These firecracker shrimp are the perfect appetizer for any occasion! These crispy shrimp tossed in a creamy, sweet and spicy sauce can be on your table in 20 minutes!
These firecracker shrimp are addictive! What could be better than breaded and fried shrimp, coated in a creamy sauce that is sweet and spicy, all piled on top of a huge bowl of greens!
Choosing the shrimp
When it comes to shrimp, there are several choices you will need to make
- wild caught or farm raised
- fresh or frozen
- shells on or shells removed
- deveined or not deveined
- size also known as count
Wild or Farm Raised
The consensus is that wild caught shrimp is the better choice. Depending on the farmer, there could be antibiotics, contaminants, and even pesticides in farm raised shrimp.
Fresh or Frozen
Most shrimp is frozen prior to arriving at your supermarket meaning that the “fresh” shrimp in the cooler has most likely been frozen and thawed. Generally speaking, frozen shrimp will be just as fresh once you thaw it.
shelled and deveined or not
You can buy shrimp with the shells removed that are already deveined or you can buy them with the shells on and devein them yourself.
It’s not too difficult to remove the feet and shells and devein the shrimp. Just pull the little feet off with your fingers, using some kitchen shears cut down the back and remove the shell, then using a small knife cut down the back and remove the vein.
I recently stumbled across a shrimp deveining tool for less than $10. In just one quick movement, it removes the the feet, the shell, and the vein. A short video demonstration can be found here.
Shrimp Count
Lastly, there are different sizes of shrimp or different shrimp counts. The count simply refers to the number of shrimp it takes to make a pound.
A fairly standard shrimp count is 21-25, which is what I used for this recipe. The smaller the count, the larger the shrimp and the larger the count, the smaller the shrimp.
The sauce
To make the sauce, mix together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 Tbsp sweet chili sauce, 1/4 cup sriracha sauce, and 1/4 tsp salt and set aside.
How to Make the shrimp
In a dutch oven, heat enough oil to cover the shrimp, to 350 degrees. Coat the peeled and deveined shrimp in cornstarch. Add a few shrimp at a time to the oil and fry 2-3 minutes, until browned.
Artzy Foodie Tip: When frying, do not overcrowd the pan. The oil temperature will drop and your food will absorb the oil and become soggy.
Toss the fried shrimp in the sauce and serve over a bed of greens. Garnish with chopped green onions.
If you’re wanting a quick and easy appetizer that is absolutely delicious, these firecracker shrimp are just what you’re looking for!
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Firecracker Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1/4 cup sriracha
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1-2 cups flavorless oil for frying
- 2 cups greens
- 2 green onions chopped
Instructions
- Mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and salt and set aside.
- In a deep pan, heat enough oil to cover the shrimp, to 350 degrees.
- Coat the shrimp in cornstarch.
- In small batches, add the shrimp to the oil and fry 2-3 minutes until browned.
- Toss the fried shrimp in the sauce.
- Put the greens in a bowl, top with the shrimp, and garnish with the green onions.
11 Responses
I know for sure this Firecracker Shrimp would be a huge hit in my house!
I know for sure this Firecracker Shrimp would be a huge hit in my house!
I really like the recipe and your blog. It does need a little more liquid. That can be anything from shrimp stock to ketchup depending on what you’re looking for or have in the kitchen. My husband loved it!
We have this recipe from your first cookbook! I love there are only 3 ingredients. It’s a family favorite. We serve these at dinner parties.
This is one of my favorites to make. Thanks for sharing
Thank you so much for this delicious recipe. I love all of the recipes that i’ve try and will continue to try some other ones you have posted.
This is a perfect dish. My son loved it and so did I. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for this recipe. I was looking for a simple firecracker shrimp recipe for a while. This is the best one out there.
Thank you so much, Deborah. I think you will love this recipe!
Haven tried this yet but can’t hardly wait
It’s so easy and so delicious! I’d love to hear what you think.