Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Crispy Shrimp

These Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Crispy Shrimp are packed with flavor and sure to impress! The shrimp are coated in a light, crispy batter, then tossed in a sweet, spicy, and tangy sauce made with hot honey, fresh lemon, and a kick of black pepper. Perfect for an appetizer, snack, or main dish, these shrimp are quick to prepare and irresistibly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet & Spicy – The hot honey sauce gives the shrimp a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
• Crispy & Crunchy – The shrimp are perfectly battered and crispy on the outside while staying tender inside.
• Zesty Lemon Pepper Flavor – A fresh, citrusy twist that complements the heat of the honey sauce.
• Quick & Easy – Made in under 30 minutes for a fast and flavorful dish.

Ingredients:

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce:

• ¼ cup hot honey (or regular honey + a pinch of red pepper flakes)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch of salt

How to Make Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Crispy Shrimp:

1. Prepare the Shrimp:
   • Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them get crispy when frying.
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Coat the Shrimp:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and buttermilk together until well combined.
   • Dip each shrimp into the egg mixture, then coat it with the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the shrimp is well-coated.
3. Fry the Shrimp:
   • Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of batter into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
   • Fry the shrimp in batches, without overcrowding the pan, for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the hot honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, and salt. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The sauce should thicken slightly.
5. Toss the Shrimp in the Sauce:
   • Once the shrimp are fried and crispy, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the hot honey lemon pepper sauce over the shrimp and toss to coat them evenly.
6. Serve:
   • Serve the crispy shrimp immediately, garnished with additional lemon zest or parsley if desired. These shrimp are perfect on their own or served with a side of rice, salad, or as a topping for tacos.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a cool cucumber salad to balance the heat.
• Pair with a refreshing citrus drink like lemonade or iced tea.
• For a more substantial meal, serve over a bed of jasmine rice or with a side of roasted vegetables.

Tips for the Best Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Crispy Shrimp:

• For extra crunch, double coat the shrimp by dipping them back into the egg mixture and flour mixture before frying.
• Be sure not to overcrowd the pan while frying; cook the shrimp in batches to ensure they stay crispy.
• Adjust the amount of hot honey or red pepper flakes to suit your spice tolerance.

Storage & Reheating:

• Store: Keep leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the shrimp soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
  Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before frying to ensure a crispy texture.
• Can I make the sauce spicier?
  Absolutely! You can add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to give the sauce more heat.
• What if I don’t have hot honey?
  You can make your own by mixing regular honey with red pepper flakes or use a store-bought spicy honey product.

Conclusion: These Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Crispy Shrimp are the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors with a crispy coating. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or as a main dish, they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who loves bold, zesty flavors!

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

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