Firecracker Shrimp

Name: Firecracker Shrimp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined); Salt and pepper (to taste); 1/2 cup cornstarch; 2 large eggs (beaten); 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying); 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon honey; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1/2 teaspoon sriracha sauce; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

By Reilly DoucetAug 11, 2024Jump to Recipe

Dazzle your dinner table with this easy, flavor-packed Firecracker Shrimp.

Table of Contents

If I’m being honest, sometimes, I think the best part about eating at restaurants is the appetizers! I love variety, so it’s such a treat to get to try several delicious bite-sized dishes rather than one big main. Lately, when I’ve been dining out with friends or loved ones, we have a tendency to opt for sharing a bunch of apps rather than each having our own meal. It makes for a more fun, interactive experience and lets us discover more of a restaurant’s full menu.

However, I realized that I don’t often integrate appetizers into the meals I serve at home. It can be hard to get the timing right, but if you’re able to, serving apps makes for an impressive feat, whether you’re entertaining guests or want to make things more interesting for your household. If you are up for it though, it’s always a good idea to start easy. And that’s where this recipe for firecracker shrimp comes in!

It’s hard to trace the exact origins of firecracker shrimp’s rise in popularity, but in the last few years, it’s been showing up on more and more restaurant menus. Rightfully so – it’s absolutely delectable! Sweet, savory and spicy Asian-inspired flavors are the perfect topping for these crispy yet juicy shrimp. Plus, the recipe gets whipped up with ingredients many people probably already have in their pantry, in just 25 minutes! What’s not to love?

If you do decide to serve firecracker shrimp as an appetizer, I can guarantee you’ll dazzle the dinner table. But there are plenty of other ways to serve this dish as well. It makes an amazing main when paired with a rice dish and vegetables. If you need some inspo, consider this Cauliflower Fried Rice or this Ginger Rice, and keep reading if you want to know my favorite vegetable pairings!

Is Firecracker Shrimp Healthy?

This firecracker shrimp recipe is a healthier alternative to most restaurant and takeout options, as they are not deep fried and are not additionally wrapped in spring roll wrappers like in some variations. Plus, the sauce gets its sweetness from honey, a natural alternative to white or brown sugar. The shrimp also makes this recipe high in protein. Frying in oil may be a concern for some health-conscious individuals, but overall, this recipe strives to be the healthiest possible method to enjoy firecracker shrimp at home.

Should I Soak My Shrimp in Milk Before Frying?

You may have heard of people soaking shrimp in milk before frying, but it’s not a necessary step for this recipe. Some choose to do so because it results in less fishy tasting shrimp. If you’re not a huge seafood fan, or are serving this recipe to picky eaters or children, it might be an option to consider. Otherwise, follow the recipe as is to enjoy all the flavor of your shrimp.

INGREDIENTS

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 large eggs, beaten
1/4 cup vegetable oil, for frying
1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon sriracha sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

INSTRUCTIONS

Coat

Prepare and coat shrimp with cornstarch and egg.

Fry

Fry shrimp until crispy and golden.

Sauce

Toss shrimp in sweet and spicy sauce.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

If you have leftover firecracker shrimp you want to enjoy later, you can store them in an air-tight container for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just make sure that the shrimp have cooled down completely before storing them. When you’re ready to heat them up, you can do so at 30-second intervals in the microwave or in a pan on the stovetop over medium heat. They’re actually great cold, too!
You can make the sauce in advance if you like, but for maximum crispiness, it’s best to first serve your firecracker shrimp right after frying.

How Spicy Is Firecracker Shrimp?

This recipe can easily be adjusted to be as spicy or mild as you like! The spiciness factor for this firecracker shrimp comes from the sriracha and sweet chili sauces, so use more sauce if you like it hot, and less sauce if not.

What Oil Is Best For Frying Shrimp?

This recipe for firecracker shrimp uses vegetable oil, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can also use canola oil, or peanut oil for an added nutty flavor. Avocado oil can also be used and is considered a healthier oil option for some. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend using olive oil for this recipe, as its olive flavor may not blend well with the Asian sauces used in this recipe.

Serving Suggestions

I really do like this firecracker shrimp recipe as an at-home appetizer option. If you feel the same way and are looking for more appetizers to serve alongside it (or just want to expand your appetizer repertoire), I recommend checking out these Sweet Potato Tater Tots, Avocado Fries or Air-Fryer Jalapeño Poppers.

If you want to serve firecracker shrimp as a main though, it pairs perfectly with most rice dishes, as well as a good serving of veggies. I especially love serving it with these delicious Garlic Mushrooms or this Broccoli Stir-Fry With Ginger And Sesame. However you choose to enjoy it, I’m certain it’ll be a hit!

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