Firecracker Shrimp Recipe
Firecracker Shrimp is a flavorful and crispy dish featuring large shrimp marinated in a spicy-sweet sauce, dredged in a light flour and cornstarch coating, then pan-fried to golden perfection. Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, it’s a perfect appetizer or main served hot with dipping sauces or rice.
- Author: lucas
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
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)
Coating
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For Frying and Garnish
- Olive oil (for frying, quantity as needed)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional garnish)
- Marinate Shrimp: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, ginger, soy sauce, honey, and sriracha until well combined. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare Dredge: In a shallow bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper thoroughly. This dry mixture will provide the shrimp with a light, crispy coating when fried.
- Coat Shrimp: Remove the shrimp from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the flour and cornstarch mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Shake off any extra flour mixture to avoid clumps.
- Fry Shrimp: Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully place the shrimp in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each side for 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp turn golden brown and crispy. Cook in batches if necessary, adding more oil as needed.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds. Serve the firecracker shrimp hot, paired with dipping sauces or over steamed rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the spiciness according to your preference.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy texture without absorbing excess oil.
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Work in small batches when frying to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Rice vinegar or lime juice can be added to the marinade for a tangy twist.
Keywords: firecracker shrimp, spicy shrimp, fried shrimp, Asian shrimp recipe, crispy shrimp, appetizer, seafood