1. Marinate the shrimp: In a bowl, soak the peeled shrimp in buttermilk for about 15-20 minutes. This will make them tender and flavorful.
2. Prepare the coating: In another bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat the oil: In a deep pan or skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat for frying. It should be hot enough that a small drop of batter sizzles when added.
4. Coat the shrimp: Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
5. Fry the shrimp: Carefully place the coated shrimp in the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and hot sauce until smooth. Adjust the heat level based on your preference.
7. Toss the shrimp: Once fried, transfer the shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. While they are still hot, drizzle the honey-hot sauce mixture over the shrimp and toss to coat evenly.
8. Serve: Plate the hot honey fried shrimp and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet and spicy crunch!
Notes:
For a twist, try adding sesame seeds or sliced green onions as garnish.
Serving the shrimp with a side of your favorite dipping sauce can elevate the experience.
Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Total time: 40 minutes | Kcal: Approximately 350 per serving | Servings: 4 servings