Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb extra-large jumbo shrimp (Peeled and deveined)
• 1 cup buttermilk (For the marinade)
• 1 egg (For the marinade)
• 3 tbsp hot sauce (For the marinade)
• 2 tsp Old Bay Seasoning (For the marinade)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (For the marinade)
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (For the marinade)
• 1 tsp onion powder (For the marinade)
• 1 tsp paprika (For the marinade)
• salt and black pepper (To taste; for the marinade)
• 1.5 cup all-purpose flour (For the dredge)
• 0.5 cup cornstarch (For the dredge)
• 2 tsp Old Bay Seasoning (For the dredge)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (For the dredge)
• 1 tsp onion powder (For the dredge)
• 1 tsp paprika (For the dredge)
• 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper (For the dredge)
• salt and black pepper (To taste; for the dredge)
• 2 tbsp butter (For the hot honey sauce)
• 0.5 cup hot sauce (For the hot honey sauce)
• 0.5 cup honey (Use up to 2/3 cup according to desired sweetness)
• apple cider vinegar (A splash, for the hot honey sauce)
• neutral oil (For frying; canola, vegetable, or avocado oil)
• ranch dressing (For dipping)
• fresh parsley (Chopped, optional garnish)

Steps

1. 1

   In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, 3 tablespoons hot sauce, Old Bay, garlic powder, cayenne, onion powder, paprika, and salt and black pepper to taste.

2. 2

   Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade and toss until fully coated.

3. 3

   Cover the bowl and marinate the shrimp for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours.

4. 4

   In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, Old Bay, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, and salt and pepper to taste.

5. 5

   Remove the shrimp from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off.

6. 6

   Press each shrimp firmly into the flour mixture until thoroughly coated. For extra crunch, arrange the coated shrimp on a wire rack and let them rest for 10 minutes before frying.

7. 7

   Heat enough neutral oil for frying in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F.

8. 8

   Working in batches, fry the coated shrimp for 2–3 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

9. 9

   Transfer the fried shrimp to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain.

10. 10

    In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter.

11. 11

    Whisk the remaining hot sauce, honey, and a splash of apple cider vinegar into the melted butter until glossy and combined.

12. 12

    Simmer the hot honey sauce for 1–2 minutes.

13. 13

    Toss the fried shrimp in the hot honey sauce, or drizzle the sauce over the shrimp to preserve maximum crispiness.

14. 14

    Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately with ranch for dipping.

Notes

The source does not specify an exact amount of frying oil; use enough to fry the shrimp in batches. Honey may range from 1/2 to 2/3 cup according to desired sweetness.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• seafood
• fried
• spicy
• sweet-and-savory
• American
• dinner
• dipping sauce