Firecracker Shrimp is a bold, flavorful dish that combines perfectly crispy shrimp with a tangy, spicy sauce. The shrimp are coated in a light, crunchy batter and fried to golden perfection.
What Makes Firecracker Shrimp So Irresistible?
It’s all about the sauce. That perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy will have you licking your fingers clean. The shrimp get a crispy coating that holds the sauce beautifully, making each bite a flavor explosion. Plus, this dish comes together so quickly, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute meal.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Firecracker Shrimp
- Dry the shrimp well: For extra crispiness, make sure the shrimp are thoroughly patted dry before battering. Excess moisture can make the batter soggy.
- Cold batter: Using cold water to make the batter results in a crispier coating when fried. If you’re making the batter in advance, store it in the fridge until ready to use.
- Adjust the heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the amount of sriracha or replace it with a milder hot sauce. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce or sprinkle some chili flakes on top.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: When frying, make sure the shrimp have enough space to cook evenly. Fry in small batches for the crispiest results.
- Use a thermometer: Ensure the oil is at the right temperature (350°F to 375°F) to get that perfect crisp.
Variations of Firecracker Shrimp
While the classic Firecracker Shrimp recipe is delicious on its own, you can easily customize it to suit your taste. Here are some variations you can try:
1. Baked Firecracker Shrimp
If you’re looking to make a healthier version, bake the shrimp instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 400°F, place the battered shrimp on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
2. Firecracker Shrimp Tacos
Transform this recipe into a delicious taco filling. After tossing the shrimp in the firecracker sauce, serve them in soft tortillas with fresh cabbage, avocado slices, and a drizzle of extra sauce. Perfect for taco night!
3. Firecracker Shrimp Bowls
Serve the crispy shrimp over a bed of rice or quinoa with sautéed vegetables, avocado, and a drizzle of the firecracker sauce for a complete meal.
How to Serve Firecracker Shrimp
- As an appetizer: Firecracker Shrimp is perfect as a starter for dinner parties or casual gatherings. Pair with a refreshing drink like iced tea or a crisp white wine.
- As a main dish: Serve the shrimp with a side of steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables. For a lighter meal, pair with a green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette.
- On a platter: For a fun party platter, serve the shrimp with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese on the side, alongside crispy fries or roasted vegetables.
How to Store Firecracker Shrimp
For leftovers, store the shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the batter may lose its crispiness when stored, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you need to reheat it, try placing the shrimp in an air fryer or oven for a few minutes to restore some of the crispiness.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I make Firecracker Shrimp ahead of time?
A: While the shrimp are best enjoyed fresh and crispy, you can prepare the batter and sauce in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and fry the shrimp just before serving.
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before frying to avoid sogginess.
Q: Can I make the firecracker sauce spicier?
A: Absolutely! You can add more sriracha or include ingredients like chili paste, cayenne pepper, or jalapeños to ramp up the heat level.
Q: Can I use a different protein instead of shrimp?
A: This recipe works well with chicken tenders or even fish fillets, although the cooking times may vary. Chicken should be cooked through, while fish may need less time.
Firecracker Shrimp
Firecracker Shrimp is a bold, flavorful dish that combines perfectly crispy shrimp with a tangy, spicy sauce. The shrimp are coated in a light, crunchy batter and fried to golden perfection.
Ingredients
For the shrimp
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup oil for frying
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the sauce
- 1/2 cup sweet chili garlic sauce, Thai-style
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1-2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Sriracha
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated
Instructions
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Add in cornstarch and coat well.
- Heat large saucepan on medium-high heat. Add oil.
- Dip 4-5 shrimp into the beaten and add to the hot oil and fry for about 2-3 minuites or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and absorb any excess oil.
- For the sauce - Clean the saucepan. Add sriracha, sweet chili garlic sauce, and zest, honey, lemon juice, garlic salt and grated ginger.
- Bring to boil and boil for about 2-3 minutes on medium heat.
- Add the fried shrimp and toss to coat with the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately over rice.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 415Total Fat 18gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 15gCholesterol 332mgSodium 1965mgCarbohydrates 31gFiber 1gSugar 10gProtein 30g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Check my other shrimp recipes:
Final Thoughts on Firecracker Shrimp
Firecracker Shrimp is a perfect balance of crunchy, spicy, and sweet flavors that’s bound to impress anyone who tries it. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or main meal, this recipe is sure to become a crowd favorite. With easy-to-follow instructions, a few simple ingredients, and lots of flavor, it’s a recipe that can be made by both novice and experienced home cooks alike. So, what are you waiting for? Fire up your frying pan and get cooking!
