Description

Firecracker Shrimp is a crispy, flavorful dish featuring large shrimp coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture and fried to golden perfection, served with a spicy and tangy homemade sauce combining mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice. This appetizer or main course is garnished with fresh cilantro for an added burst of freshness.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Coating

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 large egg
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil (for frying)

Firecracker Sauce

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Coating Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even seasoning base for the shrimp.
Beat the Egg: In a separate bowl, lightly beat the large egg until smooth; this will act as a binding agent for the breadcrumb coating.
Prepare Panko Breadcrumbs: Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl, ready for dredging the shrimp.
Coat the Shrimp: Dip each shrimp first into the flour mixture to coat evenly, then into the beaten egg, and finally into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring each shrimp is well-coated on all sides. Arrange the coated shrimp on a plate, set aside.
Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, pour about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil and heat over medium-high heat to approximately 350°F (175°C), suitable for frying.
Fry the Shrimp: Fry the shrimp in batches, avoiding overcrowding, cooking each side for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp from the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Make the Firecracker Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice. Stir well to blend the flavors into a creamy, tangy dipping sauce.
Serve: Plate the crispy shrimp hot, drizzle with the firecracker sauce or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro to add a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce based on your preferred spice level.
Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy coating and prevent sogginess.
Drain shrimp on paper towels to absorb excess oil and keep them crispy.
Serve immediately for optimal taste and texture.
This recipe works well as an appetizer or light main course.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Firecracker Shrimp, crispy shrimp, fried shrimp, spicy shrimp, appetizer, homemade dipping sauce, seafood appetizer