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Firecracker Shrimp Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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