Spicy Sweet Crispy Shrimp

This firecracker shrimp recipe transforms ordinary shrimp into a crave-worthy dish that balances spicy, sweet and tangy flavors with an irresistible crispy texture. I developed this quick method after years of ordering similar dishes at restaurants and realizing I could make an even better version at home in just 20 minutes.

I first made this for impromptu guests who dropped by unexpectedly and it's become my go to impressive dish when I need something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of crispy exterior and juicy shrimp interior keeps everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined. Fresh is best but frozen works perfectly when thawed properly and patted dry.
• 1/2 cup cornstarch creates that perfect light crispy coating without heavy breading.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for pan frying. You could substitute canola or peanut oil for similar results.
• Salt and pepper to taste for baseline seasoning.
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise provides creamy richness that helps the sauce cling to each shrimp.
• 2 to 3 tablespoons sriracha sauce adjustable depending on your heat preference.
• 2 tablespoons honey adds the perfect balance of sweetness against the heat.
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar brings necessary acidity to cut through richness.
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce adds umami depth to elevate the entire flavor profile.
• 1 garlic clove minced finely provides aromatic foundation for the sauce.
• Green onions and sesame seeds optional for garnish but add nice textural contrast and visual appeal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Sauce

Combine mayonnaise sriracha honey rice vinegar soy sauce and minced garlic in a medium bowl. Whisk until completely smooth and no streaks remain. The sauce should have a vibrant orange hue and flow smoothly from a spoon. Taste and adjust heat level by adding more sriracha if desired. Set aside to allow flavors to meld while you prepare the shrimp.

Prepare the Shrimp

Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp completely dry using paper towels. Any excess moisture will prevent proper crisping and cause spattering when cooking. Season lightly with salt and pepper on both sides. Place cornstarch in a shallow dish and toss shrimp until each piece is thoroughly coated with a thin even layer. Shake off any excess cornstarch to prevent clumping during cooking.

Cook to Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Test readiness by sprinkling a tiny bit of cornstarch into the oil. It should sizzle immediately. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding arrange shrimp in a single layer with space between each piece. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the exterior becomes golden brown and crispy while the interior remains tender and juicy. Transfer cooked shrimp to a paper towel lined plate to drain excess oil.

Sauce and Serve

While the shrimp are still hot but drained of excess oil transfer them to a large bowl. Pour about three quarters of the prepared firecracker sauce over the shrimp and gently toss until each piece is evenly coated with the vibrant sauce. Add more sauce as needed until desired coverage is achieved. Transfer immediately to a serving plate and garnish with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.

Save

The sriracha is truly the star ingredient in this recipe. I discovered its perfect balance in this sauce after experimenting with various hot sauces. What I love is how it provides heat without overwhelming the delicate flavor of the shrimp. My family now requests this dish regularly for our Friday night dinners when we want something special but dont have hours to spend cooking.

Serving Suggestions

These firecracker shrimp make an outstanding appetizer when served on their own but can easily become a complete meal when paired with simple sides. Serve over fluffy white rice to soak up the extra sauce or alongside a bright Asian slaw for textural contrast. For a low carb option serve over cauliflower rice or wrapped in butter lettuce leaves with julienned vegetables. The versatility of this dish makes it perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to more formal gatherings where you want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen.

Storage and Reheating

While these shrimp are best enjoyed immediately after cooking they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat arrange the shrimp on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving as this will make the once crispy exterior soggy. If you know youll have leftovers consider keeping some shrimp separate from the sauce and storing them separately this preserves the texture better upon reheating. You can always toss them with fresh sauce when serving.

Customization Options

The basic firecracker sauce provides endless opportunities for customization based on your preferences. For a sweeter profile increase the honey or add a tablespoon of sweet chili sauce. If you prefer more complexity add a teaspoon of grated ginger or a splash of sesame oil. For those who love extra heat incorporate a teaspoon of chili oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also play with the protein substitute chicken tenders or firm tofu cut into bite sized pieces for equally delicious results using the same cooking method and sauce.

Recipe FAQs

→ How spicy is firecracker shrimp?

The spice level is completely adjustable based on your preference. The recipe calls for 2-3 tablespoons of sriracha, but you can reduce this to 1 tablespoon for mild heat or increase up to 4 tablespoons for extra spicy results. The mayonnaise and honey help balance the heat for a perfect sweet-spicy combination.

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?

Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them very dry before coating in cornstarch. Any excess moisture will prevent the shrimp from getting crispy and may cause the hot oil to splatter during cooking.

→ What can I serve with firecracker shrimp?

Firecracker shrimp pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, noodles, or a fresh Asian slaw. For a complete meal, consider adding vegetable sides like steamed broccoli or a simple cucumber salad. It also works great as part of a larger spread of appetizers for entertaining.

→ Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The firecracker sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes dinner prep even quicker. Just cook the shrimp and toss with the pre-made sauce right before serving for the best flavor and texture.

→ Is there a way to make this dish healthier?

To make a lighter version, you can bake the shrimp instead of pan-frying. Coat them in a light spray of cooking oil after the cornstarch and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes, turning halfway. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise in the sauce to reduce calories.

→ Can I use another protein instead of shrimp?

The firecracker sauce works wonderfully with other proteins! Try it with bite-sized pieces of chicken, cubed firm tofu, or even cauliflower florets for a vegetarian option. Just adjust cooking times accordingly based on your chosen protein.