Name: Firecracker Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 large egg; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste); 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish); Vegetable oil (for frying)

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Firecracker Shrimp is a crispy, flavorful appetizer that packs a spicy kick with every bite. Coated in a crunchy panko crust and served with a zesty, creamy dipping sauce, this dish is perfect for entertaining or a tasty snack.

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with cooked shrimp coated in a shiny reddish-orange sauce, showing a glossy texture. The shrimp are piled high, each piece curled and sprinkled with white sesame seeds and chopped green onions, adding pops of green color. The sauce looks thick and sticky, covering every shrimp evenly with small bits of seasoning visible, giving it a rich, flavorful look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 large egg
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the seasoning blend.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, beat the egg until smooth.
Step 3: Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl for coating.
Step 4: Dip each shrimp first into the seasoned flour mixture, then into the beaten egg, and finally coat with the panko breadcrumbs. Set the coated shrimp aside on a plate.
Step 5: Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot (approximately 350°F).
Step 6: Fry the shrimp in batches, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the shrimp and drain on paper towels.
Step 7: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice to create the dipping sauce.
Step 8: Serve the crispy shrimp hot with the dipping sauce drizzled on top or on the side, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro.

Tips & Variations

For a healthier alternative, bake the shrimp at 400°F for 12-15 minutes instead of frying.
Add a teaspoon of lime zest to the dipping sauce for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to control the heat level according to your preference.
Use fresh cilantro for garnish to add a bright, fresh note to the dish.

Storage

Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake them in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness. The dipping sauce can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a bowl filled with cooked shrimp covered in a shiny, sticky reddish-brown sauce. The shrimp are curled and have a slight char, giving them a textured look with some crispy edges. Scattered on top are small white sesame seeds and bits of chopped green onions, adding pops of white and green color. The shrimp and toppings fill the white bowl, creating a rich, appetizing presentation against a white marbled texture background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before coating and frying to ensure they become crispy.

What can I substitute for panko breadcrumbs?

If you don’t have panko, you can use regular breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or crushed crackers for a similar crunch, though the texture may be slightly different.