Description
A modern Southern classic combining golden-fried shrimp with a spiced hot honey drizzle. Balanced sweet and spicy flavors create a bold, addictive dish that bridges rustic and contemporary cuisine. Ready in 25 minutes with minimal effort.
Ingredients
1 pound large shrimp, thawed, peeled, deveined, tail-on
1 cup buttermilk (or plant-based alternative)
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
1 teaspoon paprika (smoked, if available)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
For the hot honey sauce:
1/2 cup runny honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon chili flakes
1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
Scant 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne in a bowl
Soak shrimp in buttermilk, ensuring they’re fully coated
Dredge shrimp in the flour mixture, shaking off excess
Heat 1 inch of neutral oil in a skillet to 350°F (180°C). Fry shrimp in batches for 1-2 minutes per side until golden (6-8 minutes total)
While frying, prepare hot honey by blending honey, lemon juice, chili flakes, lemon zest, and garlic in a small pot. Simmer gently for 10 minutes
Drizzle hot honey over fried shrimp immediately before serving
Notes
For crunchier coating, double-dip shrimp (flour → buttermilk → flour)
Use tail-on shrimp for festive presentation
For gluten-free, pair shrimp with rice flour and cornmeal
Storage: Store cooked shrimp (without honey) in an airtight container at room temperature for 24 hours. Warm in oil briefly before serving
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 6
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 shrimp
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 100mg