Firecracker Shrimp Recipe

Introduction

Firecracker Shrimp is a deliciously crispy and spicy dish that packs a flavorful punch. Marinated in a zesty sauce and fried to golden perfection, it’s perfect as an appetizer or a main course served over rice. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests.

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
• 2 tbsp olive oil (plus more for frying)
• 1 tsp fresh garlic, minced
• ½ tsp fresh ginger, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp sriracha (or more to taste)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, honey, and sriracha. Add the shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes.
2. Step 2: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper to prepare the dredge.
3. Step 3: Remove shrimp from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, shaking off any extra coating.
4. Step 4: Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, frying for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Fry in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
5. Step 5: Transfer cooked shrimp to a plate. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot, alongside your favorite dipping sauces or over steamed rice.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add more sriracha or include a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dredge mixture.
• Try using panko breadcrumbs in place of cornstarch and flour for an even crunchier texture.
• If you prefer baked shrimp, coat and place them on a baking sheet, then bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Storage

Store leftover firecracker shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating to ensure the coating sticks well and fries up crispy.

What dipping sauces pair well with firecracker shrimp?

Sweet chili sauce, garlic aioli, or a simple soy-lime dipping sauce complement the spicy shrimp beautifully.

Firecracker Shrimp Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 73 reviews

Firecracker Shrimp is a crispy, flavorful dish featuring large shrimp marinated in a zesty blend of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, honey, and sriracha, then coated in a crispy flour and cornstarch mixture and pan-fried to golden perfection. Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, this dish is perfect for a spicy appetizer or a delightful main served over rice.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Marinade

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp fresh garlic, minced
• ½ tsp fresh ginger, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp sriracha (or more to taste)

Dredge

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For Frying and Garnish

• Olive oil (additional, for frying)
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Marinate Shrimp: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, soy sauce, honey, and sriracha. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, tossing to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate to marinate for 10 to 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
2. Prepare Dredge: In a shallow bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the crispy coating mixture.
3. Coat Shrimp: Remove the shrimp from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the flour and cornstarch mixture, ensuring they are well coated. Shake off any extra coating to avoid clumps.
4. Fry Shrimp: Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each side for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until the shrimp turn golden and crispy. Fry in batches if necessary, adding more oil as needed.
5. Serve: Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve the firecracker shrimp hot, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauces or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.

Notes

• Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the spice level to your preference.
• Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy texture without absorbing excess oil.
• For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor; the shrimp tend to lose crispiness if left standing too long.
• Leftover shrimp can be stored in the refrigerator and gently reheated in a skillet.

Keywords: firecracker shrimp, crispy shrimp, fried shrimp, spicy shrimp appetizer, asian-inspired shrimp, skillet shrimp