Firecracker Shrimp
Firecracker Shrimp: Sweet, Spicy & Addictive
If you’re looking for a dish that’s bold, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible, Firecracker Shrimp is the answer! These juicy shrimp are tossed in a sticky, sweet, and spicy glaze, making them perfect for an easy appetizer, rice bowl, or taco filling.
With just a handful of ingredients and less than 20 minutes, you can have restaurant-style shrimp at home. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or just love Asian-inspired flavors, this dish is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Flavorful – A perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes!
- Versatile – Great as an appetizer, over rice, or in tacos.
- Better than Takeout – Made with simple, fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined (tails optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for crispiness)
- 1 tablespoon oil (for frying)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Firecracker Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
For Garnishing:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
- Lime wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Shrimp
- In a bowl, pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel.
- Toss with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper to coat evenly.
2. Make the Firecracker Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, sriracha, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Set aside.
3. Cook the Shrimp
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until crispy and pink.
- Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
4. Toss in the Firecracker Sauce
- In the same pan, pour in the firecracker sauce and simmer for 1 minute until it thickens.
- Add shrimp back to the pan and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
5. Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and a squeeze of lime.
- Serve over rice, noodles, in lettuce wraps, or as a taco filling.
How to Store & Reheat
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended, as the shrimp may become rubbery.
- Reheat: Warm in a pan over low heat for the best texture.
Ways to Customize
- Make It Extra Crispy – Toss shrimp in panko breadcrumbs before frying.
- Milder Version – Reduce the sriracha and skip the red pepper flakes.
- Make It a Meal – Serve over steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or stir-fried veggies.
Why This Firecracker Shrimp Is a Must-Try
This Firecracker Shrimp is spicy, sticky, and packed with bold flavors, making it a show-stopping dish that’s way better than takeout. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a main dish, it’s easy, quick, and absolutely delicious.
So grab your shrimp and spice things up tonight with this fiery recipe!
PrintFirecracker Shrimp
With just a handful of ingredients and less than 20 minutes, you can have restaurant-style shrimp at home. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or just love Asian-inspired flavors, this dish is a must-try!
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined (tails optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for crispiness)
- 1 tablespoon oil (for frying)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Firecracker Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
For Garnishing:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
- Lime wedges
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Shrimp
- In a bowl, pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel.
- Toss with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper to coat evenly.
2. Make the Firecracker Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, sriracha, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Set aside.
3. Cook the Shrimp
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until crispy and pink.
- Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
4. Toss in the Firecracker Sauce
- In the same pan, pour in the firecracker sauce and simmer for 1 minute until it thickens.
- Add shrimp back to the pan and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
5. Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and a squeeze of lime.
- Serve over rice, noodles, in lettuce wraps, or as a taco filling.
Notes
How to Store & Reheat
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended, as the shrimp may become rubbery.
- Reheat: Warm in a pan over low heat for the best texture.