- Shallow bowls – one for the flour mixture, one for beaten eggs, and one for panko crumbs. They’re easy for dipping and coating.
- Slotted spoon or tongs – helpful for safely flipping and removing the shrimp from hot oil without splashing.
- Paper towels – for draining excess oil after frying, keeping the shrimp crispy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use smoked paprika or cayenne pepper in the coating to add a smoky or extra spicy kick when you like heat.
- Swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweetness profile that pairs well with the sauce.
- Mix in chopped chives or scallions into the hot honey sauce for a fresh, oniony flavor.
- Serve with a side of coleslaw or sliced cucumbers for a cooling contrast to the spicy shrimp.
Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20-25 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend 10-15 minutes prepping and frying the shrimp, plus 5-10 minutes making the sweet and spicy hot honey sauce and tossing everything together. It’s quick enough for a weeknight treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Coating Mixtures:
In one shallow bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs well. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl. These three bowls will help you coat the shrimp evenly and easily.
2. Coat the Shrimp:
Dip each shrimp first into the seasoned flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and finally into the panko breadcrumbs. Lay the coated shrimp on a plate. This triple-coating makes them nice and crispy when fried.
3. Fry the Shrimp:
Pour vegetable oil into a large frying pan to a depth of about 1 inch. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C) or an oil temperature suitable for frying. Carefully fry the shrimp in batches so the pan isn’t crowded. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove the shrimp and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
4. Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the honey, hot sauce, and lemon juice. Warm the sauce gently and let it thicken slightly — just a few minutes.
5. Toss and Serve:
Place the fried shrimp in a large bowl. Pour the warm hot honey sauce over them and toss gently until all shrimp are coated. Transfer the shrimp to a serving plate, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy your delicious crispy, sweet, and spicy shrimp!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the shrimp before cooking. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or quickly under cold running water. Pat dry well to prevent excess moisture, which can make the coating soggy.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like rice flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes. This will keep the shrimp crispy without gluten.
Can I Adjust the Spiciness of the Hot Honey Sauce?
Absolutely! Use less hot sauce for milder heat, or try a different chili sauce variety to suit your taste. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want to ramp up the spice even more.
How Should I Store Leftover Fried Shrimp?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to help maintain crispiness, or pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. Microwaving may make them soggy.
