Crispy, golden-brown shrimp coated in a rich, spicy, and creamy Sriracha-mayo sauce—this Dynamite Shrimp is an explosion of flavor in every bite! The contrast between the crunchy exterior and the smooth, fiery sauce makes it an irresistible appetizer or main course. A sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds on top adds freshness and crunch, making this dish as visually stunning as it is delicious.
This homemade version rivals any restaurant dish, bringing bold flavors straight to your table in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re serving it as a party appetizer or a quick weeknight meal, Dynamite Shrimp is sure to impress. Pair it with steamed rice, a fresh salad, or even tacos for an exciting twist!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 egg
- ½ cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Dynamite Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- In another bowl, whisk the egg and buttermilk together.
- Dip each shrimp into the egg mixture, then coat it in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in batches for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, honey, and rice vinegar to make the dynamite sauce.
- Toss the crispy shrimp in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 4
Crispy Dynamite Shrimp – A Spicy, Irresistible Delight
Dynamite Shrimp is a must-try dish for anyone who loves bold, spicy flavors and crispy textures. This restaurant-style appetizer, famously popularized by Asian-fusion eateries, features golden-fried shrimp coated in a creamy, spicy Sriracha-mayo sauce. It’s the perfect combination of heat, crunch, and rich umami flavor, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser.
This dish is easy to make at home, requiring only a few key ingredients and a short cooking time. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, looking for a unique side dish, or just craving something indulgent, Dynamite Shrimp is a fantastic choice. With the right technique, you can achieve that perfect crispy texture and balance of flavors without stepping foot in a restaurant.
The Origins of Dynamite Shrimp
Dynamite Shrimp has its roots in Asian-fusion cuisine, often appearing on menus at Japanese and American-style seafood restaurants. It is commonly compared to Bang Bang Shrimp, a similar dish with a slightly different sauce. While Bang Bang Shrimp leans towards a sweeter, more tangy profile, Dynamite Shrimp focuses on a bold, spicy kick from Sriracha.
The dish is believed to have been inspired by classic Japanese tempura shrimp, which are lightly battered and fried. However, the addition of a creamy, spicy sauce transforms it into a modern, Westernized version that has taken the culinary world by storm. Today, it is a favorite appetizer at restaurants like PF Chang’s and Bonefish Grill, but making it at home allows you to customize the spice level and ingredients to your liking.
What Makes Dynamite Shrimp So Delicious?
The magic of Dynamite Shrimp lies in the contrast of textures and flavors. The shrimp is coated in a seasoned flour mixture before being fried to crispy perfection. Once golden brown, it is tossed in a luxurious sauce made with mayonnaise, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. This combination delivers a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
Additionally, the garnish plays a role in elevating the dish. A sprinkle of chopped green onions and sesame seeds adds freshness and a slight crunch, balancing the rich sauce. The result is a dish that’s indulgent yet well-balanced, making it the perfect appetizer or even a main course when paired with rice or salad.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Crunch
One of the most important elements of Dynamite Shrimp is achieving a crispy, golden crust. Here are a few tips to ensure the best results:
- Use Cornstarch: Combining flour with cornstarch in the breading helps create a light, crispy texture. Cornstarch prevents the coating from becoming too dense, resulting in a more delicate crunch.
- Keep the Oil Hot: Maintaining a frying temperature of around 350°F (175°C) ensures that the shrimp cook quickly without absorbing excess oil. Using a kitchen thermometer can help keep the temperature consistent.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Frying too many shrimp at once can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy results. Fry in small batches for even cooking.
- Drain Properly: Placing the fried shrimp on a wire rack instead of paper towels helps retain crispiness by preventing the shrimp from sitting in excess oil.
Customizing the Dynamite Sauce
The signature sauce in Dynamite Shrimp is a perfect blend of creamy and spicy flavors, but you can easily adjust it to suit your taste preferences.
- For More Heat: Increase the amount of Sriracha or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- For a Sweeter Balance: Add extra honey or a touch of sweet chili sauce.
- For a Tangier Flavor: Increase the rice vinegar or add a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
- For a Smoky Kick: Mix in a bit of smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
You can also experiment with different mayonnaise brands or swap it for Greek yogurt if you prefer a lighter alternative.
How to Serve Dynamite Shrimp
Dynamite Shrimp is incredibly versatile and can be served in multiple ways depending on the occasion.
- As an Appetizer: Serve in a bowl, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions. It pairs well with a side of pickled vegetables or an Asian-style slaw.
- Over Rice: Turn it into a complete meal by serving the shrimp over steamed jasmine rice or fried rice. The sauce seeps into the rice, creating an extra flavorful dish.
- In a Wrap or Tacos: Place the shrimp in warm tortillas with shredded lettuce, avocado slices, and a drizzle of extra sauce for a delicious shrimp taco.
- With a Salad: Serve the shrimp over a bed of crisp greens, shredded carrots, and cucumbers for a refreshing contrast.
No matter how you serve it, Dynamite Shrimp is guaranteed to be a hit!
Pairing Suggestions
Since Dynamite Shrimp has a bold, spicy profile, it pairs well with lighter and more refreshing side dishes. Consider these options to complement your meal:
- Cooling Cucumber Salad: The crispness of cucumber balances out the heat from the shrimp.
- Garlic Butter Noodles: A simple, buttery noodle dish can act as a neutral base for the spicy shrimp.
- Miso Soup: A warm, umami-rich soup pairs wonderfully with the shrimp’s crispy texture.
- Asian Slaw: A tangy slaw with a sesame dressing enhances the flavors while providing crunch.
- Coconut Rice: The mild sweetness of coconut rice helps balance the spice.
For drinks, a chilled glass of iced tea, a citrusy cocktail, or even a light beer complements the dish’s heat perfectly.
Healthier Alternatives for Dynamite Shrimp
If you want to enjoy Dynamite Shrimp with a healthier twist, consider these modifications:
- Bake Instead of Frying: Coat the shrimp lightly in oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes until crispy.
- Use an Air Fryer: Air frying at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes achieves a similar crunch with less oil.
- Swap for a Lighter Sauce: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lower-fat alternative.
- Use Whole-Wheat Flour: Opting for whole-wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour adds more fiber to the dish.
These small adjustments can make the dish healthier while maintaining its delicious flavor.
Conclusion
Dynamite Shrimp is a show-stopping dish that delivers on flavor, texture, and presentation. Whether you’re making it as a restaurant-style appetizer or transforming it into a full meal, this dish never fails to impress. Its crispy, golden coating and creamy, spicy sauce make it a go-to recipe for seafood lovers and spice enthusiasts alike.
By following the tips above, you can perfect the technique of frying, customize the sauce to your taste, and explore various serving options. With a little effort, you can recreate this iconic dish at home, bringing restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen.
So why not give it a try? Once you experience the explosion of flavors in Dynamite Shrimp, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection!