Sweet and spicy come together perfectly in this quick shrimp dish. Juicy shrimp get tossed in a buttery buffalo sauce with a drizzle of hot honey, creating that irresistible sweet heat in every bite. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or spoon it over rice for dinner, this one comes together in just 20 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- That perfect sweet heat. Buffalo sauce and hot honey balance each other beautifully.
- Ready in 20 minutes. A fast dinner or party appetizer with big flavor.
- Versatile serving options. Great on its own, over rice, in tacos, or alongside a salad.
- Simple ingredients, bold results. No complicated techniques, just shrimp, sauce, and heat.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- 3 tbsp hot honey
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Sliced green onions, optional, for garnish
How to Make Hot Honey Buffalo Shrimp
1. Season the shrimp. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Cook the shrimp. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until pink and tender.
3. Make the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter, buffalo sauce, hot honey, and lemon juice to the skillet.
4. Toss to coat. Toss the shrimp in the hot honey buffalo sauce until every piece is glossy and coated.
5. Simmer briefly. Let the shrimp simmer for 1 minute so the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the shrimp.
6. Garnish and serve. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and sliced green onions, if desired. Serve hot as an easy seafood appetizer, over rice, in tacos, or with a crisp salad.
Tips for the Best Hot Honey Buffalo Shrimp
- Don’t overcook the shrimp in the first step. They’ll finish cooking briefly in the sauce, so 1 to 2 minutes per side is enough.
- Adjust the heat to taste. Use a milder buffalo sauce or reduce the hot honey slightly if you want less spice, or add extra for more kick.
- Let the sauce simmer just briefly. A quick minute is enough to thicken it without overcooking the shrimp.
- Serve immediately. This dish is best enjoyed hot, right out of the skillet, while the sauce is glossy and the shrimp are tender.
What to Serve with Hot Honey Buffalo Shrimp
These shrimp are incredibly versatile: pile them over rice for a quick dinner, tuck them into tacos with a cool slaw, or serve alongside celery and ranch for a fun appetizer spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking so they sear properly instead of releasing excess water.
Can I make this less spicy?
Yes, use a mild buffalo sauce and reduce or omit the hot honey for a gentler heat level.
Can I bake the shrimp instead of pan-searing?
Yes, bake seasoned shrimp at 400°F for about 6 to 8 minutes, then toss with the warmed sauce mixture before serving.
Hot Honey Buffalo Shrimp
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until pink and tender.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter, buffalo sauce, hot honey, and lemon juice to the skillet.
- Toss the shrimp in the hot honey buffalo sauce until every piece is glossy and evenly coated.
- Let the shrimp simmer for 1 minute so the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the shrimp.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and sliced green onions, if desired. Serve hot as an appetizer, over rice, in tacos, or with a crisp salad.
