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Firecracker Shrimp

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Transform simple shrimp into an irresistible dish with this easy firecracker shrimp recipe! Jumbo shrimp get a light, crispy coating before being fried to golden perfection. The magic happens when they're tossed in a mouthwatering sauce that combines sweet chili sauce, honey, and a kick of Sriracha, balanced with fresh lemon and garlic. Ready in just 30 minutes, this versatile dish works beautifully as an appetizer or a main course served over rice. The sauce strikes the perfect balance of sweet, savory and spicy flavors that'll keep you coming back for more.
A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Fri, 07 Feb 2025 14:55:35 GMT
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Firecracker Shrimp Recipe | myhomemaderecipe.com

Transform ordinary shrimp into an extraordinary dish with this 30-minute firecracker recipe. Each succulent shrimp features a light, crispy coating drenched in a sauce that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and spicy notes. This dish delivers restaurant-quality Asian fusion flavors right from your own kitchen.

After discovering this recipe while trying to recreate a discontinued restaurant favorite, it's become our family's go-to for both quick weeknight dinners and special occasions. The way the sauce clings to each crispy shrimp creates an irresistible combination that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Essential Ingredients Selection

  • Large raw shrimp (1 pound): Choose 16/20 count, peeled and deveined. Fresh is best, but quality frozen works well.
  • Sweet chili sauce (½ cup): Look for Mae Ploy brand for authentic flavor. Check ingredients for real chilies.
  • Tamari sauce (¼ cup): Premium naturally brewed provides deeper umami. Regular soy sauce can substitute.
  • Local honey (2 tablespoons): Raw, unfiltered adds complex sweetness. Avoid processed varieties.
  • Sriracha sauce (2 tablespoons): Huy Fong brand offers ideal heat balance.
  • Fresh lemons (2): Need both zest and juice. Choose bright, heavy fruits.
  • Fresh garlic (4 cloves): Select firm, unblemished heads.
  • All-purpose flour (1 cup): Unbleached provides better coating texture.
  • Cornstarch (¼ cup): Essential for ultimate crispiness.
  • Neutral oil: Choose high smoke point varieties like grapeseed or avocado.

Creating Perfect Firecracker Shrimp

Shrimp Preparation
Begin by patting shrimp completely dry to ensure proper coating adhesion. Season with precise amount of salt and pepper.
Coating Creation
Whisk flour and cornstarch together until perfectly combined. Prepare egg wash separately until smooth.
Sauce Development
Combine sauce ingredients in precise order, allowing each to incorporate fully before adding next.
Frying Technique
Heat oil to exactly 350°F for optimal crispiness. Work in small batches to maintain temperature.
Coating Application
Dredge shrimp in flour mixture, then egg, ensuring even coverage without clumping.
Sauce Integration
Reduce sauce until it reaches the perfect sticky consistency, then coat shrimp evenly.
Final Assembly
Finish with garnishes while sauce is still hot and glossy.
Firecracker Shrimp With Rice pin it
Firecracker Shrimp With Rice | myhomemaderecipe.com

Growing up in a coastal family, my grandmother taught me that perfectly fried shrimp should have a light, crispy coating that enhances rather than overwhelms the seafood's natural sweetness.

Perfect Serving Suggestions

Present immediately while sauce is hot and glossy. For appetizers, arrange on a platter with wooden picks. As a main course, serve over steamed jasmine rice with fresh herbs.

Creative Variations

This dish can take on different flavors depending on what you like. A honey garlic version tones down the heat and brings a natural sweetness with deep, rich notes. For a citrus-forward touch, fresh orange zest adds a bright, refreshing contrast. A Thai basil variation brings a warm, slightly peppery aroma that makes the dish more fragrant and flavorful.

Storage Success

Keep components separate if preparing ahead. Store cooked shrimp without sauce for best results. Reheat in 350°F oven until just warm, then toss with freshly heated sauce.

Through years of perfecting this recipe, I've learned that the key lies in respecting each component. When sauce meets perfectly fried shrimp, it creates a harmony of flavors that makes this dish truly special.

Delicious Firecracker Shrimp Recipe pin it
Delicious Firecracker Shrimp Recipe | myhomemaderecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make the sauce less spicy?
Yes! Adjust the heat by reducing or omitting the Sriracha sauce, or using less sweet chili sauce.
→ What size shrimp should I use?
Jumbo shrimp (21-25 per pound) work best, but you can use any size - just adjust cooking time accordingly.
→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?
While best served fresh and hot, you can prepare the sauce ahead. Fry the shrimp just before serving.
→ Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Fresh raw shrimp is recommended for the best texture and to prevent overcooking.
→ What can I serve this with?
Serve over white rice or cilantro lime rice for a meal, or alone as an appetizer. Pairs well with green vegetables.

Sweet & Spicy Firecracker Shrimp

Crispy fried shrimp coated in a sticky sweet-spicy firecracker sauce, ready in 30 minutes. Great as an appetizer or serve over rice for dinner.

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


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Asian

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Firecracker Sauce

01 ⅓ cup sweet chili sauce
02 2 tablespoons Tamari or soy sauce
03 2 tablespoons honey
04 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
05 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
06 1 teaspoon lemon zest
07 2 tablespoons water
08 3 large cloves garlic, minced

→ Shrimp

09 1 pound jumbo shrimp (21-25 per pound), peeled and deveined, tail on
10 1 large egg
11 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
12 2 tablespoons cornstarch
13 Salt and pepper to taste
14 Vegetable oil for frying

→ Garnish

15 Sesame seeds
16 Fresh chives, chopped

Instructions

Step 01

In a small bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, Sriracha, lemon juice, lemon zest, water, and minced garlic until well combined

Step 02

Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Mix flour and cornstarch in a bowl. Coat shrimp in the flour mixture

Step 03

Heat skillet over medium-high heat with enough oil to cover surface. Beat egg in a small bowl

Step 04

Dip flour-coated shrimp in beaten egg. Once oil is shimmering, cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown

Step 05

Transfer cooked shrimp to paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil

Step 06

Wipe out skillet and return to heat. Pour in firecracker sauce and bring to boil. Add shrimp back and coat thoroughly with sauce

Step 07

Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped chives if desired. Serve immediately over rice

Notes

  1. Can be served as an appetizer or main dish
  2. Great served over white rice or cilantro lime rice
  3. Pairs well with super greens as a side

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Small mixing bowls
  • Paper towels
  • Whisk

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp)
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains wheat/gluten (flour)
  • Contains soy (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