If you’ve ever found yourself craving a bold, crispy, and spicy seafood delight that’s bursting with flavor, this Dynamite Shrimp Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. Crispy golden shrimp coated in a irresistibly creamy, spicy sauce create an incredible balance of textures and tastes that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether you’re planning a fun appetizer for friends or a standout entrée, this Dynamite Shrimp Recipe brings that trendy, restaurant-quality dish right to your own kitchen with ease and plenty of satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Dynamite Shrimp Recipe shines because of its simple, yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role: the shrimp provide a tender, meaty base; the buttermilk tenderizes and helps the coating stick perfectly; the flour and cornstarch create a light, crispy crust; and the sauce ingredients blend to deliver just the right kick of heat, sweetness, and tang.
- 1 lb large shrimp: Peeled and deveined for easy eating and perfect crispiness.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: Tenderizes the shrimp and helps the coating adhere.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Creates the base for a crunchy exterior.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: Adds extra crispiness to the fried shrimp.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth.
- Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point to get that perfect golden-brown finish.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Forms the creamy, rich base for the spicy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce: Brings the signature bold heat of this dish.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Balances the spiciness with a touch of sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Adds zesty brightness to the sauce for freshness.
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce: Infuses a subtle umami richness.
- Chopped green onions: Provides fresh color and a mild onion crunch as garnish.
- Sesame seeds: Sprinkle on top for a nutty flavor and some extra texture.
How to Make Dynamite Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Start by soaking the peeled and deveined shrimp in buttermilk for about 15 to 20 minutes. This simple step not only tenderizes the shrimp but helps the coating stick beautifully when you dip them in the flour mixture later. It’s a small detail with a big impact on texture and flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
While the shrimp are marinating, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. The combination of flour and cornstarch is the secret to getting that ultra-crispy, light crust that makes every bite delightful.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Fill a deep skillet or fryer with oil and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Maintaining this temperature is essential for frying that golden, crunchy shrimp without them absorbing too much oil and becoming greasy.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
Take the shrimp out of the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off, and dredge them in the flour and cornstarch mixture until well coated. Fry the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, cooking each side for about 2 to 3 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Drain them on paper towels to remove any extra oil.
Step 5: Make the Dynamite Sauce
Whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, honey, lime juice, and soy sauce in a bowl until you have a smooth, creamy sauce. This signature sauce balances creamy richness with spicy, sweet, and tangy notes, making it the superstar companion to the crispy shrimp.
Step 6: Toss and Combine
Gently toss the crispy shrimp in the spicy sauce until they are evenly coated. This coating brings the classic “dynamite” flavor that lights up every bite and turns crispy shrimp into a crave-worthy dish.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the saucy shrimp for a burst of color, crunch, and a touch of nuttiness. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect mix of textures and freshness.
How to Serve Dynamite Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the classic green onions and sesame seeds, you can get creative with finely chopped cilantro or a thin drizzle of extra sriracha for added heat. A sprinkle of toasted nori flakes can also elevate the dish with an umami crunch. Garnishes add not just visual appeal but layers of flavor that make each serving pop.
Side Dishes
Serve your Dynamite Shrimp over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up that delicious sauce. For a lighter option, pair with a fresh Asian slaw or crisp cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. These sides complement the rich shrimp perfectly without overpowering their flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Love impressing guests? Try serving this Dynamite Shrimp Recipe in individual lettuce cups or on small appetizer spoons for a fun finger-food twist. You can also pile them atop a vibrant poke bowl or even stuff them into soft bao buns with pickled veggies for an exciting fusion experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the fried shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keeping the sauce and shrimp apart prevents sogginess so that you can preserve as much crispiness as possible.
Freezing
Freezing is not ideal for the fried shrimp, as it tends to lose its crispness upon thawing. However, you can freeze the sauce in a small container for up to a month and simply whip up a fresh batch of crispy shrimp when you’re ready to enjoy the dish again.
Reheating
To reheat leftover shrimp, gently warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This method helps restore some of the crunch without making the shrimp rubbery. Reheat the sauce separately to keep its fresh, creamy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating. This helps prevent excess moisture, which can interfere with the crispiness of the coating.
How spicy is the Dynamite Shrimp Recipe?
The level of spice is moderate thanks to the sriracha sauce. If you prefer it milder, reduce the amount of sriracha or swap it with a milder hot sauce. For more heat, add chili flakes or extra sriracha.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the soy sauce used is gluten-free. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so that part remains the same.
Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?
While frying gives the best crunch, baking is a lighter alternative. Coat the shrimp as usual and bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 425°F (220°C) for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftover Dynamite Shrimp can be tossed into a fresh salad, served as a topping for tacos, or enjoyed as a crunchy snack with some extra sauce on the side. Just remember to reheat gently to keep the texture pleasant.
Final Thoughts
This Dynamite Shrimp Recipe is a total game-changer for anyone craving a dish that delivers both crispy satisfaction and a kick of bold, creamy flavor. I promise once you try these perfectly fried shrimp coated in that luscious spicy sauce, it’ll quickly become a favorite staple in your recipe collection. Go ahead, treat yourself and impress your friends with this unforgettable seafood delight!
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Dynamite Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Dynamite Shrimp is a crispy, spicy appetizer featuring large shrimp marinated in buttermilk, coated in a light flour and cornstarch batter, and fried to golden perfection. Tossed in a creamy and tangy sriracha mayo sauce, this dish is garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, making it a flavorful and irresistible starter or topping for rice and salads.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
Garnish
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Marinate the peeled and deveined large shrimp in buttermilk for 15 to 20 minutes to tenderize and add moisture.
- Mix Dry Coating: In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper thoroughly to create the frying batter.
- Heat Oil: Heat oil in a deep skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C), ensuring enough oil to fully submerge the shrimp for even frying.
- Fry the Shrimp: Remove shrimp from buttermilk, dredge each piece in the flour and cornstarch mixture, shake off excess, and carefully fry in batches. Cook each side for about 2 to 3 minutes until shrimp are golden brown and crispy. Drain fried shrimp on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, honey, lime juice, and soy sauce until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Dish: Toss the fried shrimp in the spicy mayonnaise sauce thoroughly in a large bowl so each shrimp is well coated.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the sauced shrimp for color, texture, and flavor enhancement.
- Serve: Serve the dynamite shrimp immediately as an appetizer or over rice or salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for best taste and texture; frozen shrimp can be used but thaw fully before marinating.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to avoid greasy shrimp and ensure crispiness.
- Adjust sriracha quantity in the sauce to control spiciness based on preference.
- Use neutral oil with a high smoke point for frying, such as vegetable or canola oil.
- Serve immediately after tossing in sauce to keep shrimp crispy yet flavorful.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
