Hot Honey Shrimp – This dish brings together the luscious, caramelized flavor of honey with a kick of spice for a taste that’s addictive yet incredibly easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Shrimp
Hot Honey Shrimp is one of those recipes that satisfies a wide variety of cravings in a single bite. Here’s why this dish will become a new favorite:
- Quick and Easy: Takes just 20 minutes from start to finish.
- Bold Flavor: Sweet honey caramelizes beautifully, creating a crispy, golden crust that perfectly balances the spicy kick.
- Versatile: Works as an appetizer, main dish, or even taco filling.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level, sweetness, or even add extra ingredients like garlic or ginger.
Ingredients for Hot Honey Shrimp
The ingredient list is straightforward, making this dish ideal for a last-minute meal. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Shrimp: Medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Frozen shrimp works well; just make sure they’re thawed and patted dry.
- Honey: The star of the show! Use a high-quality honey for the best flavor.
- Hot Sauce: Adds the signature kick. Sriracha, chili paste, or even hot honey can work, depending on your spice tolerance.
- Butter or Olive Oil: For sautéing and to add richness.
- Garlic: Optional, but it adds a wonderful depth to the sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: To season the shrimp before cooking.
Optional Add-Ins
Ginger: Adds a slight warmth and depth.
Chili Flakes: For an extra punch.
Lemon or Lime Juice: A touch of acidity brightens up the dish.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Hot Honey Shrimp
- Use Large or Medium Shrimp: They cook quickly and evenly, giving you that delicious caramelized surface.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re sensitive to heat, start with half the amount of hot sauce. You can always add more as needed.
- Pat the Shrimp Dry: This simple step helps them sear properly and prevents the dish from becoming watery.
- Watch the Heat: Avoid cooking honey at high heat as it can burn. Medium-low heat is ideal when combining it with the hot sauce.
- Experiment with Hot Sauces: Sriracha, chili paste, and even a splash of hot honey can all bring different nuances to the dish.
How to Serve Hot Honey Shrimp
Hot Honey Shrimp is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:
Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks as a spicy-sweet appetizer at gatherings.
As a Main Dish: Serve over rice, quinoa, or couscous, along with a side of roasted vegetables.
In Tacos: Place in warm tortillas, topped with avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for an unforgettable taco night.
Over Salad: Add to a fresh green salad with arugula, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette.
Hot Honey Shrimp Variations
For those who love to get creative, here are a few delicious twists on the classic recipe:
- Garlic Ginger Honey Shrimp: Add minced ginger along with the garlic for an extra layer of warmth.
- Pineapple Hot Honey Shrimp: Add pineapple chunks for a tropical twist and additional sweetness.
- Lemon Pepper Honey Shrimp: Add lemon zest and black pepper for a bright, citrusy variation.
- Hot Honey BBQ Shrimp: Mix in a bit of BBQ sauce with the honey and hot sauce for a smoky-sweet flavor.
How to Store and Reheat Hot Honey Shrimp
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: If you want to freeze, allow the shrimp to cool completely before storing in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: To reheat, sauté on low heat in a pan with a touch of butter or oil to maintain the sauce’s flavor and texture. Microwave is also an option but may make the shrimp slightly rubbery.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Frozen shrimp works well in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
What type of hot sauce is best?
Sriracha is a favorite because of its slightly sweet and garlicky profile, but any hot sauce will work. Cholula or even a smoky chipotle hot sauce can add a unique touch.
Can I make this dish ahead?
Hot Honey Shrimp is best served fresh, as the shrimp can become chewy if overcooked during reheating. However, you can prep all your ingredients ahead to speed up the cooking process.
Is there a way to make it less sweet?
Yes! You can reduce the honey amount slightly or add a splash of lime juice to balance the sweetness.
Hot Honey Shrimp
Hot Honey Shrimp - This dish brings together the luscious, caramelized flavor of honey with a kick of spice for a taste that’s addictive yet incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 lb uncooked shrimp - peeled and deveined, tails on or off
- Salt and pepper - a light sprinkle to season
- 3 tbsp hot honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or garlic herb butter, sesame oil for added depth)
- 1 tbsp lime juice (juice from ½ lime)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (or ¼ tsp garlic powder)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (opt for gluten-free if needed)
- Garnishes: chopped scallions, rice, veggies, tortillas, or guacamole
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: Lightly sprinkle shrimp with salt and pepper.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together hot honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and lime juice. Set aside.
- Sear the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over high heat, add olive oil (or your choice of butter/oil), then add shrimp. Sear for 1 minute without stirring.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the sauce over shrimp, flipping each one to coat.
- Cook for another minute or until shrimp are fully cooked.
- Serve: Remove from skillet. For extra flavor, let the sauce thicken for another minute, then drizzle it over shrimp. Garnish with chopped scallions or cilantro and a bit of extra hot honey if you like!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 278Total Fat 7gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 143mgSodium 1039mgCarbohydrates 36gFiber 2gSugar 14gProtein 19g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Wrapping Up
Hot Honey Shrimp is one of those dishes that hits all the right notes: sweet, spicy, savory, and satisfying. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, it’s a dish that feels indulgent but is incredibly easy to whip up. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a family dinner, or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress.
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