Sizzling Firecracker Shrimp Recipe: Spicy Joy on Your Plate

Crispy, zesty firecracker shrimp dance with explosive flavors that’ll make your taste buds jump for joy.

Spicy notes mingle with crunchy textures in this crowd-pleasing dish.

Small prawns become irresistible when coated in a fiery sauce that packs serious punch.

Kitchen magic happens when simple ingredients combine with bold seasonings.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of heat and crunch that keeps you coming back for more.

Marinades work their charm, turning ordinary seafood into an extraordinary culinary experience.

You won’t believe how easy it is to create restaurant-quality shrimp that everyone will rave about.

Why Firecracker Shrimp Is So Exciting

• Speedy Seafood Delight: Whip up this firecracker shrimp in just a few simple steps, perfect for satisfying sudden cravings or impressing last-minute guests with minimal cooking skills.
• Flavor Explosion: Packed with zesty sauce and crispy coating, this recipe delivers a mouthwatering punch of spicy and tangy flavors that will tantalize taste buds and leave everyone wanting more.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: Whether you're hosting a game night, family dinner, or casual gathering, these firecracker shrimp work as an incredible appetizer, crowd-pleasing snack, or fun main course that appeals to different palates.
• Beginner-Friendly Cooking: With straightforward ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, even novice cooks can create restaurant-quality shrimp.

Ingredients for Firecracker Shrimp

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that forms the main protein of the dish, creating a crispy and flavorful appetizer or main course.

• Buttermilk, Cornstarch, Flour: Helps create a crispy, golden exterior for the shrimp by providing a tangy marinade and dry coating.
• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt: Adds depth of flavor and seasoning to the shrimp coating.

• Sauce Ingredients: Provides a spicy and tangy flavor profile to coat the crispy shrimp.
• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Optional garnishes that add fresh flavor and visual appeal to the finished dish.

How to Make Firecracker Shrimp

Step 1: Marinate Shrimp

Bathe the shrimp in cool buttermilk for 15 minutes.

This magical bath helps tenderize the seafood and creates a delightful base for the upcoming crispy coating.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Coating

• Cornstarch
• All-purpose flour
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients until perfectly blended, creating a seasoned breading that will deliver maximum crunch.

Step 3: Prepare Frying Station

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok until it reaches a sizzling 350°F.

Use a cooking thermometer to ensure precise temperature for perfect golden results.

Step 4: Coat and Fry Shrimp

Carefully dredge each buttermilk-soaked shrimp in the seasoned flour mixture.

Gently lower the coated shrimp into the hot oil, frying in small batches.

Cook until they transform into a beautiful golden-brown color with an irresistible crispy exterior.

Step 5: Create Fiery Sauce

• Hot sauce
• Honey
• Sriracha
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar

Blend until smooth and well-incorporated, creating a tantalizing firecracker coating.

Step 6: Sauce the Shrimp

Toss the freshly fried shrimp into the spicy sauce, ensuring each piece gets completely covered in the delicious glaze.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the saucy shrimp to a serving platter.

Sprinkle with freshly chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal.

Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Expert Advice for Firecracker Shrimp

• Soaking shrimp in buttermilk helps break down proteins, ensuring incredibly tender and juicy meat with a softer texture.
• Maintain oil at 350F to achieve crispy, golden-brown coating without absorbing excess oil or becoming greasy.
• Fry shrimp in small batches to prevent overcrowding, which helps maintain consistent oil temperature and ensures even, crispy coating.
• Toss shrimp in sauce immediately after frying while hot to help sauce adhere better and create a more flavorful, glossy finish.
• Serve firecracker shrimp right away to preserve maximum crispiness and prevent soggy texture from sitting too long.

Variations for Firecracker Shrimp

• Gluten-Free Firecracker Shrimp: Replace flour with gluten-free cornmeal or rice flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free hot sauce and tamari instead of traditional sauces.
• Substitute shrimp with crispy tofu or cauliflower florets. Use plant-based buttermilk and vegan hot sauce for a similar spicy profile.
• Air Fryer Method: Skip deep-frying by coating shrimp and cooking in air fryer at 400F for 8-10 minutes. Achieve crispy texture with less oil and easier cleanup.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace cornstarch with almond flour or crushed pork rinds. Use sugar-free hot sauce and reduce sauce ingredients to minimize carbohydrates.

Serving Suggestions for Firecracker Shrimp

• Zesty Party Platter: Arrange crispy firecracker shrimp on a large wooden board with small dipping sauce bowls, perfect for sharing at gatherings or game nights.
• Spicy Salad Topper: Scatter these golden shrimp over a fresh mixed green salad with cucumber and avocado for a protein-packed, crunchy meal enhancement.
• Asian-Inspired Rice Bowl: Layer firecracker shrimp over steamed jasmine rice, sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds for a quick and satisfying dinner option.
• Appetizer Elegance: Serve shrimp on small skewers with a drizzle of extra sauce, creating an upscale finger food that's both delicious and visually appealing.

How to Store Firecracker Shrimp Properly

• Store leftover firecracker shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Keep sauce separate to maintain crispiness.
• Not recommended due to breading becoming soggy and shrimp losing texture when thawed.
• Preheat to 375F, spread shrimp on baking sheet, bake 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy texture.
• Warm sauce separately and drizzle over shrimp just before serving to restore original flavor and crunchiness.

FAQs

• Why buttermilk for soaking shrimp?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the shrimp and adds a subtle tangy flavor, making the meat more moist and soft before frying.

• What type of oil works best for frying?

Vegetable or canola oil are ideal because they have high smoke points and neutral flavors that won’t overpower the shrimp.

• How can I tell if the oil is hot enough for frying?

Use a cooking thermometer to check it reaches 350F, or drop a small piece of bread into the oil – if it sizzles and browns quickly, the oil is ready.

• Can I make this recipe spicier?

Add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the flour mixture or sauce to increase the heat level and create a more fiery firecracker shrimp experience.

Firecracker Shrimp Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Firecracker shrimp brings a spicy kick to classic seafood appetizers. Quick and easy preparation delivers crispy, zesty bites that you’ll crave at your next gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Liquid and Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 cup buttermilk
• Oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Immerse shrimp in buttermilk for 15 minutes to tenderize and enhance flavor absorption.
2. Create a zesty coating by mixing cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, paprika, and salt in a shallow dish.
3. Prepare a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot, heating oil to precisely 350°F for optimal crispy texture.
4. Remove shrimp from buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off, then thoroughly coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture.
5. Carefully lower battered shrimp into hot oil, frying in small batches to maintain oil temperature and prevent overcrowding.
6. Fry until shrimp turn a rich golden brown and develop a crisp, crunchy exterior, approximately 2-3 minutes.
7. Transfer fried shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
8. Whisk sauce ingredients together in a large mixing bowl, ensuring smooth and even consistency.
9. Gently toss hot, freshly fried shrimp in the prepared sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly and generously coated.
10. Plate immediately and garnish with finely chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added visual appeal and texture.

Notes

• Marinate shrimp in buttermilk to tenderize and add subtle tangy flavor, helping create a more delicate texture.
• Maintain consistent oil temperature around 350F to ensure crispy, evenly cooked shrimp without absorbing excess oil.
• Pat shrimp completely dry before dredging to help coating adhere better and prevent soggy breading.
• For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with rice flour or gluten-free blend for equally crunchy results.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 572 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 2880 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 82 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 195 mg