Description
Sizzling firecracker shrimp delivers a spicy explosion of Asian-inspired flavors that dance across palates with zesty enthusiasm. Crispy, golden-brown shrimp glazed in a tangy sauce promise a quick, irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 1 pound jumbo shrimp (21–25 per pound), peeled and deveined, tails on
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use a non-alcoholic alternative like naturally brewed or tamarind-based)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha (e.g., Uni-Eagle)
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons water
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
Seasoning and Garnish:
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh chives, chopped
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant firecracker sauce by whisking together chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, Sriracha, lemon juice, zest, and minced garlic in a mixing bowl. Allow the flavors to meld while preparing the remaining components.
- Fine-tune the sauce’s flavor profile by tasting and adjusting heat or sweetness with additional Sriracha or honey as desired.
- Prepare the shrimp by seasoning with salt and pepper, then carefully coat each piece in a delicate mixture of flour and cornstarch, ensuring an even, light coverage.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Dip seasoned shrimp in beaten egg, then carefully place into the hot pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, maintaining golden brown crispness and avoiding overcrowding by cooking in batches.
- Monitor shrimp cooking progress: perfectly cooked shrimp will form a gentle “C” shape, while overcooked shrimp curl tightly into an “O” shape.
- Remove excess oil from the skillet, then introduce the prepared firecracker sauce. Bring to a quick boil and gently toss the crispy shrimp until thoroughly coated in the glossy, flavorful sauce.
- Plate the sauced shrimp and garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and freshly chopped chives for a visually appealing and textural finish.
Notes
- Customize the heat level by adjusting Sriracha and honey to match your spice tolerance, creating a personalized firecracker sauce that suits your palate.
- Use rice flour or gluten-free flour alternatives to make this recipe friendly for those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy crispy shrimp.
- Pat shrimp completely dry before seasoning to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent excess moisture from reducing the coating’s crunch.
- Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp and avoid pre-cooked varieties to guarantee the best texture and flavor in your firecracker dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg