Crispy Hot Honey Shrimp with Mustard Cheddar Sauce Recipe
Crispy Hot Honey Shrimp features perfectly breaded popcorn shrimp tossed in a sweet and spicy honey sriracha sauce, paired with a creamy mustard cheddar dipping sauce. This flavorful appetizer combines crunchy textures with a kick of heat, making it ideal for parties or a delicious snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
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
- Prepare the Breading: In a large bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix crushed cornflake cereal and panko breadcrumbs in a separate shallow dish.
- Coat the Shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the beaten egg, then dredge thoroughly in the cornflake and panko mixture, ensuring an even coating. Set aside.
- Fry the Shrimp: Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the breaded shrimp in batches for about 2-3 minutes each until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together honey, mayonnaise, and sriracha until smooth and well combined.
- Toss Shrimp in Sauce: While the shrimp are still warm, toss them in the hot honey sauce until evenly coated.
- Prepare Mustard Cheddar Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in dijon mustard, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and salt to taste until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
- Serve: Plate the hot honey shrimp with a side of mustard cheddar sauce for dipping. Enjoy immediately to maintain crispiness.
Notes
- For extra heat, add more sriracha or cayenne pepper to taste.
- Use fresh shrimp for best texture and flavor.
- Ensure the oil temperature is maintained during frying to keep shrimp crispy and prevent sogginess.
- The mustard cheddar sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
- Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangier sauce with fewer calories.
