Ben Kenwood November 11, 2025

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Firecracker Shrimp

Name: Firecracker Shrimp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons sriracha; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 cup breadcrumbs; Oil for frying; Salt and pepper to taste

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Firecracker Shrimp is the kind of dish that brings a burst of flavor to your table, making it perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends. Imagine succulent shrimp, perfectly seasoned with a spicy-sweet glaze, crisped to golden perfection. The aroma wafts through the air, inviting everyone to indulge in these delightful bites. Whether served as an appetizer, shared at a party, or enjoyed over a bed of rice for dinner, Firecracker Shrimp is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and satisfying crunch.

Reasons to Love Firecracker Shrimp

There are countless reasons to fall in love with Firecracker Shrimp, but let’s highlight a few that truly stand out. This dish combines simplicity with bold flavor, requiring just a handful of ingredients while delivering a wow factor that’s perfect for any occasion. The spicy kick from the sriracha is balanced by the sweet touch of honey, making each bite an experience to savor.

Quick and easy to prepare
Perfect for gatherings or a family dinner
A unique combination of spicy and sweet
Crispy texture that delights the senses
Versatile as an appetizer or main dish

What You’ll Need for Firecracker Shrimp

When assembling the ingredients for Firecracker Shrimp, each one plays an integral role in creating the dish’s signature taste. If you’re looking to make it a bit lighter, swap in turkey bacon for a leaner touch, or use ground chicken to balance the flavors perfectly.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons sriracha
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 cup breadcrumbs
Oil for frying
Salt and pepper to taste

Bringing It Together

Let’s dive into the steps for creating this mouthwatering Firecracker Shrimp. Follow this simple guide, and you’ll have a plate full of crispy, flavor-packed shrimp in no time.

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the sriracha, soy sauce, and honey. Stir until well mixed, creating a zesty marinade. Add the shrimp, making sure they are fully submerged in the sauce, and let marinate for 15 minutes. The vibrant colors and spicy scent will fill your kitchen as the shrimp soak up those flavors.
While the shrimp is marinating, heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. You’ll want just enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. As the oil warms, the anticipation builds for that satisfying crunch.
Once the shrimp are marinated, take them out of the bowl. Dredge each shrimp in breadcrumbs, seasoning them with salt and pepper for an extra layer of flavor. The breadcrumbs will give that lovely crunchy texture we all crave.
Carefully place the shrimp into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Pay attention to the sound of the sizzling shrimp, and watch as they turn a beautiful, appetizing shade of golden brown.
After frying, transfer the shrimp onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve immediately, either on their own as an appetizer or over a bed of rice for a fulfilling meal. Enjoy the crispy exterior and flavorful interior—your taste buds will thank you.

Prep ~ 20 minutes, Cook ~ 10 minutes, Total ~ 30 minutes, Servings ~ 4, Kcal ~ 250 (estimate).

Prepare in Advance

If you’d like to streamline your cooking process, there are several make-ahead options for Firecracker Shrimp. You can marinate the shrimp several hours in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen even further. Once marinated, simply store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fry them up.

Alternatively, you can bread the shrimp ahead of time as well. Just keep them in the refrigerator on a tray, ensuring they don’t touch each other so they remain crisp. When you’re ready to serve, simply heat up the oil and fry away.

Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

Storing leftover Firecracker Shrimp is simple! If you have any remaining shrimp, place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 1 month.

When it comes to reheating, gentle is the key. Either place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or in a skillet over low heat, ensuring they remain crispy and delicious. You’ll know they’re fresh if they still have that delightful crunch when you take a bite!

Perfect Pairings

To elevate your Firecracker Shrimp experience, consider serving these delightful bites with the following:

A fresh, zesty cucumber salad
Steamed jasmine rice or quinoa
A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette
Garlic bread for a comforting touch
A side of spicy dipping sauce for extra flavor

Flavor Twists and Substitutions

Get creative and make Firecracker Shrimp your own with these variations and swaps:

Add a touch of lime juice or zest for a refreshing citrus note.
Try using coconut flakes in the breadcrumb mixture for a tropical twist.
For a healthier option, bake the shrimp in the oven at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes instead of frying.
Incorporate finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or green onions into the breadcrumb mix for added flavor and texture.
Substitute the shrimp with chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces, for a different protein option that still holds flavor well.

Cook’s Notes and Secrets

Achieving the best results with Firecracker Shrimp is all in the details. Here are a few tips:

Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the shrimp; a drop of water should sizzle when it hits the oil.
Space the shrimp out in the pan to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy—don’t overcrowd!
After frying, let the shrimp rest on paper towels momentarily, so they don’t become soggy.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the shrimp reach an internal temperature of about 145°F for safe eating.
Experiment with the ratio of sriracha to honey to find your preferred level of heat and sweetness.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating and breading.
Can I use different breadcrumbs? Absolutely! Panko breadcrumbs offer a lighter, airier texture, while traditional breadcrumbs provide a dense crunch.
Is this dish gluten-free? You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and soy sauce.
Can I skip frying? Yes! You can bake or air fry the shrimp for a healthier alternative, just adjust the baking time accordingly.
What if I don’t have sriracha? You can substitute with any chili sauce you prefer or even make your own using hot sauce and a bit of sugar.

Final Thoughts

Firecracker Shrimp is not only a delightful dish that combines spicy and sweet, but it also offers versatility and ease, making it a fantastic addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself to a delicious dinner, this dish will shine. So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy the burst of flavor that Firecracker Shrimp brings to your table!

Firecracker Shrimp

Author: anastasia-rice
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Pescatarian

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Description

A burst of flavor with crispy shrimp in a spicy-sweet glaze, perfect for appetizers or main dishes.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons sriracha
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 cup breadcrumbs
Oil for frying
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine sriracha, soy sauce, and honey. Mix well and marinate the shrimp for 15 minutes.
Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Dredge each shrimp in breadcrumbs, seasoning with salt and pepper.
Carefully place shrimp in the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Transfer fried shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil and serve immediately.