There’s nothing quite like the exhilarating crunch of perfectly fried shrimp, especially when they’re coated in a creamy, spicy mayonnaise sauce that could elevate any gathering. I first discovered this sensational dish while exploring Japanese cuisine, and it quickly became a go-to recipe for impressing friends at parties and satisfying late-night cravings. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up these Crispy Dynamite Shrimp that promise to tantalize your taste buds.
Whether you’re looking for an easy appetizer to kick off an evening or a fun meal to break away from the mundane fast food routine, this recipe is the answer. With a kick of sriracha and a hint of sweetness, it’s a delightful balancing act of flavors that will leave your guests coming back for more! Plus, you can easily swap out shrimp for chicken or even try a vegan twist if you’re feeling adventurous. So, let’s get those frying pans ready and dive into this deliciously addictive Dynamite Shrimp recipe!
Why will you love Dynamite Shrimp?
Quick and Easy: In just 20 minutes, you’ll serve up a delicious dish that rivals your favorite restaurant appetizers.
Flavor Explosion: The creamy, spicy mayonnaise sauce offers the perfect blend of heat and sweetness, making every bite irresistible.
Versatile: Use shrimp, prawns, or chicken, so you can customize this recipe to suit any taste or dietary preference.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, game days, or family dinners—everyone will rave about this delightful appetizer!
Restaurant-Quality: Achieve that gourmet feel right in your kitchen, impressing friends and family with your culinary skills.
Experience the thrill of making Dynamite Shrimp at home and elevate your mealtime game!
Dynamite Shrimp Ingredients
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these must-have ingredients!
For the Shrimp
• Shrimp – Use shelled and deveined shrimp for ease.
• Cooking Oil – Opt for oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola, for frying.
For the Seasoning
• Red Chili Powder – Adds the perfect amount of heat; feel free to substitute with cayenne for extra kick.
• Smoked Paprika – Provides a delightful smoky flavor; sweet paprika is a great alternative.
• Salt – Enhances flavors; adjust according to dietary preferences.
• Soy Sauce – Adds umami richness; consider low-sodium for a lighter touch.
• Egg – Binds the coating to the shrimp; a flax egg can be used for a vegan option.
For the Coating
• All-Purpose Flour – The traditional option for a crunchy coating; substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
• Cornflour/Cornstarch – Contributes to a lighter, crunchier texture—potato starch works, too.
• Garlic Powder – Brings savory depth; fresh garlic can be a more intense substitute.
For the Sauce
• Mayonnaise – The creamy base; try vegan mayo for a plant-based alternative.
• Sriracha Sauce – Provides a spicy tang; adjust the quantity based on your heat preference.
• Honey – Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness; maple syrup is a great vegan substitute.
• Tomato Ketchup – Adds sweetness and color; for a twist, use chili sauce instead.
For Garnishing
• Garnish – Fresh lettuce, chopped spring onions or chives, and sesame seeds will enhance texture and presentation.
With these essential ingredients, you’re all set to create mouthwatering Dynamite Shrimp that your friends and family will adore!
How to Make Dynamite Shrimp
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Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, honey, and tomato ketchup. Stir until well combined and set aside for the flavors to meld.
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Season the Shrimp: In a separate bowl, combine your shelled and deveined shrimp with red chili powder, salt, smoked paprika, soy sauce, and egg. Ensure the shrimp is well-coated and let it marinate for about 5 minutes.
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Make the Dredging Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornflour, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. This will be your crispy coating.
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Fry the Shrimp: Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat until shimmering. Dredge each seasoned shrimp in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Carefully drop into the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to drain them on a sieve.
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Coat the Shrimp: Once the shrimp are fried and crispy, toss them in the bowl with the prepared spicy mayonnaise sauce until they’re evenly coated.
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Serve: Layer fresh lettuce in a serving bowl, add the coated shrimp on top, and garnish with chopped spring onions and sesame seeds for a delightful finish. Serve immediately for the best crunch!
Optional: Add a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra kick!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Dynamite Shrimp?
Pairing the vibrant flavors of crispy shrimp with complementary dishes takes your meal to a whole new level of delight.
- Creamy Coleslaw: A refreshing and crunchy mix that balances the heat of the shrimp, providing a cool and creamy contrast with every bite.
- Garlic Rice: Fluffy rice infused with garlic complements the savory notes of the shrimp and acts as a perfect base to soak up any leftover sauce.
- Mango Salsa: The sweetness and tang of diced mango, red onion, and cilantro add a fresh burst of flavor that beautifully complements the dish’s spiciness.
- Cucumber Salad: This light, crunchy salad with rice vinegar adds a refreshing crispness that perfectly offsets the creamy shrimp.
- Sushi Rolls: For a fun, thematic twist, serve alongside delicious homemade sushi rolls to enhance your Asian-inspired feast. The combination is sure to impress!
- Mango Mojito Mocktail: A fruity, refreshing drink that echoes the flavors of the shrimp, offering a sweet, citrusy note to cleanse the palate.
These pairings create a culinary experience that balances textures and flavors, making your Dynamite Shrimp truly unforgettable!
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Dynamite Shrimp are perfect for meal prep, making your busy weeknights a breeze! You can prepare the sauce up to 3 days in advance; just mix the mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, and ketchup and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, season the shrimp and coat them in the dredging mixture the night before, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully (refrigerate for up to 24 hours). When you’re ready to fry, simply heat the oil, dredge the shrimp, fry until golden, and toss in the sauce. This way, you’ll serve crispy, flavorful shrimp that are just as delicious as if they were made fresh!
Dynamite Shrimp Variations
Feel free to get creative as you whip up this delightful dish, adding flavors that excite your palate!
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Protein Swap: Replace shrimp with prawns or chicken for a tasty alternative. Adjust the cooking time for chicken to ensure it’s cooked through.
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Extra Spice: Increase the amount of sriracha or sprinkle in some chili flakes for added heat. You can also add diced jalapeños for a fiery kick.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch to create a crunch without the gluten, making this dish accessible to everyone. The texture will still be delightfully crisp!
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Veggie Version: Try substituting shrimp with tempura-battered vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a colorful, plant-based twist. The sauce will complement the veggies beautifully.
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Wrap It Up: Serve the coated shrimp in fresh lettuce leaves or tortillas for a fun, hands-on meal that doubles as a delicious wrap or taco!
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Creamy Avocado: Mix some mashed avocado into the spicy mayo for a creamy, refreshing twist that takes your shrimp to the next level of flavor!
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Herb Elements: Add chopped cilantro or parsley to the sauce or as a garnish for a fresh burst of herbal flavor that pairs wonderfully with the spiciness.
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Citrus Zest: Brighten the dish by adding a squeeze of lime juice or a sprinkling of lime zest over the shrimp before serving. This will enhance the flavor and add a refreshing zing.
How to Store and Freeze Dynamite Shrimp
Fridge: Store any leftover Dynamite Shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
Freezer: Uncoated, cooked shrimp can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Sauce Storage: Keep the spicy mayonnaise sauce in the fridge for up to 3 days, stored in a sealed container to maintain freshness.
Reheating: For reheating, use the oven or air fryer to keep the shrimp crispy, avoiding the microwave if possible for best results.
Expert Tips for Dynamite Shrimp
• Fresh is Best: For optimal crunch, fry the shrimp just before serving. Storing them will make them soggy.
• Right Oil Temperature: Ensure oil is hot enough before frying; this prevents the shrimp from absorbing too much oil and keeps them crispy.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Fry in batches; overcrowding the pan can cause the temperature to drop, resulting in greasy shrimp.
• Customize Your Heat: Adjust the amount of sriracha in the mayonnaise sauce based on your spice preference; start small and add more if desired.
• Make-Ahead Sauce: You can prepare the spicy mayonnaise sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, saving time on the day of serving.
Dynamite Shrimp Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for fresh, shelled, and deveined shrimp with a slightly translucent pink color. Avoid shrimp with dark spots or unpleasant odors; these are signs they may not be fresh. For convenience, you can also choose frozen shrimp, just ensure they’re fully thawed before cooking.
What is the best way to store leftover Dynamite Shrimp?
To keep your Dynamite Shrimp fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps retain their crispy texture!
Can I freeze leftover uncooked shrimp from this recipe?
Yes, you can! If you have uncoated, cooked shrimp left over, they can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What if my shrimp doesn’t come out crispy?
Very! If you find your shrimp aren’t as crispy as you’d like, here are a few troubleshooting tips: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying (around 350°F) and fry in small batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature. Additionally, ensure that the shrimp is well-coated in the dredging mixture! If you fry them fresh, they should have that crunch you crave.
Is there a vegan substitute for this Dynamite Shrimp recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap out the shrimp for cauliflower florets or tofu and follow the same seasoning and frying process. Use a flax egg in place of the traditional egg for binding, and opt for vegan mayonnaise in the sauce. This way, you can enjoy the savory flavors while keeping it plant-based!
Can I make the spicy mayonnaise sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can! I recommend preparing the sauce in advance and storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and saves time when you’re ready to whip up your Dynamite Shrimp!
Dynamite Shrimp Delight with Spicy Mayo in Just 20 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, honey, and tomato ketchup. Stir until well combined and set aside.
- Season the Shrimp: In a separate bowl, combine shrimp with red chili powder, salt, smoked paprika, soy sauce, and egg. Let marinate for about 5 minutes.
- Make the Dredging Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornflour, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Fry the Shrimp: Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Fry for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Coat the Shrimp: Toss fried shrimp in the prepared spicy mayonnaise sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve: Layer fresh lettuce in a serving bowl, add coated shrimp on top, and garnish with chopped spring onions and sesame seeds.
