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Firecracker Shrimp and Rice Recipe

Firecracker Shrimp and Rice Recipe


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4.6 from 37 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale

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

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