Introduction
Recently, I decided to try my hand at a recipe that had been tantalizing my taste buds for quite some time: Fried Jumbo Hennessy Shrimp. The moment I took my first bite, I was transported to a flavor paradise! The succulent shrimp, perfectly crispy on the outside, combined with the sweet and tangy Hennessy and honey sauce, left my family and friends raving. It quickly became a new favorite at our gatherings, with everyone eagerly requesting seconds. This dish is not just a treat for the palate; it’s an experience that brings people together, making it perfect for parties or family dinners.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Hennessy and Honey Sauce:
- 1/4 cup Hennessy cognac
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp:
Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Place the shrimp in a bowl and pour buttermilk over them. Let them soak for about 10-15 minutes. - Prepare the Coating:
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Dredge the shrimp in the flour mixture, coating them evenly. Shake off any excess flour. - Fry the Shrimp:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the shrimp and drain on paper towels. - Make the Hennessy and Honey Sauce:
In a small saucepan, combine Hennessy cognac, honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Add butter and lemon juice, stirring until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. - Combine and Serve:
In a large bowl, toss the fried shrimp with the Hennessy and honey sauce until they are well coated. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Nutrition Facts
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350
Preparation Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
How to Serve
- Serve the shrimp hot, immediately after tossing in the sauce.
- Accompany with lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness.
- Pair with a side of rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flair.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces for extra variety.
Additional Tips
- Shrimp Selection: Use the freshest jumbo shrimp available for the best flavor and texture.
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Double-Dip for Extra Crunch: For an extra crunchy coating, dip the shrimp in the buttermilk and then the flour mixture again before frying.
- Control the Heat: Adjust the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.
- Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying to avoid soggy shrimp.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Twist: Add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buttermilk for a spicier shrimp.
- Coconut Crust: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
- Bourbon Alternative: Use bourbon instead of Hennessy for a different flavor profile in the sauce.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap shrimp with cauliflower florets for a vegetarian alternative that can be prepared in the same way.
- Herbed Sauce: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley into the sauce for added freshness.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as an appetizer at parties or gatherings.
- Pair with a crisp white wine or a light beer to complement the flavors.
- Add to a seafood platter alongside other fried delicacies.
- Serve over a bed of fried rice or noodles for a hearty main dish.
Freezing and Storage
- Freezing: Fried shrimp can be frozen after frying; place in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Storage: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for crispiness.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just ensure they are thawed and patted dry before marinating. - What can I substitute for Hennessy?
Any cognac or bourbon can be used as a substitute. - How do I know when the shrimp are done frying?
They should be golden brown and crispy, typically taking about 2-3 minutes. - Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made in advance and reheated when ready to serve. - Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch to make it gluten-free. - What should I serve with the shrimp?
Serve with rice, a salad, or alone as an appetizer. - Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, but they won’t be as crispy. - How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level can be adjusted; omit cayenne for mild or increase for heat. - How long does it take to fry shrimp?
Frying usually takes 2-3 minutes per batch. - Can I use shrimp without tails?
Yes, you can use tail-off shrimp if preferred.
Conclusion
My Fried Jumbo Hennessy Shrimp Recipe is a culinary delight that’s sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. The combination of crispy shrimp and the rich, flavorful Hennessy and honey sauce creates a unique dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to this scrumptious shrimp dish that will have everyone coming back for more!
PrintMy Fried Jumbo Hennessy Shrimp Recipe 🔥😋
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 Serving 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy fried jumbo shrimp tossed in a rich Hennessy and honey sauce, perfect for a flavorful twist.
Ingredients
- 1 lb jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup Hennessy cognac
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse shrimp, pat dry, and soak in buttermilk for 10-15 minutes.
- Mix flour, cornstarch, and spices; dredge shrimp in this mixture.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry shrimp for 2-3 minutes until golden.
- Drain on paper towels.
- In a saucepan, combine sauce ingredients and heat until smooth.
- Toss shrimp in the sauce and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
Adjust cayenne and red pepper flakes to taste for heat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 200mg