Zesty Firecracker Shrimp and Rice Recipe for Spicy Food Lovers

Unleashing an explosive culinary firecracker shrimp and rice experience promises pure delight for seafood enthusiasts.

Crispy, zesty prawns dance atop fluffy grains, creating a mesmerizing plate of flavors.

Spicy notes intertwine with delicate textures, making each bite a celebration.

Pacific coastal inspirations shine through this vibrant dish that speaks directly to adventurous palates.

Marinades infused with bold seasonings bring remarkable depth to every forkful.

Fresh ingredients elevate this recipe beyond ordinary weeknight meals.

Come hungry and leave impressed by this sensational seafood sensation that will spark conversation around your dining table.

Storing Firecracker Shrimp the Right Way

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezing: Transfer cooled shrimp and rice to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 1 month without compromising taste or texture.
• Reheating Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Stir gently and heat for 3-4 minutes until thoroughly warmed.
• Microwave Option: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs for Firecracker Shrimp and Rice

• Why coat shrimp with cornstarch?

Cornstarch creates a light, crispy exterior that helps the shrimp brown quickly and prevents them from becoming soggy, ensuring a perfect texture and helping the sauce cling better to the shrimp.

• Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw them completely, pat dry thoroughly, and ensure they’re well-drained before coating with cornstarch to prevent excess moisture that could prevent proper browning.

• How spicy is this dish?

The heat level depends on the hot sauce and red pepper flakes you use. You can easily adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing these ingredients to match your personal heat tolerance.

• What type of rice works best?

White or brown rice are both great options. Day-old rice works especially well as it’s less sticky and helps prevent the dish from becoming mushy when stir-frying.

Why Firecracker Shrimp and Rice Packs Big Flavor

• Spice Up Your Meal: This firecracker shrimp recipe delivers a flavor explosion with its perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy elements that dance on your taste buds.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare a restaurant-worthy dish in just a few simple steps, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner cravings.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adjust the heat level by controlling red pepper flakes and hot sauce, making it adaptable for different spice preferences and family members.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this single-skillet recipe that combines protein, rice, and vibrant seasonings in one delicious, streamlined cooking process.

Must-Have Ingredients for Firecracker Shrimp and Rice

• Shrimp: Succulent seafood that serves as the protein base of this flavorful dish.
• Rice: Cooked rice provides a hearty and filling foundation for the firecracker shrimp.

• Brown Sugar, Orange Juice, Hot Sauce, Rice Vinegar: These ingredients create a sweet, tangy, and spicy sauce that coats the shrimp and rice.
• Red Pepper Flakes, Salt: Add heat and enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Cornstarch: Helps create a crispy exterior for the shrimp.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for cooking the shrimp to achieve a golden and slightly crispy texture.
• Ginger, Garlic: Provide aromatic and intense flavor to the dish.
• Scallions, Cilantro: Fresh herbs that add brightness and a pop of color.
• Sriracha: Optional extra sauce for those who want additional heat.

Easy Instructions for Firecracker Shrimp and Rice

Step 1: Whip Up the Zesty Sauce

• Brown sugar
• Orange juice
• Hot sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt

Let the sauce rest while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp completely dry using paper towels.

Transfer to a large bowl and dust with cornstarch, tossing until every shrimp is evenly coated with a light, crispy layer.

Step 3: Heat the Skillet

Fire up a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.

Pour in vegetable oil and wait until it starts shimmering with heat.

Step 4: Sear the Shrimp

Carefully place the cornstarch-coated shrimp into the hot skillet.

Cook for about 1 minute on each side until they turn pink and develop a delightful crispy exterior.

Step 5: Infuse with Aromatics

Sprinkle in grated ginger and minced garlic.

Sauté for 1 minute, letting the fragrant notes fill your kitchen.

Step 6: Combine and Simmer

Pour the prepared zesty sauce over the shrimp.

Add cooked rice and chopped scallions, stirring everything together until well combined.

Step 7: Final Heating

Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are heated through and flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 8: Serve with Flair

• Extra red pepper flakes
• A drizzle of sriracha
• Fresh cilantro leaves

Enjoy your spicy, tangy shrimp creation!

Tips to Nail the Spice in Firecracker Shrimp

• Pat shrimp completely dry to ensure crispy exterior and prevent steaming during cooking.
• Use fresh ginger and garlic for maximum flavor intensity and aromatic punch.
• Adjust hot sauce and red pepper flakes to control spice level for different heat tolerances.
• Toast cornstarch-coated shrimp quickly over high heat to create golden, crunchy coating without overcooking.
• Select short-grain or jasmine rice for better sauce absorption and more authentic texture.

Flavorful Swaps for Firecracker Shrimp Dinners

• Tropical Shrimp Fiesta: Replace orange juice with pineapple juice and add diced mango for a sweet, vibrant Caribbean-inspired version.
• Coconut Curry Transformation: Swap hot sauce with Thai red curry paste and stir in coconut milk for a creamy, spicy Southeast Asian rendition.
• Smoky Chipotle Remix: Use chipotle peppers in adobo sauce instead of hot sauce, add smoked paprika, and garnish with queso fresco for a Mexican-style spin.
• Mediterranean Herb Escape: Replace rice vinegar with lemon juice, incorporate dried oregano and crumbled feta cheese, and finish with fresh parsley for a Greek-inspired take.

What to Serve with Firecracker Shrimp and Rice

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp, slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer to complement the spicy firecracker shrimp, balancing the heat with refreshing fruity notes.
• Enhance with Citrus Mocktail: Create a tangy orange-ginger mocktail using fresh orange juice, ginger syrup, and sparkling water to mirror the recipe's bright, spicy flavors.
• Match with Cool Cucumber Salad: Prepare a light cucumber salad with rice vinegar and mint to provide a cooling contrast to the fiery shrimp, adding textural variety to the meal.
• Serve with Crisp Sesame Slaw: Whip up a quick Asian-inspired coleslaw with sesame oil and rice vinegar, offering a crunchy, refreshing side that echoes the dish's Asian-fusion profile.

Firecracker Shrimp and Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling firecracker shrimp dances with bold Asian-inspired flavors over fluffy rice, creating a spicy sensation that ignites dinner tables. Crispy, zesty shrimp nestled on fragrant grains promises a quick, delectable meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp:

• 1 1/4 pounds small shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, plus more for garnish

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
• 3 cloves garlic, grated

Rice and Garnish:

• 3 cups cooked basmati rice
• 1 bunch scallions, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• Sriracha, for garnish
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty marinade by whisking brown sugar, orange juice, hot sauce, rice vinegar, red pepper flakes, and salt in a medium bowl.
2. Thoroughly dry shrimp using paper towels, then coat evenly with cornstarch in a large bowl.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until the surface appears shimmery and hot.
4. Sear shrimp for approximately 1 minute per side, achieving a pink color and slight crispiness.
5. Introduce grated ginger and garlic to the skillet, sautéing for 1 minute to release aromatic flavors.
6. Pour prepared sauce over shrimp, then fold in cooked rice and sliced scallions, ensuring thorough mixing.
7. Simmer the mixture for 2-3 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and heat thoroughly.
8. Transfer to serving plates, garnishing with additional red pepper flakes, a sriracha drizzle, and fresh cilantro leaves for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Ensure shrimp are completely dry before coating with cornstarch to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent soggy texture.
• Use high-quality hot sauce and fresh ginger for a more vibrant and complex flavor profile.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder and use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce.
• Experiment with different protein options like chicken or tofu if seafood isn’t preferred, adjusting cooking times accordingly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg