If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and crispy textures, this Dynamite Shrimp Recipe is definitely going to become one of your all-time favorites. Juicy, tender shrimp get marinated in buttermilk, fried to golden perfection, and then generously coated with a creamy, spicy sauce that has just the right amount of zing from sriracha and a hint of sweetness from honey. It’s that perfect balance of heat, tang, and crunch that keeps you reaching for more. Whether you’re whipping this up for a casual night in or impressing guests with an addictive appetizer, this Dynamite Shrimp Recipe delivers pure joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in building the irresistible flavor and texture that define this dish. From the tender shrimp to the crispy coating and the creamy sauce, these simple kitchen staples come together to create magic.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the dish, fresh or thawed, for maximum juiciness and flavor.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: Tenderizes the shrimp and adds a subtle tang that complements the spicy sauce.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Provides a light base for the crispy coating.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: Adds extra crunch and ensures the coating is perfectly crispy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick that warms up the palate.
- Oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point for that perfect golden crust.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base of the signature dynamite sauce.
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce: Brings heat and depth to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Balances the spice with sweetness for a harmonious flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Adds bright acidity that cuts through the richness.
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce: Introduces a subtle umami boost.
- Chopped green onions: Fresh garnish that adds a mild onion crunch and vibrant color.
- Sesame seeds: Toasted for a nutty flavor and a lovely finishing touch.
How to Make Dynamite Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Start by soaking your peeled and deveined shrimp in buttermilk for about 15 to 20 minutes. This step is crucial because the buttermilk tenderizes the shrimp, making them juicy and flavorful once fried. Plus, it helps the coating stick better, giving you that beautiful crispy texture you want.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating Mix
While the shrimp are marinating, mix the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This combination ensures the coating is light yet perfectly crunchy. The cornstarch especially keeps the exterior crisp without weighing down the shrimp.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour enough oil into a deep skillet or fryer and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Maintaining the right temperature is key to getting the shrimp golden and crispy without absorbing too much oil, which keeps the dish light and delicious.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, then dredge each piece in the flour and cornstarch mixture. Fry the shrimp in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until they’re a gorgeous golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside. Drain on paper towels to remove extra oil and keep them deliciously crunchy.
Step 5: Whip Up the Dynamite Sauce
While your shrimp cool slightly, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, honey, lime juice, and soy sauce in a bowl until the sauce is perfectly smooth and creamy. This sauce is what truly defines the Dynamite Shrimp Recipe, drawing everything together with its bold, creamy, and spicy notes.
Step 6: Toss the Shrimp in Sauce
Place the fried shrimp in a large bowl and gently toss them with the dynamite sauce, making sure each piece is gloriously coated. This step transforms the crispy shrimp into an addictive dish that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for a pop of color, freshness, and subtle crunch. Serve immediately while the shrimp are still perfectly crispy and coated with that irresistible sauce.
How to Serve Dynamite Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions and toasted sesame seeds aren’t just decoration—they add a fresh, aromatic element and a nutty crunch that complement the shrimp beautifully. You can also try a squeeze of fresh lime or thin slices of chili for an extra kick and vibrant presentation.
Side Dishes
Dynamite Shrimp shines as an appetizer or main dish. For a complete meal, serve it over steamed jasmine rice or alongside a light cucumber salad. The crisp textures and tangy sauce pair wonderfully with simple, refreshing sides that balance out the spice and richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to elevate your Dynamite Shrimp Recipe for a party or dinner? Try serving the shrimp in crispy wonton cups or atop a bed of avocado slices for a modern, finger-food twist. You could also layer them on top of a leafy green salad with a drizzle of extra sauce to turn it into a vibrant entrée.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Dynamite Shrimp leftovers, store them separately from the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the fried shrimp and the sauce apart to prevent sogginess, and they’ll stay fresh for about 2 days.
Freezing
Freezing cooked Dynamite Shrimp is not recommended as the crispy coating tends to lose its texture when thawed and reheated. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh for optimal crunch and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to regain some crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess. Add fresh sauce or toss the shrimp in the dynamite sauce after warming for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Dynamite Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating and frying. This helps maintain the perfect texture and allows the coating to stick well.
Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of sriracha in the sauce or swap it for a milder hot sauce or smoked paprika. The dish will still have a lovely depth of flavor without overwhelming heat.
Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?
While frying is the best way to get that signature crispy crunch in the Dynamite Shrimp Recipe, baking is an option for a lighter dish. Coat the shrimp as usual and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until crispy, though the texture will be slightly different.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar into 1/2 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes. This homemade version works great to tenderize the shrimp just like regular buttermilk.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The dynamite sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before tossing with the shrimp, and it’ll taste just as fresh and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a dish that’s equally exciting and comforting, this Dynamite Shrimp Recipe is your answer. With its crispy shrimp, luscious spicy sauce, and simple yet thoughtful ingredients, it’s a foolproof way to bring fun and flavor to your table. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how addictive this delightful dish can be!
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Dynamite Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Dynamite Shrimp recipe offers crispy, golden fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce made with sriracha, mayonnaise, honey, lime juice, and soy sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or a flavorful main dish over rice or salad, this dish brings a delightful combination of textures and bold flavors 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
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 Coating: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper to create a crispy coating mixture.
- Heat Oil: Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it is hot enough for frying to achieve the perfect crispiness.
- Fry the Shrimp: Remove shrimp from the buttermilk, dredge them thoroughly in the flour and cornstarch mixture, then fry in batches for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain the fried shrimp 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 smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Dish: Toss the crispy fried shrimp with the prepared spicy sauce in a large bowl, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the coated shrimp for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve: Serve immediately as an appetizer or enjoy over rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the amount of sriracha sauce in the sauce mixture.
- Ensure the oil temperature is stable at 350°F for optimal crispiness without greasy shrimp.
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- If you prefer, you can substitute mayonnaise with a vegan alternative to make this dish vegan.
- Leftover shrimp should be eaten promptly as they lose their crispiness.
