Description

Firecracker Shrimp is a crispy, flavorful appetizer featuring large shrimp coated in a seasoned flour and panko breadcrumb mixture, deep-fried to golden perfection, and served with a spicy, tangy mayo-based dipping sauce. Garnished with fresh cilantro, this dish combines a satisfying crunch with a deliciously bold sauce that delivers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp 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

Dipping 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)
Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

Prepare the flour mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.
Beat the egg: In a separate bowl, beat the large egg until smooth, which will help the breadcrumb coating adhere to the shrimp.
Set up breading station: Place the panko breadcrumbs into a third bowl, ready for coating the shrimp.
Coat the shrimp: Dip each peeled and deveined shrimp first into the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off the excess. Then dip into the beaten egg, followed by coating with panko breadcrumbs. Lay the coated shrimp on a plate and set aside.
Heat the oil: Pour about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches approximately 350°F (175°C) and is hot enough for frying.
Fry the shrimp: Cook the shrimp in batches, frying each side for 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp turn golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature. Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Mix the dipping sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice. Stir until smooth and well blended to create a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce.
Serve: Plate the crispy firecracker shrimp and drizzle the dipping sauce on top or serve it alongside. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to control the spice level.
For a lighter option, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
Ensure oil is at the correct temperature (around 350°F) before frying to achieve a crispy exterior without absorbing excess oil.
Serve immediately after frying for the best texture and flavor.
Use fresh shrimp for the best taste; frozen shrimp should be fully thawed and patted dry before coating.

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

Keywords: firecracker shrimp, fried shrimp, spicy shrimp appetizer, crispy shrimp, shrimp with dipping sauce