If you’re searching for a snack that brilliantly balances crispy, creamy, spicy, and tangy all in one bite, look no further than the Dynamite Shrimp Recipe. This irresistible dish features plump shrimp coated in a light, crunchy batter, perfectly tossed in a luscious, slightly sweet sriracha mayo sauce. It’s the kind of appetizer that lights up any gathering or a weeknight dinner, delivering bold flavors and a fun texture that will have everyone raving. Trust me, once you try this Dynamite Shrimp Recipe, it’s going to be your go-to crave-worthy treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect balance in your Dynamite Shrimp Recipe starts with a handful of simple ingredients that each play a crucial role in taste and texture. From the buttermilk’s tenderizing magic to the zing of fresh lime juice, every element is essential to creating that signature flavor and crunch.
- Large shrimp (1 lb): Peeled and deveined for easy eating and a juicy, tender bite.
- Buttermilk (1/2 cup): Helps tenderize the shrimp and gives the batter a slight tang.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Provides the sturdy base for the crispy coating.
- Cornstarch (1/2 cup): Adds lightness and extra crunch to the fried coating.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out the shrimp’s natural flavors and seasoning in the batter.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a subtle kick, enhancing the overall savory profile.
- Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Forms the creamy, rich base of the dynamite sauce.
- Sriracha sauce (2 tablespoons): Injects the perfect spicy heat that defines this dish.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Balances the heat with a touch of natural sweetness.
- Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Adds brightness and a refreshing tang.
- Soy sauce (1 teaspoon): Deepens the umami flavor in the sauce.
- Chopped green onions: Adds a fresh, crisp garnish to finish the dish.
- Sesame seeds: Provide a nutty crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Dynamite Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
First things first, marinate those beautiful shrimp in buttermilk for 15 to 20 minutes. This step is a game-changer because the acidity in the buttermilk tenderizes the shrimp, ensuring every bite is juicy and succulent. Plus, it helps the coating stick better for that unbeatable crunch.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
While the shrimp soak, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This dry mix is the secret behind the light yet crispy batter that envelops the shrimp. The cornstarch keeps things extra crispy, while the flour gives structure.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Heat your oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Proper oil temperature is key here because too low and the coating will soak up grease; too high and the shrimp will burn before cooking through. Aim for golden, crispy perfection.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
Remove the shrimp from their buttermilk bath and dredge them thoroughly in the flour mixture. Fry them in batches to keep the oil temperature consistent, cooking each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown. Once fried, place the shrimp on paper towels to drain off excess oil and keep them crispy.
Step 5: Whisk the Dynamite Sauce
While your shrimp cool slightly, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, honey, lime juice, and soy sauce until smooth. This spicy and tangy sauce is the heart of the Dynamite Shrimp Recipe and gives each bite that creamy, fiery pop. Adjust the sriracha if you prefer milder or hotter flavors.
Step 6: Toss to Coat
In a large bowl, gently toss the crispy shrimp with your freshly made dynamite sauce, ensuring every piece is lovingly coated. This sets the stage for a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will keep you reaching for more.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the saucy shrimp. These little touches bring freshness and a delightful nuttiness, elevating the dish visually and flavor-wise.
How to Serve Dynamite Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions and sesame seeds aren’t just for looks—they add a subtle crunch and fresh burst of flavor that balances the rich sauce. For an extra zing, try a few extra lime wedges on the side or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for heat lovers.
Side Dishes
Dynamite shrimp pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up every bit of that spicy sauce. For a lighter option, serve it over a crisp Asian slaw or mixed greens to add vibrant crunch and freshness to the plate. Even simple cucumber slices with a pinch of salt complement the dish wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to wow your guests? Serve your Dynamite Shrimp Recipe in crispy taco shells topped with avocado slices and a drizzle of extra sauce for a fusion-style treat. Or layer it over sushi rice in mini bowls with pickled vegetables for a modern twist. The possibilities are as exciting as the flavors!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place the shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator. This helps keep the shrimp crispy when reheated and ensures the sauce stays fresh and flavorful.
Freezing
While you can freeze cooked shrimp, it’s best to freeze the shrimp before frying for optimal texture. Coat your marinated shrimp and flash freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, fry straight from frozen for a quick version of the Dynamite Shrimp Recipe.
Reheating
To reheat, avoid the microwave if you want to keep the crunch. Instead, use a hot oven or air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 7 minutes. Re-toss with sauce just before serving to maintain that creamy coat without sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for the Dynamite Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before marinating to avoid extra moisture, which can affect the crispiness of the coating.
How spicy is this Dynamite Shrimp Recipe?
The heat mainly comes from the sriracha sauce, which you can easily adjust to your liking. If you prefer less spice, reduce the sriracha or swap it with a milder chili sauce.
Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?
While frying offers the best crunch, you can bake the shrimp at 425 degrees Fahrenheit on a greased baking sheet for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway. The texture will be lighter but still delicious with the dynamite sauce.
Is the sauce sweet or savory?
The sauce strikes a beautiful balance with creaminess from the mayo, spicy kick from sriracha, brightness from lime juice, and a hint of honey sweetness, creating a complex and addictive flavor profile.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This will provide a similar tang and tenderizing effect for the shrimp.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Dynamite Shrimp Recipe—how a handful of simple ingredients come together to create an explosion of flavors and textures that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, this dish brings a beautiful blend of crispy shrimp and that luscious, spicy-sweet sauce that feels like a celebration in every bite. I can’t recommend enough that you give this recipe a try and watch it become an instant favorite in your kitchen too.
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Dynamite Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Dynamite Shrimp is a crispy, spicy appetizer featuring large shrimp marinated in buttermilk, fried to golden perfection, and tossed in a creamy, tangy sriracha mayonnaise sauce. Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, this dish offers a flavorful kick perfect for sharing or serving over rice or salad.
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 (enough to deep fry)
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 1/2 cup buttermilk for 15-20 minutes to tenderize and add moisture.
- Mix Dry Coating: In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, mixing thoroughly.
- Heat Oil: Pour enough oil into a deep skillet or fryer and heat it to 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying temperature.
- Fry the Shrimp: Remove shrimp from the buttermilk, dredge each piece in the flour and cornstarch mixture ensuring even coating, then carefully fry in hot oil in batches. Fry each side about 2-3 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 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and 1 teaspoon soy sauce until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Dish: Toss the freshly fried shrimp in the prepared spicy sauce, making sure each piece is well coated.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the coated shrimp for added flavor and presentation.
- Serve: Serve immediately as an appetizer or over rice or salad for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Ensure oil temperature stays consistent at 350°F for best frying results.
- Do not overcrowd the fryer to keep shrimp crispy.
- For extra heat, increase sriracha sauce in the sauce mixture.
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor and texture.
- The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
