Get ready to fall in love with the perfect balance of crispy, spicy, and creamy with this Dynamite Shrimp Recipe. This dish transforms simple shrimp into a show-stopping appetizer or main course that bursts with flavor and texture in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or craving a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe combines a crunchy golden coating with a luscious, zesty sauce that will quickly become your go-to favorite for entertaining or weeknight indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Dynamite Shrimp Recipe plays a vital role in creating its signature crispness and rich flavor. From the tender shrimp soaked in buttermilk to the perfectly spiced dynamite sauce, these simple ingredients come together effortlessly to deliver a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
- Shrimp (1 pound peeled and deveined): Choose fresh or thawed shrimp for the best texture and taste.
- Buttermilk (1/2 cup): Helps tenderize the shrimp and allows the coating to stick beautifully.
- Cornstarch (1/2 cup): Creates that irresistible light and crispy crust.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Combined with cornstarch for perfect texture in the coating.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning the shrimp and balancing the flavors.
- Vegetable oil: For frying the shrimp to a golden crisp.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Forms the creamy base of the spicy dynamite sauce.
- Sriracha (2 tablespoons): Adds just the right amount of heat to the sauce without overpowering.
- Sweet chili sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings a touch of sweetness and tang to complement the spice.
- Honey (1 teaspoon): Balances the flavors with natural sweetness.
- Rice vinegar (1 teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle tang and brightness to the sauce.
- Garlic powder (a pinch): Gives a gentle depth of flavor to the sauce.
How to Make Dynamite Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dynamite Sauce
Start by mixing mayonnaise, sriracha, sweet chili sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Taste your sauce and tweak the heat or sweetness according to your preference. Pop it in the fridge to chill while you get the shrimp ready. This sauce will complement the crispy shrimp perfectly, delivering that iconic dynamite flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Coat the Shrimp
In another bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper. Pour buttermilk over the shrimp and toss them until fully coated. Then dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, making sure they are covered evenly for that golden, crunchy crust that makes this dish so irresistible.
Step 3: Fry to Perfection
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F. Carefully fry the shrimp in small batches for about 2–3 minutes on each side or until they turn golden and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and drain them on paper towels to keep every bite perfectly crunchy and not greasy.
Step 4: Toss with Sauce
While still warm, gently toss the fried shrimp in the chilled dynamite sauce to coat them thoroughly. This is the magic moment when the crispy coating meets the creamy, spicy sauce, creating a mouthwatering sensation that will have you reaching for another bite immediately.
How to Serve Dynamite Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Add a fresh finish with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds. These little touches not only enhance the look of your dish but bring extra flavor and crunch, elevating the experience and making every serving feel special.
Side Dishes
Dynamite shrimp pairs beautifully with simple steamed rice to soak up that luscious sauce. For a lighter option, serve over a bed of shredded lettuce or create crisp lettuce wraps to balance the richness with some refreshing crunch. Vegetables like sautéed bok choy or a side of pickled cucumber also offer a lovely contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Dynamite Shrimp Recipe in mini tortilla cups or atop crispy wonton chips as a fun appetizer option. You can even skewer them with colorful veggies for a stunning party platter that invites sharing and conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keep the shrimp crispy and fresh by reheating them just before serving, while the sauce may be kept chilled for up to three days.
Freezing
While not ideal due to the crispy coating, you can freeze cooked shrimp without sauce in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. For best quality, consume within one month and reheat directly from frozen to retain texture.
Reheating
To bring the Dynamite Shrimp Recipe back to life, reheat the shrimp in a hot oven or air fryer at 400°F for a few minutes until crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the coating soggy. Toss with the chilled sauce after reheating for that perfect finish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before proceeding. Removing excess moisture helps maintain that crispy coating we all crave in the Dynamite Shrimp Recipe.
Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?
Yes! Simply reduce the amount of sriracha in the sauce or swap it for a milder hot sauce. Adjust the sweetness with a bit more honey or sweet chili sauce to keep the flavor balanced and delicious.
Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?
Definitely. For a lighter version, bake the coated shrimp at 425°F for about 12–15 minutes or use an air fryer at 400°F for 8–10 minutes. The crispiness will be slightly different but still very satisfying paired with the creamy sauce.
What’s the best way to serve leftover dynamite shrimp?
Leftovers shine when served over fresh greens like shredded lettuce or added to a rice bowl with pickled veggies for an easy and tasty meal. Reheating gently in an oven helps restore some crispiness before tossing with fresh sauce.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and using gluten-free cornstarch, you can enjoy a gluten-free version. Just double-check that your sauces and seasonings are also gluten-free to keep things safe and tasty.
Final Thoughts
This Dynamite Shrimp Recipe is a real crowd-pleaser that’s guaranteed to impress whether you’re cooking for family or guests. With its perfectly crispy shrimp combined with that addictively creamy and spicy sauce, it captures the essence of an elevated comfort food in just 30 minutes. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Print
Dynamite Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Dynamite Shrimp is a popular Asian-inspired appetizer featuring crispy fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy sriracha-mayo sauce. Perfectly golden and packed with bold flavors, this dish can be served as an appetizer or a main course and is ideal for those who love a bit of heat with their seafood.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Dynamite Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sriracha
- 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional)
- Pinch of garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the dynamite sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, sweet chili sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder until well combined. Taste and adjust the heat level by adding more sriracha if desired. Place the sauce in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the shrimp.
- Coat the shrimp: In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. Pour the buttermilk over the peeled and deveined shrimp, tossing to coat thoroughly. Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated on all sides.
- Fry the shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in batches, cooking each side for 2–3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Toss with sauce and serve: While the shrimp are still hot, gently toss them in the prepared dynamite sauce until fully coated. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a lighter version of this dish, bake the shrimp in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes, or air fry them at 400°F (204°C) for 8–10 minutes.
- Serve dynamite shrimp over shredded lettuce, steamed rice, or inside lettuce wraps to create a complete meal.
- Adjust the level of spiciness in the sauce by varying the amount of sriracha to suit your taste preferences.
- Make sure the oil temperature is consistent to achieve crispy shrimp without sogginess.
