Name: Dynamite Shrimp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487093H43M24S
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup cold water; Vegetable oil, for frying; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust for spice preference); 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon rice vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (optional); 1/2 tablespoon chopped green onions (for garnish); Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

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Dynamite Shrimp is a flavorful appetizer or main dish that’s crispy on the outside and perfectly tender on the inside. Coated in a sweet, spicy, and creamy sauce, these shrimp deliver an irresistible combination of heat, tang, and crunch. Often served as a popular dish in Asian-inspired restaurants, this homemade version is easy to make and will leave you craving more. Whether you’re serving it at a party, as a starter, or a main course, Dynamite Shrimp is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Dynamite Shrimp combines the best of both worlds—the crunch of fried shrimp with the rich, creamy, and spicy sauce that takes the flavor to the next level. The shrimp are lightly battered, fried to golden perfection, and tossed in a sauce made with mayonnaise, sriracha, and a touch of sweetness. It’s a balanced flavor explosion that’s both spicy and creamy, making it a satisfying dish every time. Whether you’re a fan of shrimp or looking for a dish to spice up your dinner table, this recipe is a winner!

Dynamite Shrimp

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the shrimp:

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 large egg
1/2 cup cold water
Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Dynamite sauce:

1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust for spice preference)
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
1/2 tablespoon chopped green onions (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

Directions

Prepare the shrimp:

Make the batter: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another small bowl, whisk the egg and cold water together until smooth. Add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients and stir to combine. The batter should be thick enough to coat the shrimp.
Coat the shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the batter, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Tap off any excess batter.

Fry the shrimp:

Heat the oil: In a large, deep skillet or wok, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Test the oil temperature by dropping in a small amount of batter—if it sizzles immediately, it’s ready for frying.
Fry the shrimp: Working in batches, carefully add the battered shrimp to the hot oil and fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Make the Dynamite sauce:

Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and sesame oil. Stir well until the sauce is smooth and fully combined. Taste and adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha if you prefer a spicier kick.

Coat the shrimp:

Toss the shrimp in the sauce: Once the shrimp are fried and drained, place them in a large bowl. Pour the Dynamite sauce over the shrimp and toss gently to coat the shrimp in the creamy sauce.

Serve:

Garnish and serve: Transfer the coated shrimp to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds (if using) for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately with lime wedges or a side of rice for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes 4 servings (appetizer or main dish).
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Spicy Dynamite Shrimp: Add more sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the heat level in the Dynamite sauce.
Grilled Dynamite Shrimp: For a lighter version, marinate the shrimp in the Dynamite sauce for a few minutes and grill them instead of frying.
Shrimp Tempura: For a lighter batter, you can use tempura flour instead of all-purpose flour for a crispier, airier texture.
Vegan Dynamite Shrimp: Replace shrimp with battered cauliflower florets for a vegan-friendly version of this dish.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover Dynamite Shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, they are best enjoyed fresh as the crispy texture will soften over time.
Reheating: To reheat, place the shrimp in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to bring back some of the crispiness. You can also heat them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish without frying the shrimp?

Yes! You can bake the shrimp in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until golden and crispy. You can also use an air fryer for a healthier option, cooking at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes.

2. 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 with paper towels before battering and frying. Excess moisture will affect the batter and make it less crispy.

3. Can I use a different sauce for Dynamite Shrimp?

Yes! You can experiment with different sauces, such as a spicy garlic butter sauce or a sweet chili sauce, for a different flavor profile. The base of mayonnaise, sriracha, and honey works well with many variations.

4. Can I make the Dynamite sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the Dynamite sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just give it a quick stir before using it.

5. Can I use a different type of oil for frying?

You can use any neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola oil, vegetable oil, or peanut oil, for frying. Avoid using olive oil as it has a low smoke point and may burn during frying.

6. How can I make the shrimp extra crispy?

For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs mixed with the flour in the batter. Panko gives the shrimp an extra crunchy texture.

7. Can I serve this dish with a dipping sauce?

Yes, you can serve Dynamite Shrimp with extra dipping sauce on the side, such as a spicy mayo, soy sauce, or sweet chili sauce for added flavor.

8. Can I make Dynamite Shrimp without the honey?

Yes, you can skip the honey or substitute it with maple syrup or agave syrup for a vegan version of the sauce. The sweetness can also be adjusted according to your taste.

9. How do I know when the shrimp are done frying?

The shrimp are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. They should only take about 2-3 minutes to cook through since they’re small and cook quickly.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe to serve a larger group. Just make sure to fry the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Conclusion

Dynamite Shrimp is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines the crunch of fried shrimp with a creamy, spicy sauce. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, it’s a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s sure to impress. The crispy shrimp coated in a sweet and spicy Dynamite sauce makes for an unforgettable combination. Enjoy them hot, fresh, and with your favorite dipping sauce!