Imagine a burst of flavor that dances on your taste buds like fireworks on the Fourth of July. That’s what this Firecracker Shrimp recipe offers—a tantalizing mix of heat and sweetness that keeps you coming back for more. A friend of mine tried it last weekend and couldn’t stop raving about how it made their dinner feel like an unforgettable event.
Steps
- Heat canola oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until hot. Meanwhile, season the shrimp with salt and pepper in a large bowl.
- Lightly coat the shrimp with cornstarch and then dip each one into the beaten eggs just before frying. Fry the shrimp in batches of 4-6, depending on the size of your saucepan, until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels and repeat with the remaining shrimp, discarding any excess oil.
- Clean the saucepan used for frying. In the same pan, combine sweet chili garlic sauce, lemon juice and zest, honey, garlic salt, ginger, and Sriracha. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, for about 2-3 minutes.
- Return the shrimp to the pan and toss them in the sauce until they are well coated. Serve immediately with rice, fresh vegetables, or your choice of side.
Ingredients
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (approximately 25 shrimp)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup canola oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup sweet chili garlic sauce
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1-2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon Sriracha
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
FAQ
- What ingredients are used to make Firecracker sauce?
- Firecracker sauce is a flavorful blend of sweet chili garlic sauce, lemon juice, honey, Sriracha, fresh ginger, and garlic salt. You can adjust the spice level according to your preference.
- How can I serve Firecracker Shrimp?
- Firecracker Shrimp pairs well with various accompaniments such as rice, rice noodles, lettuce wraps, simple green salads, or tortillas. You can choose between corn or flour tortillas based on your preference.
- How long does it take to prepare Firecracker Shrimp?
- This recipe is a quick meal option, taking only about 20 minutes to prepare and cook, making it ideal for a fast and flavorful dinner.
- What makes Firecracker Shrimp a healthier option?
- Unlike some other shrimp recipes, Firecracker Shrimp is not breaded, which reduces the calorie content while still delivering a satisfying spicy and sweet flavor.
- Can I customize the spice level in Firecracker Shrimp?
- Yes, you can easily adjust the heat factor of the shrimp by varying the amount of Sriracha used in the sauce, making it adaptable for those who prefer less heat.
Tips
- To ensure your shrimp are perfectly golden and crispy, lightly coat them in cornstarch before dipping them in beaten eggs, and fry them in small batches to prevent overcrowding in the pan.
- Adjust the spice level to suit your preference by varying the amount of Sriracha in the sauce, making it kid-friendly or extra spicy as desired.
- Experiment with different serving options such as rice, lettuce wraps, or tortillas to add variety to your meal and cater to different preferences.
- For a fresh burst of flavor, consider adding a bit more freshly grated ginger or lemon zest to the sauce, enhancing the sweet and spicy profile of the dish.
Equipment
- Large saucepan or deep frying pan
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs (for handling the shrimp during frying)
- Microplane or grater (for zesting lemon and grating ginger)
- Heat-resistant cooking thermometer (to monitor oil temperature for frying)
