Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Crispy Shrimp

These Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Crispy Shrimp are packed with flavor and the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy! The crispy coating on the shrimp combined with the hot honey sauce and lemon pepper seasoning creates a dish that’s both indulgent and refreshing. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, over rice, or in tacos, these shrimp will be a crowd favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Perfectly Crispy: The shrimp are coated in a crispy, golden-brown batter that pairs perfectly with the sauce.
• Sweet & Spicy: The hot honey adds a sweetness with a spicy kick, while the lemon pepper provides a zesty, citrusy punch.
• Quick & Easy: With minimal prep time, you can make this dish in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup cold water
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to your preferred spice level)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
• Pinch of salt

Tools You’ll Need:

• Large bowl
• Small bowl (for the sauce)
• Deep skillet or frying pan
• Paper towels
• Tongs or slotted spoon
• Plate for serving

How to Make Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Crispy Shrimp:

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

• Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and cold water together.
• Dip each shrimp into the egg wash, then coat it evenly in the flour mixture. Set aside.

Step 2: Fry the Shrimp

• Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking (about 350°F or 175°C).
• Carefully add the coated shrimp to the hot oil in batches. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
• Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 3: Make the Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce

• In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, lemon juice, lemon zest, and butter over medium heat.
• Stir until the butter has melted and the sauce is well combined. Add the lemon pepper seasoning and a pinch of salt, then stir again. Let the sauce simmer for 1–2 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Coat the Shrimp

• Once all the shrimp are fried, drizzle the hot honey lemon pepper sauce over the crispy shrimp or toss them gently in the sauce to coat evenly.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

• Serve the shrimp on a platter or in individual bowls. Garnish with additional lemon pepper seasoning or fresh herbs if desired.
• Pair with rice, tacos, or enjoy as a standalone appetizer with dipping sauces like ranch or extra hot sauce.

What to Serve With Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Crispy Shrimp:

• Rice: Serve with jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Tacos: Serve the shrimp in soft corn or flour tortillas with a squeeze of lime and some slaw.
• Salad: A simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette would complement the shrimp well.

Tips for Success:

• Ensure the oil is hot enough: If the oil is too cold, the shrimp will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, they may burn before cooking through.
• Adjust the spice level: You can modify the hot sauce and lemon pepper to make the shrimp as spicy or mild as you like.
• Serve immediately: For the crispiest texture, serve the shrimp as soon as they’re coated in the sauce.

Storing & Reheating:

• Store: Keep leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: To maintain crispiness, reheat the shrimp in the air fryer or a hot skillet, but avoid using the microwave, as it can make the coating soggy.

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Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: American, Asian-inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Shrimp) (Approximate):

• Calories: 80
• Protein: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fat: 3g
• Sodium: 350mg

These Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Crispy Shrimp are the perfect balance of crispy, sweet, and spicy! Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack, part of a meal, or serving them at your next gathering, they’re sure to be a hit!

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