Spicy Firecracker Shrimp Recipe – Quick & Easy

Name: Spicy Firecracker Shrimp Recipe - Quick & Easy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on; 2 tbsp olive oil, plus more for frying; 1 tsp fresh garlic, minced; ½ tsp fresh ginger, minced; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp honey; 1 tsp sriracha (or more to taste); ¼ cup all-purpose flour; ¼ cup cornstarch; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish); Sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Posted on December 27, 2025

Appetizers

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Firecracker Shrimp isn’t just a dish; it’s an explosion of flavor that will ignite your taste buds and leave you craving more. Imagin extracte perfectly cooked, plump shrimp coated in a sticky, sweet, and spicy glaze, boasting a tantalizing heat that builds with every bite. It’s no wonder this appetizer, and sometimes even main course, has taken the culinary world by storm. People adore it for its addictive balance of heat and sweetness, its satisfying crunch, and the sheer joy it brings to any gathering. What truly makes our Firecracker Shrimp recipe special is the thoughtful layering of spices and the perfect caramelization of the sauce, ensuring an unforgettable experience. Get ready to be amazed by how simple it is to create this restaurant-quality delight in your own kitchen, transforming humble shrimp into something truly extraordinary.

Ingredients:

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
2 tbsp olive oil, plus more for frying
1 tsp fresh garlic, minced
½ tsp fresh gin extractger, minced
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp sriracha (or more to taste)
¼ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup cornstarch
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Preparing the Firecracker Shrimp

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimpgin extract4>
Begin by patting your shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving a nice crispy exterior when frying. In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the minced garlic,gin extractd the minced ginger. Toss everything together to ensure the shrimp are evenly coated. Let this marinate for at least 10-15 minutes at room temperature while you prepare the other components of the dish. This initiagin extractoating of garlic and ginger will infuse the shrimp with aromatic flavors right from the start.

Step 2: Create the Firecracker Sauce

While the shrimp are marinating, let’s get our vibrant and spicy Firecracker sauce ready. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, and sriracha. Start with the recommended 1 teaspoon of sriracha, and if you love a serious kick, feel free to add a little more to suit your personal heat preference. Taste the sauce and adjust as needed – perhaps a touch more honey for sweetness or a little extra sriracha for more fire. Set this delicious sauce aside; it will be used to coat the shrimp after they’ve been fried to golden perfection.

Step 3: Prepare the Crispy Coating

In a shallow dish or a pie plate, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly. This mixture will act as our crispy coating for the shrimp. The cornstarch is key here; it helps create an incredibly light and crunchy texture, making the shrimp extra appealing. Ensure the salt and pepper are well distributed throughout the flour and cornstarch so every bite has a balanced seasoning.

Step 4: Coat and Fry the Shrimp

Now it’s time to get frying. Add enough olive oil to a large skillet or wok to come about ½ inch up the sides. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping a tiny pinch of the flour mixture into it; it should sizzle immediately. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan (which can lead to soggy shrimp), dredge each marinated shrimp through the flour and cornstarch mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated on all sides. Carefully place the coated shrimp into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The shrimp cook very quickly, so watch them closely. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the fried shrimp from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Once all the shrimp have been fried and drained, return them to the bowl you used for marinating (or a clean, dry bowl). Pour the prepared Firecracker sauce over the hot, crispy shrimp. Gently toss everything together until each shrimp is beautifully coated in the glossy, spicy sauce. The heat from the shrimp will slightly thicken the sauce, creating a wonderful glaze. Serve your Firecracker Shrimp immediately while they are still warm and crispy. Garnish generously with the thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired. This dish is fantastic on its own as an appetizer or can be served over steamed rice for a more substantial meal. The combination of crispy shrimp, sweet and spicy sauce, and fresh garnishes makes for an unforgettable culinary experience. Enjoy every fiery, flavorful bite!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – your very own batch of delicious Firecracker Shrimp! We hope you enjoyed the journey of creating this vibrant and flavorful dish. This recipe is designed to be accessible for home cooks, bringin extractg that restaurant-quality zest right to your kitchen. The perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory makes Firecracker Shrimp a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer for your next gathering, this dish truly shines.

For serving suggestions, these fiery morsels are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with steamed white rice, a crisp Asian-inspired slaw, or even nestled in soft lettuce cups for a lighter option. Feel free to get creative with the heat level – if you prefer a milder kick, reduce the amount of sriracha or chili garlic sauce. If you’re a heat seeker, feel free to amp it up!

We encourage you to experiment with this recipe and make it your own. Perhaps try adding a splash of sesame oil for an extra nutty depth or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added texture. Don’t be afraid to play with the ingredients and discover your perfect version of Firecracker Shrimp. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What can I use if I don’t have sriracha?

If you don’t have sriracha, you can substitute it with other hot sauces like chili garlic sauce, gochujang (which will add a slightly different fermented flavor), or even a good quality sweet chili sauce, though you might need to adjust the sweetness accordingly. You could also create your own quick spicy paste using red pepper flakes and a little vinegar if you’re in a pinch.

Can I make Firecracker Shrimp less spicy?

Absolutely! To make Firecracker Shrimp less spicy, simply reduce the amount of sriracha or chili garlic sauce used in the recipe. You can also omit the red pepper flakes entirely. For a milder sweet and tangy flavor profile, focus on the honey, soy sauce, and vinegar components, and perhaps add a little extra of those to compensate for the reduced heat.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, Firecracker Shrimp can be made ahead for meal prep. However, it’s best to store the shrimp and the sauce separately, and then combine and reheat just before serving. This will help keep the shrimp from becoming rubbery. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.