These Firecracker Shrimp are a perfect balance of crispy, crunchy texture with a fiery kick, making them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering or dinner. The combination of fried shrimp coated in a tangy, spicy sauce creates an irresistible flavor that will keep you coming back for more.
These shrimp can be served as an appetizer, snack, or even as the main course when paired with a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad. Whether you’re hosting a game night, a party, or just craving something bold and flavorful, these Firecracker Shrimp are sure to impress and satisfy all your taste buds.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1/2 cup flour
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1/2 cup cornstarch
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon pepper
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
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1/2 cup buttermilk
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Vegetable oil for frying
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
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1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1 teaspoon honey
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1 tablespoon chopped green onions (for garnish)
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Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Directions:
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In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
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Add buttermilk to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth. The batter should be thick but pourable. Adjust with more buttermilk if needed.
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Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
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Dip the shrimp into the batter, coating evenly, and fry in batches until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
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In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey to create the sauce.
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Toss the fried shrimp in the sauce mixture until well coated.
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Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 275 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Origins of Firecracker Shrimp
While the exact origins of Firecracker Shrimp are hard to trace, it’s safe to say that this dish is inspired by the flavors of Southeast Asia, particularly Thai and Chinese cuisine. Both of these culinary traditions are known for their bold, dynamic flavors, often balancing sweet, salty, sour, and spicy elements. The use of shrimp as the base ingredient is also common in many Asian dishes, and the crispy texture of the shrimp paired with the sauce is reminiscent of dishes like General Tso’s chicken or Thai crispy shrimp.
In recent years, Firecracker Shrimp has become a popular item on restaurant menus, especially in American eateries that specialize in Asian fusion cuisine. Its popularity can be attributed to the combination of crispy fried shrimp with the addictive firecracker sauce, which provides both heat and a touch of sweetness.
Why You’ll Love Firecracker Shrimp
Firecracker Shrimp offers an irresistible blend of textures and flavors that are hard to beat. First and foremost, the shrimp itself. Shrimp is naturally sweet, and when fried to a crisp, it takes on an irresistible crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, juicy interior. The key to the perfect shrimp is in the frying technique: you want the shrimp to be golden-brown and crispy on the outside, but tender and moist on the inside. When done right, each bite will provide the satisfying crunch and delicate tenderness that make shrimp so beloved.
Next is the firecracker sauce. This sauce brings a combination of heat and tang, balanced by a touch of sweetness. The spicy sriracha and sweet chili sauce give the dish its bold and fiery flavor, while the rice vinegar and honey provide a balancing acidity and sweetness that round out the sauce. Together, they create the perfect coating for the crispy shrimp, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.
Lastly, Firecracker Shrimp is an adaptable recipe that can be adjusted to fit your personal preferences. Whether you like it extra spicy or prefer a milder heat, you can control the level of spice by adjusting the amount of sriracha or sweet chili sauce. You can even make it a bit sweeter or tangier depending on your taste, making it a great dish for those who enjoy customizing their food.
Pairing Suggestions for Firecracker Shrimp
One of the best aspects of Firecracker Shrimp is its versatility when it comes to pairing. Because it’s a flavorful and slightly spicy dish, it pairs wonderfully with mild sides that can balance out the heat. Here are a few ideas for sides and drinks to serve alongside Firecracker Shrimp:
1. Rice or Noodles
The crispiness of the shrimp is complemented perfectly by a bed of steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried noodles. These simple sides help absorb the sauce and provide a neutral base that lets the shrimp shine. Try serving the shrimp over rice or toss it in with noodles to create a delicious main course.
2. Fresh Salads
A refreshing cucumber or Asian-style slaw can be a great side dish to balance the heat and crunch of the shrimp. Fresh vegetables like cucumber, carrots, and cabbage provide a cool contrast to the spiciness of the shrimp, making each bite refreshing.
3. Dipping Sauces
For those who love extra sauce, consider offering a dipping sauce on the side. You can create a simple garlic or soy-based sauce or even a tangy yogurt dip. This will add another layer of flavor and allow your guests to adjust the heat level to their liking.
4. Drinks
For drinks, you’ll want something that can counterbalance the heat of the shrimp. A cold beer, such as a pale ale or pilsner, complements the dish well. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, a cold glass of iced tea or lemonade provides a refreshing contrast to the spicy shrimp.
How to Make Firecracker Shrimp at Home
Making Firecracker Shrimp at home is surprisingly easy, and it can be done in less than an hour. The dish starts with fresh shrimp that’s battered and fried until golden and crispy. The shrimp is then tossed in a flavorful sauce made from ingredients like sriracha, sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, and mayonnaise.
For the best results, make sure to use high-quality shrimp and avoid overcooking it. Shrimp cooks quickly, so it’s important to monitor the frying time carefully. If you overcook the shrimp, it can become tough and rubbery, which will affect the overall texture of the dish.
When it comes to the sauce, feel free to adjust the sweetness and spiciness to your liking. Some people prefer a sweeter version, while others like it extra spicy. The beauty of Firecracker Shrimp is that it’s entirely customizable, so you can make it your own!
Health Considerations
While Firecracker Shrimp is undeniably delicious, it’s important to remember that it’s a fried dish, which can make it a bit higher in calories and fat than other, lighter seafood options. However, shrimp is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a healthy choice in moderation. If you want to make the dish a little lighter, you can try baking the shrimp instead of frying it. While it won’t have the same crispy texture, it will still be flavorful and much lower in fat.
For those following gluten-free diets, you can substitute the flour and cornstarch in the batter with gluten-free alternatives like rice flour or potato starch. This will allow you to enjoy the same great flavor and texture without worrying about gluten.
Conclusion
Firecracker Shrimp is a deliciously spicy and crispy dish that’s sure to be a hit at your next meal. With its combination of crispy shrimp and a flavorful, tangy sauce, it’s the perfect appetizer or main dish for anyone who loves seafood with a kick. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply want to enjoy something bold and exciting for dinner, Firecracker Shrimp will not disappoint.
This dish offers a great opportunity to get creative in the kitchen, whether you’re adjusting the heat level to your preference or pairing it with your favorite sides. Plus, it’s easy to make at home, so you can enjoy the bold flavors of this restaurant-quality dish whenever the craving strikes. So go ahead, spice things up in your kitchen, and treat yourself to some crispy, flavorful Firecracker Shrimp!