Dynamite Shrimp Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and crispy textures, the Dynamite Shrimp Recipe is here to delight your taste buds and impress your friends. This vibrant dish takes succulent shrimp and dresses them in a crunchy coating, then tosses them in a creamy, spicy sauce that perfectly balances heat, sweetness, and tanginess. Whether you’re making it as an appetizer for your next party or a fun weeknight dinner, it’s incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to nail at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Dynamite Shrimp Recipe calls for a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that work in harmony to create layers of flavor and texture. Each element, from the crispy coating to the tangy sauce, plays a crucial role in making this dish irresistibly tasty and visually appealing.
- Large shrimp: Peeled and deveined, the star of the dish providing a tender bite and a fresh seafood flavor.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the shrimp while adding a slight tang that enhances flavor absorption.
- All-purpose flour: Forms part of the crispy coating that locks in juiciness and crunch.
- Cornstarch: Mixed with flour to boost the crispiness of the fried shrimp.
- Salt and black pepper: The basic seasoning duo that amplifies the natural flavors.
- Oil for frying: Necessary for achieving the golden, crunchy exterior.
- Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for the spicy sauce, balancing the heat.
- Sriracha sauce: Adds a bold kick with just the right amount of heat and tang.
- Honey: Brings in a touch of sweetness to tame the spice.
- Lime juice: Infuses a fresh, zesty brightness that lifts the whole dish.
- Soy sauce: Provides umami depth that complements the shrimp perfectly.
- Chopped green onions: Adds a fresh, herbaceous crunch as a garnish.
- Sesame seeds: Sprinkle on top for a subtle nutty flavor and decorative touch.
How to Make Dynamite Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by marinating the peeled and deveined shrimp in buttermilk for about 15 to 20 minutes. This simple step not only tenderizes the shrimp but also helps the coating stick better during frying, making every bite perfectly crisp.
Step 2: Make the Coating
While the shrimp soaks, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl. This combination is your secret weapon for that irresistible crunchy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender shrimp inside.
Step 3: Fry the Shrimp
Heat your oil in a deep skillet or fryer to about 350°F (175°C). Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, dredge them thoroughly in the flour mixture, and fry in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels to keep them from getting greasy.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Sauce
While the shrimp fries, prepare the famous dynamite sauce by whisking mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, honey, lime juice, and soy sauce together until smooth. This sauce is the heart of the Dynamite Shrimp Recipe, providing a luxurious, creamy coating with just the right amount of sweet heat.
Step 5: Toss and Combine
Place the fried shrimp in a large bowl and toss everything gently but thoroughly in the spicy sauce until each shrimp is evenly coated. This ensures every bite delivers that signature dynamite flavor explosion.
Step 6: Final Touches
Finish off your Dynamite Shrimp Recipe by garnishing with plenty of chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This adds a vibrant pop of color and an extra layer of crunch that’s essential for a perfect presentation.
How to Serve Dynamite Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions and sesame seeds aren’t just for looks here; they bring a freshness and nuttiness that complement the rich, spicy shrimp beautifully. Feel free to add a squeeze of fresh lime or some thinly sliced red chili for an extra kick if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when paired with simple sides. Steamed jasmine rice or fragrant coconut rice balances out the heat, while a crisp green salad or pickled vegetables add a refreshing contrast. You can even serve it alongside a light cucumber salad to keep flavors bright and lively.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Dynamite Shrimp Recipe in crunchy lettuce cups or atop a pile of soba noodles. It also works great as a filling in soft tacos with avocado and cilantro, or arranged on a platter for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover dynamite shrimp, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep the shrimp as crispy as possible, keep the sauce separate and toss just before serving again.
Freezing
While the fried shrimp can be frozen, it’s best to do so before tossing in the sauce. Freeze the cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat carefully to maintain texture.
Reheating
To reheat your leftover Dynamite Shrimp Recipe without losing its crunch, place the shrimp on a baking sheet and warm them up in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it often makes fried food soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before marinating to avoid excess moisture that can interfere with the coating crispiness.
What is the best oil to use for frying?
Neutral oils with high smoke points like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are perfect. They ensure the shrimp cooks evenly and crisps up nicely without any overpowering flavors.
Is the Dynamite Shrimp Recipe very spicy?
The level of heat mostly comes from the sriracha sauce, so you can easily adjust the spice by adding more honey or reducing the sriracha if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the spicy mayo sauce holds up well in the fridge for a few days. Just give it a quick stir before tossing with freshly fried shrimp for the best taste.
What can I substitute if I don’t have buttermilk?
Mix ½ cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar, let it sit for 5 minutes, and you have a quick buttermilk substitute that works great for marinating the shrimp.
Final Thoughts
This Dynamite Shrimp Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a celebration in every bite. It’s fresh, flavorful, and so much fun to make and share. Give it a try the next time you want to wow your family or friends with something a little different but totally delicious. Trust me, it’s going to become one of your new favorites!
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Dynamite Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Dynamite Shrimp recipe features crispy, fried shrimp coated in a tangy, spicy, and creamy sauce made from mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and soy sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or served over rice or salad, this dish combines bold flavors with a satisfying crunch in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil preferred)
Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
Garnish
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Marinate the peeled and deveined shrimp in buttermilk for 15 to 20 minutes to tenderize and add moisture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper to create the coating mixture.
- Heat Oil: Preheat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C), ensuring enough oil to deep fry the shrimp evenly.
- Fry the Shrimp: Remove shrimp from the buttermilk marinade, dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture, and carefully fry the shrimp in batches for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, honey, lime juice, and soy sauce until the sauce is completely smooth and well blended.
- Assemble the Dish: Toss the crispy fried shrimp with the spicy mayonnaise sauce in a large bowl, coating each shrimp evenly.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the sauced shrimp for a fresh, nutty finish.
- Serve: Serve the Dynamite Shrimp immediately, either as a flavorful appetizer or accompanied by rice or salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature is maintained at 350°F to achieve a crispy exterior without absorbing too much oil.
- Marinating the shrimp in buttermilk helps keep them tender and juicy after frying.
- For extra crunch, double dredge the shrimp by dipping them again in the buttermilk and flour mixture.
- Adjust the sriracha sauce in the sauce to control the heat level to your preference.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the shrimp’s crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
