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Firecracker Shrimp

Firecracker Shrimp

Firecracker Shrimp is a quick and easy appetizer featuring medium-sized shrimp coated in a crispy batter and tossed in a vibrant, spicy, sweet, and tangy sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a perfect balance of heat, crunch, and flavor, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Coating

  • 1 lb medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup cornstarch or flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for coating)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Firecracker Sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Sriracha or hot sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice

Garnish (Optional)

  • Chopped green onions or cilantro
  • Toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks and fries up crispy.
  2. Make the Coating Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. In another bowl, mix cornstarch or flour with salt and garlic powder for seasoning.
  3. Coat the Shrimp: Dip each shrimp first into the egg mixture, then dredge thoroughly in the cornstarch or flour mixture, ensuring an even, crunchy coating.
  4. Fry Until Golden: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in batches without overcrowding until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
  5. Prepare the Firecracker Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Sriracha, honey, garlic powder, and rice vinegar until smooth and balanced between spicy and sweet.
  6. Toss and Serve: Gently toss the fried shrimp in the prepared sauce until evenly coated. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro and serve immediately for optimal texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Always pat dry shrimp to achieve the crispiest coating.
  • Maintain oil temperature around 350°F to avoid greasy shrimp.
  • Fry shrimp in batches to prevent overcrowding and sogginess.
  • Adjust sauce consistency by adding more mayonnaise for creaminess or hot sauce for extra heat.
  • Serve immediately for the best crunch and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: firecracker shrimp, spicy shrimp, crispy shrimp, appetizer, quick shrimp recipe, fried shrimp, spicy appetizer