Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of flavor with our Crispy Honey Butter Shrimp, perfectly complemented by a vibrant Sweet Chili Dip! This isn't just a recipe; it's an experience that brings together succulent, golden-fried shrimp glazed in a luscious honey-butter sauce, all dipped into a zesty, sweet, and slightly spicy concoction.
Whether you're planning a quick weeknight dinner or looking for a show-stopping appetizer that will impress everyone, this dish is your new go-to. It's incredibly easy to make, yet delivers a gourmet restaurant-quality taste and texture that's simply irresistible. Get ready to dive into crispy perfection!
Why This Shrimp Dish Will Be Your New Favorite
This recipe transforms simple shrimp into something truly extraordinary. Here’s why it stands out:
- Unforgettable Flavor Profile: The balance of sweet honey, rich butter, and savory notes on the shrimp, paired with the bright, tangy kick of the sweet chili dip, creates a harmonious taste sensation.
- Satisfying Texture: Each shrimp boasts a delightful crunch on the outside, giving way to a tender, juicy interior. It’s a texture lover's dream!
- Surprisingly Fast: Despite its impressive results, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy schedules.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a hearty appetizer, a light lunch, or a flavorful main course with your preferred sides.
Essential Ingredients You'll Need
While the full list is in the recipe card below, let's highlight a few components that truly make this recipe sing:
- Large Shrimp: Fresh or frozen (and thawed) large shrimp are ideal. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. For tips on ensuring you pick the best, consider reading a guide to cooking shrimp properly.
- Honey & Butter: These two form the base of our incredible glaze, providing that signature sweet and savory richness.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: The star of our dipping sauce. You can use your favorite store-bought brand or explore homemade options.
- Fresh Aromatics: Lime juice, fresh ginger, and cilantro in the dip are crucial for adding a burst of freshness and zing that beautifully contrasts the rich shrimp.
Kitchen Tools That Help
While you don't need fancy equipment, a reliable large skillet and a whisk will make the process smoother. And for effortlessly slicing your ginger and cilantro, a Quality Chef's Knife is always a great asset in any kitchen.
Tips for Ultimate Crispy Honey Butter Shrimp
Achieving that perfect golden crispiness isn't hard when you know the tricks:
- Dryness is Key: Ensure your shrimp are absolutely dry before dredging. Excess moisture will steam the shrimp instead of frying them, resulting in a less crispy exterior.
- Even Coating: Make sure each shrimp is fully coated in the flour and cornstarch mixture. The cornstarch is vital for creating that extra-crispy shell.
- Optimal Oil Temperature: Heat your oil to 350-375°F (175-190°C). If the oil is too cool, the shrimp will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Too hot, and they'll burn before cooking through.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Fry shrimp in small batches. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature and leads to soggy, unevenly cooked shrimp.
- Toss Immediately: Once fried, toss the hot shrimp in the warm honey butter glaze right away. This ensures an even, glossy coating that adheres beautifully.
Serving Suggestions & Creative Pairings
These Crispy Honey Butter Shrimp are fantastic on their own, but here are some ideas to make them a complete meal or a more elaborate appetizer spread:
- Serve alongside fluffy rice (jasmine or basmati work well) to soak up all that delicious honey butter sauce.
- Pair with a simple, refreshing green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. For another quick and fresh option, you might also enjoy our Easy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad: Your 15-Minute Recipe Guide!.
- They make a show-stopping appetizer for any gathering.
- Consider serving them alongside another saucy delight, such as a pasta dish made with The Ultimate Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce Copycat (Clara's Recipes), for a varied spread.
Variations to Customize Your Flavor Bomb
Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own:
- Amp Up the Heat: Add extra hot sauce to the honey butter glaze or increase the red pepper flakes in the dip for a spicier kick.
- Garlic Goodness: Infuse the honey butter glaze with a clove or two of minced garlic for an aromatic boost.
- Herbal Twist: Garnish with fresh chives or thinly sliced green onions along with the cilantro for an added layer of fresh flavor.
- Different Dips: While our sweet chili dip is divine, these shrimp would also be delicious with a creamy sriracha mayo, a lemon-garlic aioli, or even a simple peanut dipping sauce.
No matter how you choose to enjoy them, these Crispy Honey Butter Shrimp with Sweet Chili Dip are guaranteed to be a hit. Get cooking and savor every flavor-packed bite!
FAQs
What's the best way to get shrimp truly crispy?
For truly crispy shrimp, ensure they are thoroughly patted dry before breading. Use a mix of flour and cornstarch for the coating, and fry them in oil heated to 350-375u00b0F (175-190u00b0C) in small batches to maintain oil temperature and prevent overcrowding.
Can I make the sweet chili dip ahead of time?
Yes, the sweet chili dip is excellent for meal prepping! You can prepare it up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld even more beautifully.
What are good side dishes for Crispy Honey Butter Shrimp?
These shrimp pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving them over fluffy jasmine rice, quinoa, or with a light, refreshing green salad. Steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also make a great accompaniment to balance the richness.
Are there any substitutions for the hot sauce in the honey butter glaze?
If you prefer less heat, you can omit the hot sauce entirely from the honey butter glaze. For a different flavor profile, a pinch of red pepper flakes or even a dash of smoked paprika can add a subtle warmth without intense spice.

Crispy Honey Butter Shrimp with Sweet Chili Dip
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Succulent, golden-fried shrimp coated in a rich honey butter glaze, served with a vibrant, zesty homemade sweet chili dipping sauce.
Ingredients
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail on or off)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Vegetable oil, for frying
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, like Sriracha)
1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Pat shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 2: Add shrimp to the flour mixture and toss until evenly coated, shaking off any excess.
Step 3: Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350-375°F (175-190°C).
Step 4: Working in batches, carefully add the breaded shrimp to the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack set over paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 5: While shrimp are frying, prepare the honey butter glaze. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in honey and hot sauce (if using). Simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 6: In a separate small bowl, combine sweet chili sauce, lime juice, minced ginger, chopped cilantro, and red pepper flakes (if using) for the dip. Mix well.
Step 7: Once all shrimp are fried, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm honey butter glaze over the shrimp and toss gently to coat evenly.
Step 8: Serve the Crispy Honey Butter Shrimp immediately with the Sweet Chili Dip on the side. Garnish with extra fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
For best results, use fresh shrimp and ensure your oil is at the correct temperature. This dish is best served immediately to maintain optimal crispiness. Adjust the heat level of both the glaze and the dip to your personal preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-5 shrimp with dip
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
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