If you are craving a dish that brings together crispy, spicy, tangy, and creamy all in one bite, this Dynamite Shrimp Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine large shrimp, perfectly fried to a golden crunch, then tossed in a vibrant sauce that balances heat from sriracha with sweet honey and zingy lime juice. Every morsel bursts with flavor and texture, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether for a casual snack or an impressive appetizer at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Dynamite Shrimp Recipe thrives on a handful of simple and essential ingredients, each playing a critical role in developing layers of flavor and texture that make the dish unforgettable. From the crispy coating to the lush sauce, every component matters.
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the dish, shrimp provides that tender, juicy seafood base.
- Buttermilk: Offers a tangy marinade that tenderizes the shrimp and helps the batter stick perfectly.
- All-purpose flour: Creates a light coating that crisps up beautifully when fried.
- Cornstarch: Adds extra crunchiness to the shrimp’s coating for that irresistible texture.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the underlying flavors.
- Mayonnaise: Provides the creamy foundation for the sauce, balancing spicy elements.
- Sriracha sauce: Brings the kick of heat without overpowering the delicate shrimp.
- Honey: Introduces a gentle sweetness that contrasts delightfully with the spice.
- Lime juice: Adds a bright, acidic note to lift the sauce.
- Soy sauce: Infuses subtle umami depth into the sauce blend.
- Chopped green onions: A fresh, colorful garnish that adds crunch and mild onion flavor.
- Sesame seeds: Toasted seeds bring a nutty aroma and an extra textural element.
- Oil for frying: Crucial for achieving that golden, crispy crust on the shrimp.
How to Make Dynamite Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Start by soaking your shrimp in buttermilk for 15 to 20 minutes. This simple step tenderizes the shrimp and helps the coating adhere better. It’s an easy little secret that results in extra juicy bites beneath that golden crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Coating
While the shrimp marinates, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This combination ensures a crispy, flavorful outer shell that will perfectly complement the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Next, heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Precise temperature is key here to cook the shrimp quickly and evenly without absorbing too much oil, resulting in a perfectly crunchy texture.
Step 4: Coat and Fry the Shrimp
Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk and dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture. Then fry in batches for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until they’re an irresistible golden brown. After frying, drain the shrimp on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep them crispy.
Step 5: Whisk the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, honey, lime juice, and soy sauce until completely smooth. This sauce is the heart of the Dynamite Shrimp Recipe, delivering the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors.
Step 6: Toss the Shrimp in Sauce
Gently but thoroughly toss the crispy shrimp in the spicy sauce. This coats every crunchy bite with luscious, creamy heat that makes this dish so addictive.
Step 7: Garnish the Dish
Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the sauced shrimp. These garnishes add vibrant color, subtle crunch, and an extra layer of flavor that elevates the presentation and taste.
Step 8: Serve Immediately
For the best experience, serve your Dynamite Shrimp Recipe right away while it’s still hot and crispy. Whether as an appetizer or over rice or salad, every bite will be bursting with incredible flavor and crunch.
How to Serve Dynamite Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds not only add color and aroma but also create a delightful textural contrast that makes each bite more exciting. Don’t shy away from experimenting with finely chopped cilantro or a squeeze of extra lime for an even brighter flavor.
Side Dishes
Dynamite shrimp pairs beautifully with simple sides to balance the bold flavors. Steamed jasmine rice or a crisp green salad provide a refreshing counterpoint, while pickled vegetables can add exciting acidity and crunch to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the shrimp atop a bed of mixed greens drizzled lightly with a sesame vinaigrette for a fresh approach. Alternatively, pile them in soft tacos or lettuce wraps for a casual but impressive handheld dish that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover Dynamite Shrimp Recipe, store the shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to two days. This helps keep the crispiness intact, so the shrimp won’t get soggy.
Freezing
Freezing cooked Dynamite Shrimp is possible, but it’s best to freeze the shrimp before saucing. Coat and fry the shrimp, then cool and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. This way, you can reheat and toss with fresh sauce later for near-fresh flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the frozen or refrigerated shrimp in a 375°F oven on a wire rack for about 10 minutes to restore crispness. Once hot and crispy, toss with freshly made sauce to revive that signature dynamite flavor and enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Dynamite Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before marinating and frying to maintain the best texture and avoid excess moisture weakening the coating.
Is there a way to make the Dynamite Shrimp Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use cornstarch as usual for crispiness. Double-check that your soy sauce is gluten-free, or swap it for tamari.
How spicy is this Dynamite Shrimp Recipe?
The heat primarily comes from the sriracha sauce mixed into the creamy sauce. You can adjust the spice level easily by increasing or decreasing the sriracha to fit your personal heat tolerance.
Can I bake instead of fry the shrimp?
You can bake the shrimp for a lighter version, but frying gives that quintessential crunch and golden color that makes this Dynamite Shrimp Recipe truly stand out. If baking, coat well and bake on a wire rack at 425°F until crisp.
What else can I add to the sauce?
Some love adding a hint of garlic powder, smoked paprika, or a splash of fish sauce to deepen the complexity. Feel free to play around and make the sauce your own!
Final Thoughts
This Dynamite Shrimp Recipe is such a joyful dish to make and even more satisfying to eat. From the perfectly crispy shrimp to the creamy, spicy sauce and bright garnishes, it’s like a flavor party in your mouth. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how this simple yet vibrant recipe can elevate any meal or gathering. Happy cooking!
