Coconut Shrimp with Spicy Honey

INGREDIENTS

1 c. jasmine rice

1/4 c. honey

1 lemon

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

1 lb. tail-on shrimp, peeled and deveined

kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1 c. all-purpose flour

1 large egg, beaten with 1 tbsp. water

1 c. panko bread crumbs

1 c. unsweetened shredded coconut

Vegetable oil, for frying

2 green onions, chopped

DIRECTIONS

1. Prepare rice according to package instructions. In a small sauce pan over medium-high heat, combine honey, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil and simmer for 1 minute. Turn off heat and cover with lid to keep warm.
2. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour, dip into egg mixture, and dredge in bread crumb and shredded coconut mixture. Shake off any excess and set aside.
3. In a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2″ oil until oil reaches 350°. Working in 2 to 3 batches, fry shrimp and turn evenly to brown all sides, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to paper-towel lined plate and season with salt immediately after frying.
4. Serve shrimp with rice, garnish with green onions and drizzle with warm, spicy honey.