Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Crispy Shrimp

These Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Crispy Shrimp are a perfect combination of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors with a crispy crunch that’s hard to resist. The shrimp are battered and fried to golden perfection, then drizzled with a sweet and spicy honey sauce, topped with zesty lemon pepper seasoning. This dish makes for an amazing appetizer, a great addition to any meal, or a tasty snack!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy & Crunchy – The shrimp have a crispy golden exterior that perfectly contrasts the tender, juicy interior.
• Sweet & Spicy Sauce – The hot honey sauce adds a delightful sweetness with a kick of heat, perfectly complemented by the lemon pepper seasoning.
• Quick & Easy – Made in under 30 minutes, this is the perfect recipe for a fast and flavorful meal.
• Flavor Explosion – A balance of heat, sweetness, and citrus that will make your taste buds dance.

Ingredients:

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, as preferred)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce:

• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra lemon pepper seasoning (optional)

How to Make Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Crispy Shrimp:

1. Prepare the Shrimp:
   • In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
   • In another bowl, beat the egg. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
   • Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, dip into the egg, then coat with the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
2. Fry the Shrimp:
   • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 350°F (175°C).
   • Working in batches, fry the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
3. Make the Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce:
   • In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, lemon pepper seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
   • Heat the sauce over low heat, stirring constantly until warmed through and slightly thickened (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Toss the Shrimp in the Sauce:
   • Once the shrimp are crispy, drizzle the hot honey lemon pepper sauce over the shrimp or toss the shrimp in the sauce to coat evenly.
5. Serve:
   • Transfer the shrimp to a serving platter, garnish with fresh parsley and extra lemon pepper seasoning if desired.
   • Serve immediately with lemon wedges and a side of dipping sauce (such as ranch or blue cheese) for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Pair with rice or a creamy dip for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
• Top with extra hot sauce if you like your shrimp spicier!

Tips for the Best Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Crispy Shrimp:

• Make sure your oil is hot enough to fry the shrimp. If it’s too cool, the shrimp may become soggy instead of crispy.
• For extra crispy shrimp, use panko breadcrumbs as they create a light, crunchy texture.
• Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the honey sauce to suit your preferred spice level.

Storage & Reheating:

• Refrigerate: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until crispy again. Alternatively, you can bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Can I use frozen shrimp?
  Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure the batter sticks properly.
• Can I make these shrimp ahead of time?
  While the shrimp are best served fresh, you can fry them ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and then reheat in a skillet when ready to serve.
• What kind of hot sauce works best for the sauce?
  Use your favorite hot sauce! Something with a bit of tang and heat, like Sriracha or Frank’s RedHot, works well.

Conclusion: These Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Crispy Shrimp are a perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and savory. The crispy shrimp, paired with the irresistible hot honey lemon pepper sauce, will quickly become a favorite dish for any occasion!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: American/Seafood

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