If you are searching for a dish that perfectly balances crispy texture with a creamy, spicy kick, this Dynamite Shrimp Recipe is exactly what you need. Succulent shrimp are coated in a light, crunchy batter and then tossed in a luscious sauce that’s tangy, sweet, and fiery all at once. Each bite bursts with flavor, making it an irresistible appetizer or a show-stopping main course. Whether you’re cooking for friends or craving a bit of indulgence at home, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to prepare again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these essential ingredients is the first step toward creating that perfect crispy yet saucy shrimp dish. Each component plays a crucial role, from the tender shrimp to the marinade, the crunchy coating, and the creamy sauce that ties it all together with just the right balance of heat and sweetness.

Large shrimp (1 lb): Fresh or thawed, peeled and deveined shrimp ensure tender, juicy bites.
Buttermilk (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and slight tang, perfect for marinating and tenderizing.
All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Helps create a crisp coating when fried to golden perfection.
Cornstarch (1/2 cup): For ultra-crisp texture, giving the shrimp a light and crunchy finish.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors in the batter and marinade.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle heat and depth to the coating.
Oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil to get that perfect fry.
Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The creamy base of the signature dynamite sauce.
Sriracha sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings the spicy kick without overpowering the shrimp.
Honey (1 tablespoon): Balances the heat with a touch of natural sweetness.
Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the sauce with fresh citrus notes.
Soy sauce (1 teaspoon): Adds umami depth and a gentle saltiness.
Chopped green onions: Fresh garnish that adds color and a mild onion crunch.
Sesame seeds: Toasted seeds bring a nutty flavor and lovely visual appeal.

How to Make Dynamite Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

Start by soaking your peeled and deveined shrimp in buttermilk for 15-20 minutes. This step is key for achieving tender shrimp that stay juicy inside their crispy exterior. The mild tang from the buttermilk also works wonders in enhancing flavor before frying.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. This mixture is essential because the cornstarch alongside the flour creates a lightweight yet crunchy batter that crisps up beautifully during frying.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Heat your frying oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Maintaining this temperature ensures the shrimp cook quickly, creating that golden crust without absorbing excess oil.

Step 4: Fry the Shrimp

Remove shrimp from the buttermilk, dredge them thoroughly in the flour mixture, and then carefully fry in batches. Each batch will take about 2 to 3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn that perfect golden brown and crunch. Drain them on paper towels to remove any excess oil, keeping them crisp and not greasy.

Step 5: Make the Spicy Sauce

Whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, honey, lime juice, and soy sauce until smooth and silky. This sauce is the defining element of this Dynamite Shrimp Recipe, combining creaminess, heat, tang, and sweetness in every bite.

Step 6: Toss and Coat the Shrimp

Place the freshly fried shrimp into a large bowl and gently toss them with the prepared sauce. Make sure each shrimp is coated evenly, ensuring every mouthful explodes with that iconic dynamite flavor.

Step 7: Add Your Garnishes

Sprinkle the tossed shrimp with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a burst of color, texture, and an extra layer of flavor.

Step 8: Serve Immediately

The final step is to dig in while the shrimp are still warm and crisp. This dish works perfectly as an appetizer or served over rice or a crisp salad for a complete meal that’s satisfying and fun.

How to Serve Dynamite Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

Chopped green onions and sesame seeds are classic garnishes that enhance the texture and appearance of your dish. For extra flair, consider slicing some fresh chili peppers or adding a sprinkle of finely chopped cilantro for a fresh herbal note.

Side Dishes

Dynamite shrimp pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or a light, refreshing cucumber salad to balance the richness of the sauce. Crispy vegetable tempura or even a simple Asian slaw will elevate the entire meal with complementary flavors and textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or casual gathering, serve the shrimp in small bowls or on mini skewers for easy finger food. You can also layer them on top of rice paper lettuce wraps, allowing guests to assemble their own bites with extra crunch and freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover fried shrimp separately from the sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the shrimp from becoming soggy and helps maintain their crispy texture for longer.

Freezing

While the fried shrimp are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the uncooked shrimp after marinating but before coating and frying. Freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before frying for best results.

Reheating

To reheat leftover shrimp, avoid microwaving if you want to keep them crispy. Instead, reheat in a preheated oven or air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes, just until warmed through and slightly crisped again.

FAQs

What type of shrimp is best for this Dynamite Shrimp Recipe?

Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp work best because they cook evenly and hold up well to frying and tossing in the sauce. Fresh or frozen shrimp can be used, but make sure they are fully thawed before cooking.

Can I make the sauce spicier or milder?

Absolutely! Adjust the amount of sriracha to suit your heat preference. For milder sauce, reduce the sriracha or add more mayonnaise; for extra heat, increase the sriracha or add a dash of cayenne pepper.

What kind of oil should I use for frying?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil. These oils heat evenly and won’t overpower the delicate shrimp flavor.

Is it better to bake or fry the shrimp?

Frying will always yield the crispiest shrimp for this dish, which is crucial to the texture of the Dynamite Shrimp Recipe. Baking will not provide the same crunch but can be done if you want a lighter version.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a party?

You can marinate the shrimp ahead and prepare the sauce in advance. Fry the shrimp just before serving, then toss with sauce to keep the texture and flavor fresh and vibrant.

Final Thoughts

This Dynamite Shrimp Recipe is a keeper and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its simple ingredients come together to create an extraordinary dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Whether you make it for a casual night in or an impressive appetizer for guests, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again. Go ahead, try it yourself — your taste buds will thank you!