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Firecracker Shrimp Recipe

4.6 from 82 reviews

Crispy and flavorful Firecracker Shrimp coated in a crunchy panko breadcrumb crust, fried to golden perfection, and served with a spicy, tangy mayonnaise-based dipping sauce. This Asian-inspired appetizer is perfect for parties or a tasty snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp Coating

  • 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

Dipping Sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

Garnish and Cooking

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Flour Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a seasoned coating.
  2. Beat the Egg: In another bowl, beat the large egg until smooth to serve as the binding agent for the breadcrumbs.
  3. Set Breadcrumbs: Place the panko breadcrumbs in a separate bowl for the final coating step.
  4. Coat the Shrimp: Dip each peeled and deveined shrimp first into the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even coat. Next, dip into the beaten egg, and finally coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs. Place the coated shrimp aside on a plate.
  5. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, pour vegetable oil to a depth of about 1/2 inch and heat over medium-high heat until the oil temperature reaches approximately 350°F (175°C).
  6. Fry the Shrimp: Fry the shrimp in batches, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to turn them carefully. Remove the cooked shrimp and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  7. Make the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice until smooth and well combined.
  8. Serve: Plate the crispy shrimp and drizzle the spicy dipping sauce on top or serve it on the side. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

  • For a healthier version, 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 flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce depending on your preferred spice level.
  • Be sure to dry the shrimp well before coating to ensure crispiness.

Keywords: firecracker shrimp, spicy shrimp appetizer, fried shrimp, panko shrimp, Asian appetizer, crispy shrimp, sweet chili sauce shrimp