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Firecracker Shrimp

Featured in Start the Party: Crowd-Pleasing Appetizers.

Create golden, crispy shrimp coated in a bold, fiery glaze that’s sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy. Using jumbo shrimp, fry them up to crunchy perfection and toss in a sauce made from Sriracha, honey, chili sauce, fresh lemon, and garlic. Serve fresh for a standout appetizer or make it a meal with rice on the side. Simple, fast, and downright delicious in just 30 minutes!
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Updated on Sun, 09 Mar 2025 05:24:33 GMT
Firecracker Shrimp Dish Pin it
Firecracker Shrimp Dish | linacooks.com

Experience the perfect balance of crispy and saucy with this 30-minute firecracker shrimp recipe. Each piece features a delicate, crunchy exterior wrapped in a glaze that masterfully combines sweet, umami, and spicy elements. The result is a restaurant-worthy Asian-inspired dish made right in your home kitchen.

This recipe emerged from countless attempts to capture the essence of a beloved restaurant dish that's no longer available. Now perfected, it's become an essential part of our dinner rotation, equally suited for quick meals or special gatherings. The interplay between the crispy coating and clingy sauce creates an unforgettable texture.

Key Components

  • Shrimp (1 pound): Select large 16/20 count, cleaned and peeled. Freshly caught preferred.
  • Thai sweet chili sauce (½ cup): Use authentic brands for best results.
  • Premium tamari (¼ cup): Traditionally brewed adds depth. Standard soy works too.
  • Pure honey (2 tablespoons): Natural, unprocessed varieties recommended.
  • Hot sauce (2 tablespoons): Classic Sriracha delivers balanced heat.
  • Fresh citrus (2 lemons): For zest and juice. Pick firm, fragrant fruits.
  • Garlic (4 cloves): Fresh, plump cloves only.
  • Flour (1 cup): Standard unbleached type.
  • Cornstarch (¼ cup): Key for extra crunch.
  • Cooking oil: Any neutral, high-heat variety.

Preparation Method

Initial Prep
Thoroughly dry shrimp and season. Proper moisture removal ensures coating success.
Breading Mix
Blend dry ingredients until uniform. Prepare egg mixture separately.
Sauce Base
Layer sauce components gradually for proper melding of flavors.
Oil Temperature
Maintain steady 350°F for optimal results. Use thermometer if possible.
Breading Process
Coat each piece thoroughly, ensuring complete coverage.
Sauce Finish
Simmer until properly thickened before coating shrimp.
Final Steps
Garnish immediately after saucing.
Firecracker Shrimp With Rice Pin it
Firecracker Shrimp With Rice | linacooks.com

Living near the coast taught valuable lessons about seafood preparation. The most important being that proper frying technique should enhance shrimp's natural flavors rather than mask them.

Presentation Guidelines

Serve hot with sauce still glistening. Appetizer portions work well with toothpicks. For entrees, place over fragrant jasmine rice and finish with fresh herbs.

Recipe Adaptations

The base recipe welcomes thoughtful modifications. A honey-garlic version emphasizes sweetness with aromatic depth. Citrus additions bring brightness through fresh orange zest. Adding Thai basil creates an aromatic variation with subtle peppery notes.

Storage Guidelines

Store sauce and shrimp separately if making ahead. Keep fried shrimp plain until serving. Warm in oven at 350°F just until heated through, then add warmed sauce.

Experience shows that mastering each component individually results in perfect harmony when combined. The marriage of crispy coating and flavorful sauce creates something truly memorable.

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Delicious Firecracker Shrimp Recipe | linacooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I make this less spicy?
Cut back on the Sriracha or sweet chili sauce to reduce the heat, or just skip them entirely.
→ What kind of shrimp is best?
Jumbo shrimp (21-25 per pound) are ideal, but any size will work as long as you adjust cooking time.
→ Can I prep this in advance?
You can make the sauce early, but fry the shrimp just before serving so they stay crispy.
→ Can I use cooked shrimp instead?
Fresh raw shrimp is the top choice for crispy texture, as pre-cooked shrimp might get rubbery.
→ What goes well with this?
These shrimp are terrific as a starter, but you can also pair them with cilantro rice or steamed veggies for a full meal.

Firecracker Shrimp

Crispy shrimp tossed in a sticky, spicy-sweet glaze. Ready in 30 minutes and perfect for appetizers or meals.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Paolina

Category: Appetizers

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Asian

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Shrimp

01 1 pound large shrimp (21-25 count), deveined and peeled, with tails left on
02 1 large egg, beaten
03 2 tablespoons cornstarch
04 2 tablespoons plain flour
05 Salt and black pepper, as you prefer
06 Cooking oil for frying

→ Firecracker Sauce

07 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce
08 2 tablespoons honey or similar sweetener
09 2 tablespoons soy or Tamari sauce
10 1 teaspoon Sriracha or a hot sauce of your choice
11 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
12 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
13 2 tablespoons water
14 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

→ Garnish

15 Chopped fresh chives
16 Toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 01

In a small bowl, mix together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, Sriracha, lemon juice, lemon zest, water, and minced garlic until everything’s smooth and blended.

Step 02

Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the shrimp. In a bowl, combine cornstarch and flour. Toss the shrimp in the flour mixture to coat.

Step 03

Warm up a skillet on medium-high heat with just enough oil to coat the bottom. Crack the egg into a bowl and whisk it gently.

Step 04

Dip each piece of shrimp first in the egg. Then, fry them in the hot oil for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn crispy and golden.

Step 05

Place the fried shrimp on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up the leftover oil.

Step 06

Clean out the skillet and heat it up again. Add the Firecracker Sauce, letting it bubble for a bit. Toss the shrimp in and mix until they’re covered in sauce.

Step 07

Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped chives on top if you’d like. Serve right away over rice.

Notes

  1. This dish can be a main course or used as a starter.
  2. Goes great with simple white rice or rice with lime and cilantro.
  3. Try it with a side of leafy greens for a complete meal.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large frying pan or skillet
  • Mixing bowls (small)
  • Paper towels for draining
  • Hand whisk

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes shellfish (shrimp)
  • Has eggs
  • Contains gluten (from the flour)
  • Soy-based ingredients (soy sauce)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 305
  • Total Fat: 9 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 20 g