Firecracker Shrimp
Firecracker Shrimp: Sweet, Spicy & Irresistibly Crispy!
If you’re looking for a bold, flavorful shrimp dish that’s sweet, spicy, and packed with Asian-inspired flavors, then Firecracker Shrimp is the perfect recipe! This dish features tender shrimp coated in a sticky, fiery sauce with the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and umami.
Ready in just 20 minutes, this quick and easy dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, party appetizers, or a fun twist on takeout! Serve it over rice, noodles, or as a stand-alone appetizer, and watch it disappear in minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Bold & Flavorful – A delicious mix of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes with simple ingredients.
✔ Crispy & Sticky – Lightly pan-fried shrimp tossed in a thick, spicy glaze.
✔ Versatile – Serve over rice, noodles, or as an appetizer.
✔ Better Than Takeout! – Save money and make it fresh at home!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup cornstarch (for coating)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Firecracker Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust for spice level)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water)
For Garnishing:
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
How to Make Firecracker Shrimp
1. Prepare the Shrimp
- Pat shrimp dry with a paper towel and season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Toss shrimp in cornstarch, coating evenly.
2. Fry the Shrimp
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp in a single layer, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until crispy.
- Remove shrimp and set aside.
3. Make the Firecracker Sauce
- In the same pan, add honey, sriracha, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens.
4. Coat the Shrimp
- Add the crispy shrimp back to the pan, tossing to coat in the sticky firecracker sauce.
5. Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or as an appetizer.
Best Ways to Serve Firecracker Shrimp
✔ Over Rice – Serve with jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the sauce.
✔ With Noodles – Toss with lo mein or ramen for a fiery noodle dish.
✔ As an Appetizer – Serve on skewers for a party snack.
✔ With Stir-Fried Veggies – Pair with broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers.
✔ As a Taco Filling – Wrap in warm tortillas with slaw for spicy shrimp tacos!
Pro Tips for the Best Firecracker Shrimp
🔹 Use Large Shrimp – They stay juicy and tender while frying.
🔹 Coat in Cornstarch for Crispiness – Gives the shrimp a light, crispy texture.
🔹 Adjust Spice Level – Reduce sriracha and red pepper flakes for a milder version.
🔹 Don’t Overcook Shrimp – They only need 2-3 minutes per side to stay tender.
🔹 For Extra Crispiness – Double fry the shrimp for a crunchier bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Spicy is Firecracker Shrimp?
It’s moderately spicy, but you can adjust the heat by reducing sriracha or omitting red pepper flakes.
Can I Make It Ahead of Time?
Yes! Cook the shrimp and store the sauce separately, then toss together when ready to serve.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a pan over low heat with a splash of water.
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw and pat dry before cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Cornstarch?
You can substitute flour or panko breadcrumbs for coating the shrimp.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Spicy Shrimp Dish!
This Firecracker Shrimp is sweet, spicy, and incredibly flavorful, making it a perfect dish for shrimp lovers. Whether you enjoy it over rice, in tacos, or as an appetizer, it’s quick, easy, and better than takeout!
Try it today and spice up your mealtime! 🍤🔥
