Quick & Easy Firecracker Shrimp
Crispy fried shrimp tossed in a spicy, tangy, sweet chili sauce with a hint of lime! This quick and easy firecracker shrimp is ready in 30 minutes with minimal ingredients. A super delicious main or appetizer for the shrimp lovers!
- Prep time
- 20 min
- Cook time
- 10 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 1 lb Jumbo Shrimp (or Extra Jumbo Shrimp (peeled & deveined))
- 2 cups vegetable oil (or any neutral oil, for frying)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or see below Notes for a substitute)
- ¾ cup cornstarch (or potato starch)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 green onion (finely chopped for garnish (optional))
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey (plain kind)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar/white vinegar)
- 1/2 tsp lime zest (freshly grated)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
- 1
In a medium bowl with peeled and deveined shrimp, add buttermilk. Let the shrimp soak in the buttermilk for at least 10 minutes to tenderize it.
- 2
Meanwhile in a small bowl, combine the sauce ingredients as listed above. Set aside.
- 3
Then in a large bowl, whisk together cornstarch, salt, garlic powder and black pepper. Evenly coat the shrimp in cornstarch mixture and shake off any excess.
- 4
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan to 350 degrees F, around medium heat. Fry 6 pieces of shrimp at a time until golden and crispy or 2 minutes in total, flipping over halfway. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- 5
Then remove and drain the fried shrimp on a wire rack or paper towel lined plate to remove excess oil.
- 6
Transfer shrimp to a large mixing bowl. Pour the sauce over top. Gently toss to mix. Lastly, garnish with green onions. Enjoy hot!