Here’s a delicious recipe for Firecracker Shrimp, a flavorful, spicy dish that’s crispy on the outside with a tangy, creamy, and spicy sauce. It’s perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main course!
Firecracker Shrimp Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, as preferred)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Firecracker Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sriracha sauce (or adjust to taste for heat)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
For Garnish (optional):
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp
- In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each shrimp into the buttermilk, then dredge in the flour mixture until fully coated.
- Next, dip the shrimp into panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
- Fry the Shrimp
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the shrimp in batches, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the Firecracker Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and sesame oil (if using) until smooth and creamy. Adjust the amount of sriracha for more or less heat, depending on your preference.
- Toss the Shrimp in the Sauce
- In a large bowl, gently toss the crispy shrimp with the firecracker sauce until they are fully coated.
- Serve
- Serve the firecracker shrimp immediately, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a finishing touch.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with steamed rice or on top of a bed of salad greens for a light meal.
- Pair with a side of dipping sauce like extra sriracha mayo or sweet chili sauce for added flavor.
Tips and Variations
- For Extra Crispiness: Double dip the shrimp—after dipping in buttermilk, dredge them in flour, dip in buttermilk again, and coat in panko breadcrumbs.
- For a Non-Spicy Version: Reduce the sriracha or substitute with a mild sweet chili sauce.
- Oven-Baked Version: To make it healthier, you can bake the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.