What is hot honey and how do I make it at home?

Hot honey is a perfect marriage of natural sweetness from honey with the kick of chili peppers or hot sauce. To make it at home, I simply combine 1/2 cup of honey with 1-2 teaspoons of your favorite hot sauce or red pepper flakes. Mike's Hot Honey is the most popular commercial brand, but you can easily customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of spice you add to regular honey.

What type of shrimp works best for hot honey shrimp recipes?

I recommend using large or jumbo shrimp (16-20 count per pound) for the best results. Both fresh and frozen shrimp work well, but make sure to properly thaw frozen shrimp and pat them completely dry before cooking. The larger size allows for better flavor absorption and prevents overcooking during the glazing process.

How long should I cook hot honey shrimp?

Shrimp cook very quickly - typically 2-3 minutes per side when pan-searing over medium-high heat. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking will result in tough, rubbery texture, so I always watch them carefully and remove from heat as soon as they're properly cooked.

Can I make hot honey shrimp ahead of time for meal prep?

Yes! I store cooked hot honey shrimp in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I use low heat on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore the glaze consistency. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the shrimp tough.

What are the best side dishes to serve with hot honey shrimp?

I love pairing hot honey shrimp with roasted vegetables, coconut rice, quinoa salad, or fresh mixed greens. The key is choosing sides that balance the sweet and spicy flavors - something cooling like cucumber salad or something neutral like jasmine rice works perfectly.

How can I adjust the spice level in my hot honey shrimp recipe?

For milder versions, I reduce the hot sauce or chili flakes in the honey mixture and add more regular honey. For extra heat, I incorporate cayenne pepper, additional hot sauce, or even diced jalapeños. You can always start mild and add more heat gradually to find your perfect balance.

What's the best way to make hot honey shrimp tacos?

I use corn tortillas warmed on a dry skillet, then layer with the hot honey shrimp, shredded cabbage, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. The cool, crunchy toppings perfectly balance the sweet and spicy shrimp.

Are there any variations of hot honey shrimp recipes I can try?

Absolutely! I love adding bell peppers and snap peas for a stir-fry version, or trying hot honey walnut shrimp by adding toasted walnuts. You can also make hot honey shrimp deviled eggs by incorporating the flavors into the egg yolk filling for a unique appetizer.

What beverages pair well with hot honey shrimp?

I recommend Riesling or Gewürztraminer wines for their sweetness that complements the honey, or wheat beers that cool the spice. For non-alcoholic options, iced tea with lemon or coconut water work beautifully to balance the heat.

How nutritious is hot honey shrimp?

Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein (about 20 grams per 3-ounce serving), selenium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids, all while being low in calories (around 85 calories per serving). The hot honey adds some natural sugars, but the overall dish remains a healthy protein option.

Can I use this recipe for Nashville hot shrimp with honey?

Yes! The Nashville hot shrimp with honey recipe follows similar principles to hot honey shrimp. You can adapt my basic recipe by increasing the cayenne pepper and paprika for that signature Nashville heat profile while maintaining the honey sweetness that makes it so appealing.

What cooking methods work best for hot honey fried shrimp?

For hot honey fried shrimp, I recommend lightly breading the shrimp with seasoned flour, frying until golden, then immediately tossing in the hot honey glaze while they're still hot. This creates a perfect crispy exterior that holds the glaze beautifully.

Hot Honey Shrimp Recipe: 5 Easy Restaurant Secrets Revealed

Name: Hot Honey Shrimp Recipe: 15-Minute Sweet & Spicy Restaurant-Quality Meal
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/3 cup honey; 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 lime, cut into wedges

Description

This viral hot honey shrimp recipe combines sweet honey with spicy heat to create restaurant-quality results in just 15 minutes. The perfect balance of flavors makes this dish irresistible for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/3 cup honey

2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

1 lime, cut into wedges

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

2. Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

3. Add seasoned shrimp in a single layer, cook 2-3 minutes without moving until bottom turns pink.

4. Flip shrimp and cook another 2-3 minutes until completely pink and opaque.

5. Whisk together honey, hot sauce, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl.

6. Add hot honey mixture to skillet and toss shrimp to coat evenly, cooking 1-2 minutes until sauce bubbles and thickens.

7. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges before serving immediately.

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the pan – cook in batches if needed for proper searing.

Adjust heat level by varying the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper.

Serve immediately while shrimp are hot and glaze is glossy.

Store leftovers in refrigerator up to 3 days, reheat gently on stovetop.

Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 15
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-Seared
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6 oz
Calories: 285
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 285mg