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Crispy Hot Honey Shrimp Recipe

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4.3 from 60 reviews

Crispy Hot Honey Shrimp features perfectly breaded shrimp coated in a spicy, sweet honey glaze, served with a creamy mustard cheddar dipping sauce. This appetizer combines crunchy textures with bold flavors for a deliciously addictive treat that's perfect for parties or a flavorful snack.

Ingredients

Popcorn Shrimp

  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 3 cups cornflake cereal, crushed
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Mustard Cheddar Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups milk
  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Breading: In a shallow bowl, combine the crushed cornflake cereal, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
  2. Coat the Shrimp: Dip each peeled and deveined shrimp into the beaten egg, then dredge thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating well. Place the breaded shrimp on a tray to rest while heating the oil.
  3. Fry the Shrimp: Heat oil in a deep pan or skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in batches for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan for even cooking. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  4. Make the Hot Honey Sauce: In a small bowl, mix honey, mayonnaise, and sriracha until smooth. Immediately toss the fried shrimp in this sauce to coat them evenly, combining the sweet, spicy glaze with the crunchy crust.
  5. Prepare the Mustard Cheddar Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the Dijon mustard and shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt to taste.
  6. Serve: Plate the hot honey glazed shrimp with a side of warm mustard cheddar dipping sauce. Enjoy immediately for the best crispy texture.

Notes

  • For extra heat, add more sriracha or cayenne pepper according to taste.
  • Make sure the oil temperature stays consistent for crispy shrimp without greasiness.
  • The mustard cheddar sauce can be kept warm in a double boiler if serving later.
  • This recipe works best with fresh shrimp but can be adapted using frozen shrimp if properly thawed.