If there’s one appetizer guaranteed to ignite excitement at your table, it’s Dynamite Shrimp. Imagine golden, crispy shrimp cloaked in a luscious, spicy-sweet sauce that’s equal parts heat and tang—an irresistible taste explosion in every bite. Whether you’re serving them as a bold starter for a dinner party or treating yourself to a restaurant-style snack at home, Dynamite Shrimp brings all the sizzle, crunch, and flavor you crave. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe has a mission—whether it’s to amp up the flavor, boost the crunch, or deliver that signature creamy kick in the sauce. Gathering these simple but essential items ensures your Dynamite Shrimp tastes absolutely unforgettable and looks like it came straight from a trendy eatery.
- Shrimp (1 lb, medium, peeled and deveined): For the best texture and flavor, choose fresh or well-thawed shrimp; medium size is perfect for popping in your mouth!
- Buttermilk (½ cup): Marinating the shrimp in buttermilk keeps them extra tender and adds a subtle tanginess.
- Cornstarch (½ cup): Helps deliver that signature crispy coating—it’s key for a delicate crunch.
- All-purpose flour (½ cup): Combines with cornstarch to ensure the crust is sturdy but light.
- Salt (½ tsp): Just enough to bring all the flavors together and wake up your tastebuds.
- Paprika (½ tsp): Adds a touch of warmth and a gorgeous golden color to the coating.
- Garlic powder (½ tsp): Infuses savory depth into every bite without overpowering the shrimp.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Make sure to use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for the best results and a crispy finish.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): The creamy base for our dynamite sauce—absolutely essential for that luscious texture.
- Sriracha (2 tbsp): Brings a bold, spicy kick; adjust the amount if you love extra heat.
- Sweet chili sauce (1 tbsp): Adds sweetness and gentle heat, perfectly balancing the spicy sriracha.
- Honey (1 tsp): For a touch of sticky-sweet magic that beautifully rounds out the sauce.
- Rice vinegar (1 tsp): Delivers a pop of acidity that brightens up the entire flavor profile.
How to Make Dynamite Shrimp
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Begin by bathing your shrimp in a bowl of tangy buttermilk. Let them lounge for 15 to 20 minutes—this not only keeps the shrimp juicy but also gives that first bite an irresistible tenderness. If you have a few extra minutes, let them marinate a touch longer for even more flavor infusion.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Coating
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, salt, paprika, and garlic powder. Each element here helps build the ultimate crispy shell—light, flavorful, and golden. Take a moment to make sure everything’s blended evenly, so every shrimp gets all that good stuff.
Step 3: Make the Dynamite Sauce
Grab a small bowl and stir together mayonnaise, sriracha, sweet chili sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Mix until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and full of promise—it should be a perfectly balanced combo of creamy, spicy, sweet, and tangy. Give it a little taste and tweak the sriracha for more or less heat according to your mood.
Step 4: Dredge and Fry
Heat your oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F. While it’s heating, lift your shrimp from the buttermilk (letting the excess drip off), then dredge them in the flour mixture so each one is beautifully coated. Working in batches, fry the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re golden, crispy, and gloriously puffed up. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to catch any extra oil—nobody wants a greasy shrimp!
Step 5: Sauce and Serve
Toss the piping hot fried shrimp in your homemade dynamite sauce, making sure every morsel is luxuriously coated. Move quickly here for the best results—the sauce clings perfectly when the shrimp are fresh from the fryer. Serve right away, because Dynamite Shrimp is at its glorious, crispy-crunchy best when it’s hot!
How to Serve Dynamite Shrimp
Garnishes
Finish your Dynamite Shrimp with a scattering of chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds. These simple touches add color, a hit of freshness, and a little pop of flavor that make the dish look and taste even more inviting. If you love a bit of brightness, try adding fresh cilantro or thinly sliced red chili for an extra flair.
Side Dishes
This appetizer pairs beautifully with shredded lettuce, steamed rice, or even pillowy steamed buns. Lightly pickled vegetables or a crisp cucumber salad can help cut through the richness, making Dynamite Shrimp feel like the star of a truly memorable meal. Mix and match to suit your vibe—there are no wrong answers!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Dynamite Shrimp in small appetizer glasses for an elegant party bite, or pile them high on a platter with extra sauce for dipping. For a fun twist, lay the shrimp over sushi rice in a bowl for a playful at-home poke experience. However you present them, the dramatic color and punchy aroma are always a showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Dynamite Shrimp (which honestly never happens at my house), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Wait until ready to eat before tossing with extra sauce so they stay as crispy as possible.
Freezing
While Dynamite Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the fried (but unsauced) shrimp on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. The sauce, however, is best mixed up fresh before serving for ultimate creaminess and zing.
Reheating
To revive that crispiness, reheat the shrimp in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 5 to 7 minutes until piping hot and crunchy. Avoid microwaving—it’ll make the shrimp soggy. Once hot, toss with freshly made sauce and enjoy a delicious second round!
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating in buttermilk. This will help achieve that signature crisp coating and perfect texture.
How spicy is Dynamite Shrimp?
The heat level is moderate but can easily be tailored to your taste. Add more or less sriracha to the sauce depending on how fiery you want your Dynamite Shrimp to be.
Can I make Dynamite Shrimp without deep frying?
Yes, you can! For a lighter twist, use an air fryer or bake the breaded shrimp on a wire rack at 425°F until crispy, about 8-10 minutes per side. The result is slightly less crunchy, but still full of flavor.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, simply stir 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice into ½ cup milk and let it sit for 5 minutes. This quick hack adds the same tenderizing tang you want for your shrimp.
Is the dynamite sauce good on other dishes?
It’s incredible! Drizzle any leftover sauce on crispy chicken, roasted veggies, fries, or even a burger—the spicy, creamy, sweet-tangy profile is incredibly versatile.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that guarantees fun and flavor, Dynamite Shrimp is the one to try. There’s a reason folks clamor for this at restaurants—it’s truly the ultimate crispy-spicy shrimp experience, and now you can bring it to your own table. Give it a go and get ready for rave reviews from every single person who takes a bite!
Print
Dynamite Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Dynamite Shrimp with a spicy kick! Crispy fried shrimp coated in a creamy and zesty dynamite sauce, perfect as a flavorful appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Dynamite Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, marinate the shrimp in buttermilk for 15–20 minutes.
- Prepare Coating: In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Make Dynamite Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, sweet chili sauce, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth and creamy.
- Fry Shrimp: Heat oil to 350°F, dredge shrimp in flour mixture, and fry in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden.
- Coat in Sauce: Toss the fried shrimp in the prepared sauce until coated.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds and serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust sriracha for preferred spice level.
- For a lighter option, bake or air-fry the shrimp instead of deep-frying.
- Pair with shredded lettuce or rice for a complete meal.
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