Crispy Shrimp with Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce

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Introduction

Crispy Shrimp with Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce is the kind of dish that makes your taste buds come alive with every bite. The perfectly fried shrimp are crisp on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and coated in a vibrant sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, spicy, and tangy. The hot honey gives just the right amount of sweetness, while the lemon pepper adds a zesty kick that complements the heat. It’s a dish that feels like an indulgence but leaves you craving more after every bite.

The first time I made Crispy Shrimp with Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce, I couldn’t believe how quickly it came together. The shrimp were easy to prepare, and the sauce came together in a flash. As the shrimp fried to golden perfection, the air was filled with an irresistible, mouthwatering aroma. When I tossed them in the hot honey lemon pepper sauce, the transformation was magical, and I couldn’t wait to dive into the first bite.

What I love most about this dish is how versatile it is. It can be served as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at a party, a satisfying main course for dinner, or even a fun snack for movie night. You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more honey for sweetness or more lemon pepper for tang. No matter how you serve it, Crispy Shrimp with Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce is guaranteed to impress and leave everyone wanting more.

Perfect for:

  • Appetizers and finger foods
  • Seafood lovers
  • Weeknight dinners
  • Party snacks
  • Special occasions

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Shrimp with Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce Recipe

Here’s why Crispy Shrimp with Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce will become your new go-to seafood dish:

  • Crispy and Tender Shrimp: The shrimp are perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining juicy and tender inside. The light batter gives them a satisfying crunch that pairs wonderfully with the sauce.
  • Sweet and Spicy Sauce: The hot honey lemon pepper sauce is the star of the dish. The sweetness from the honey balances the heat from the chili flakes, while the zesty lemon and aromatic pepper elevate the flavor profile.
  • Quick and Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
  • Versatile: Serve the crispy shrimp as a snack, appetizer, or main dish. It also works as a topping for salads, tacos, or rice bowls for a complete meal.
  • Crowd-Pleasing: The combination of crispy shrimp and bold flavors is sure to impress your guests, making this dish a hit at parties and gatherings.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 28g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make Crispy Shrimp with Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce:

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as sriracha or Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Ingredient Highlights

  • Shrimp: Shrimp are high in protein and low in calories, making them a great addition to any meal. They cook quickly and are perfect for this crispy dish.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs give the shrimp a light, crispy texture that’s much crunchier than regular breadcrumbs.
  • Hot Honey: The combination of honey and hot sauce provides a perfect balance of sweetness and heat, adding a sticky glaze to the shrimp.
  • Lemon Juice and Zest: Fresh lemon juice and zest give the sauce a bright, tangy flavor that enhances the richness of the shrimp and sauce.
  • Cracked Black Pepper: Freshly cracked pepper adds a spicy kick and enhances the lemon and honey flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Crispy Shrimp with Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce:

Prepare the Shrimp:

  1. Set Up Breading Station: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In another shallow dish, beat the egg. In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  2. Coat the Shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the flour mixture, coating it evenly, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally coat it in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Set the breaded shrimp aside.

Fry the Shrimp:

  1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
  2. Fry the Shrimp: Working in batches, carefully add the breaded shrimp to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Make the Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce:

  1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the honey, lemon juice, hot sauce, lemon zest, and cracked black pepper. Stir the mixture together and bring it to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  2. Toss the Shrimp in Sauce: Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat. Pour the hot honey lemon pepper sauce over the crispy shrimp, tossing gently to coat them evenly in the sauce.

Serve the Shrimp:

  1. Garnish and Serve: Serve the crispy shrimp immediately, garnished with additional cracked black pepper and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, if desired.

How to Serve Crispy Shrimp with Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce

These can be served in a variety of ways:

  • As an Appetizer: Serve the crispy shrimp on a platter with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese for a delicious start to any meal.
  • With a Side Salad: Pair with a fresh, crisp salad to balance out the richness of the shrimp and sauce.
  • In Tacos: Fill soft corn tortillas with crispy shrimp, drizzle with extra hot honey lemon pepper sauce, and top with slaw for a tasty taco.
  • With Rice or Quinoa: Serve the shrimp over a bed of rice or quinoa for a more filling meal. The sauce will soak into the grains for added flavor.
  • With Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Additional Tips for Crispy Shrimp with Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce

Here are some tips to make your Crispy Shrimp with Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce even better:

  • Adjust the Heat: If you like it spicier, increase the amount of hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
  • Use a Thermometer: To ensure the oil is at the right temperature, use a kitchen thermometer. This will help you achieve the perfect crispy texture without overcooking the shrimp.
  • Make it Gluten-Free: To make the dish gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and cornstarch instead of flour.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the shrimp in batches to ensure they cook evenly and stay crispy.
  • Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will have the best texture, but frozen shrimp can also be used if thawed properly.

Recipe Variations for Crispy Shrimp with Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce

Here are 10 variations for Crispy Shrimp with Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce:

  • Coconut Shrimp: Coat the shrimp in shredded coconut before frying for a tropical twist.
  • Garlic Butter Shrimp: Replace the hot honey lemon pepper sauce with a simple garlic butter sauce for a savory version.
  • Cajun Shrimp: Add Cajun seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicier, more flavorful shrimp.
  • Sriracha Shrimp: Use more sriracha in the sauce for an extra spicy kick.
  • Lime Shrimp: Swap the lemon juice for fresh lime juice and zest for a citrusy variation.
  • Lemon Dill Shrimp: Add fresh dill to the sauce for a herbaceous, refreshing twist.
  • Parmesan Shrimp: Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the panko breadcrumbs for a cheesy crust.
  • Buffalo Shrimp: Use buffalo sauce instead of the hot honey sauce for a tangy and spicy variation.
  • Maple Chipotle Shrimp: Add maple syrup and chipotle pepper to the sauce for a smoky, sweet flavor.
  • Teriyaki Shrimp: Swap the hot honey sauce for a sweet teriyaki glaze for an Asian-inspired version.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: To freeze the breaded shrimp, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to cook, fry them directly from the freezer.
  • Storage: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness.

Special Equipment for Crispy Shrimp with Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Crispy Shrimp with Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce easier:

  • Large Skillet or Fryer: A skillet or deep fryer is necessary for frying the shrimp and getting them crispy.
  • Kitchen Thermometer: A thermometer helps ensure the oil is at the perfect temperature for frying.
  • Shallow Dishes: Use shallow dishes to set up your breading station for the shrimp.
  • Tongs: Tongs are useful for handling the shrimp and placing them in the hot oil safely.
  • Small Saucepan: A small saucepan is perfect for making the hot honey lemon pepper sauce.

FAQ Section for Crispy Shrimp with Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce

  1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
    While the shrimp are best served immediately for maximum crispiness, you can prep the shrimp and sauce in advance and assemble just before serving.
  2. Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?
    Yes, you can bake the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes until golden and crispy. Spray with cooking spray before baking.
  3. Can I use frozen shrimp?
    Yes, frozen shrimp can be used, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before breading to ensure crispiness.
  4. Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
    Yes, you can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey depending on your preference.
  5. Can I use a different type of sauce?
    Yes, you can experiment with different sauces like BBQ sauce, teriyaki sauce, or a tangy citrus glaze for a unique twist.
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Crispy Shrimp with Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce

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Crispy Shrimp with Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce is a mouthwatering dish that brings together the perfect combination of savory, spicy, and tangy flavors. The crispy shrimp are lightly battered and fried to golden perfection, then coated in a zesty hot honey lemon pepper sauce that adds the perfect balance of sweetness and heat. This dish is ideal as an appetizer, a main course, or even as a crowd-pleasing snack for any occasion. The contrast between the crunchy shrimp and the sticky, flavorful sauce makes every bite an irresistible experience.

  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: appetizers

Ingredients

Scale

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as sriracha or Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp:

  1. Set Up Breading Station: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In another shallow dish, beat the egg. In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  2. Coat the Shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the flour mixture, coating it evenly, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally coat it in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Set the breaded shrimp aside.

Fry the Shrimp:

  1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
  2. Fry the Shrimp: Working in batches, carefully add the breaded shrimp to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Make the Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce:

  1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the honey, lemon juice, hot sauce, lemon zest, and cracked black pepper. Stir the mixture together and bring it to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  2. Toss the Shrimp in Sauce: Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat. Pour the hot honey lemon pepper sauce over the crispy shrimp, tossing gently to coat them evenly in the sauce.

Serve the Shrimp:

  1. Garnish and Serve: Serve the crispy shrimp immediately, garnished with additional cracked black pepper and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, if desired.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 350-400 kcal
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Protein: 28g

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Conclusion

Crispy Shrimp with Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce is the perfect dish for those who love bold flavors and crispy textures. This recipe combined with the sweet, spicy, and tangy hot honey lemon pepper sauce will satisfy your cravings for something savory and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, a main course, or a snack, this dish is sure to impress. Quick, easy, and absolutely delicious, it’s a seafood dish that everyone will love!

I can’t wait to see how you bring this flavorful dish to life! Be sure to tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your crispy shrimp creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share how you made it your own. Happy cooking!

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