Crispy Hot Honey Shrimp with Mustard Cheddar Sauce Recipe

If you are on the lookout for a dish that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and savory flavors with a satisfyingly crunchy texture, then you are going to love the Crispy Hot Honey Shrimp with Mustard Cheddar Sauce Recipe. This dish combines crispy popcorn shrimp coated in a crunchy, spicy mixture and pairs it with a luscious, tangy mustard cheddar sauce that elevates every bite. It’s comfort food that feels fancy enough to impress guests but is simple enough to make any weeknight special. The interplay between the hot honey glaze and the sharp cheddar sauce creates a harmony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind the Crispy Hot Honey Shrimp with Mustard Cheddar Sauce Recipe comes down to a handful of straightforward ingredients, each bringing something unique to the table. From the sweet honey to the fiery sriracha and the crunchy cornflakes, every element serves a delicious purpose—whether it’s adding flavor, texture, or richness.

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein that’s tender and juicy once cooked.
• 3 tablespoons honey: Adds a natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully when cooked.
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Helps bind the honey and sriracha together and adds a creamy texture.
• 1 tablespoon sriracha: Brings a spicy kick that balances the honey’s sweetness.
• 2 teaspoons paprika: Offers smoky warmth and color to the shrimp coating.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Introduces savory depth to the seasoning.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances flavor with aromatic sharpness.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat to complement the shrimp.
• 1 large egg, beaten: Works as the perfect binder for the crispy coating.
• 3 cups cornflake cereal, crushed: Provides a unique crunch and golden color.
• 1 cup panko: Light and airy crumbs for extra crispiness.
• ½ teaspoon cayenne: Brings an extra layer of heat to the crunchy crust.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Forms the base of the luscious mustard cheddar sauce.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the cheese sauce to perfection.
• 1 ½ cups milk: Creates a smooth and creamy texture for the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard: Adds tang and a little bite to the cheddar sauce.
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar: Brings sharp cheese flavor and melty goodness.
• Salt: To taste, for seasoning the cheese sauce.

How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Shrimp with Mustard Cheddar Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by peeling and deveining your shrimp if not already done, then pat them dry with paper towels. Dry shrimp will help the coating stick better and give you that satisfying crispiness every time.

Step 2: Make the Honey Sriracha Glaze

In a small bowl, mix together honey, mayonnaise, and sriracha until smooth and creamy. This glaze will infuse a perfect balance of sweet heat that makes the shrimp truly special.

Step 3: Season the Shrimp

Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Toss the shrimp in this seasoning mix to maximize flavor before the crunchy coating goes on.

Step 4: Prepare the Coating

In a shallow dish, beat the egg. In another bowl, mix crushed cornflakes, panko, and cayenne pepper. These crispy elements provide texture and a spicy kick to contrast the honey glaze.

Step 5: Coat the Shrimp

Dip each seasoned shrimp first in the beaten egg, then dredge thoroughly in the cornflake and panko mixture, pressing gently to help the crumbs adhere well.

Step 6: Fry the Shrimp

Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer over medium-high heat. Fry the shrimp in batches until golden brown and crispy on the outside, typically about 2-3 minutes per batch. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 7: Toss in the Hot Honey Glaze

Once the shrimp are crispy and drained, toss them gently in the honey sriracha glaze until each piece is beautifully coated but not soggy.

Step 8: Make the Mustard Cheddar Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for a minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk and continue stirring until the sauce thickens. Stir in dijon mustard, shredded sharp cheddar, and salt to taste. Keep warm until serving.

How to Serve Crispy Hot Honey Shrimp with Mustard Cheddar Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

The right garnish can transform this dish from delicious to dazzling. Fresh chopped parsley or chives add a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavors and balances the heat.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides that won’t compete with the shrimp’s bold flavors. Think creamy mashed potatoes, garlic butter rice, or a crisp green salad for freshness. Even some roasted vegetables or a light slaw would complement the crunchy shrimp and creamy sauce perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the crispy hot honey shrimp in lettuce cups with a drizzle of the mustard cheddar sauce on top. Alternatively, turn this into an appetizer by skewering the shrimp and serving the sauce on the side as a dipping option. Presentation is half the fun, so don’t be shy to get creative!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To maintain crispiness, keep the shrimp and sauce separate until you’re ready to enjoy them again.

Freezing

While the shrimp are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked, uncoated shrimp before frying. Freeze in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. The sauce does not freeze well and is best made fresh.

Reheating

To reheat leftover shrimp, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes to bring back the crunch. Warm the mustard cheddar sauce separately on the stove over low heat while stirring gently to keep it smooth.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning and coating, as excess moisture can prevent the coating from sticking properly.

Is mustard cheddar sauce difficult to make?

Not at all. It’s a simple cheese sauce made by combining a roux with milk, then melting in sharp cheddar and dijon mustard. It’s straightforward and quick, perfect even for beginners.

Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?

Yes, baking is a healthier alternative. Place the coated shrimp on a lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until crispy and golden.

How spicy is the Crispy Hot Honey Shrimp?

The balance of sweetness from honey and the heat from sriracha and cayenne gives it a medium spice level that can be adjusted to taste by altering the amount of hot ingredients used.

What can I substitute for cornflake cereal?

If you don’t have cornflakes, crushed tortilla chips or seasoned breadcrumbs can work as alternatives to add texture and crunch.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try the Crispy Hot Honey Shrimp with Mustard Cheddar Sauce Recipe, it will become one of your go-to dishes for impressing guests or treating yourself to something extraordinary. The combination of crunchy, spicy shrimp with a rich, tangy cheese sauce is utterly addictive and surprisingly easy to pull off. Go ahead, gather your ingredients, and make this irresistible dish tonight—you won’t regret it!

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