Spicy Firecracker Shrimp Recipe

Crispy, sweet, spicy, and just the right kick of heat, this Spicy Firecracker Shrimp Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes for busy weeknights or when I want to impress friends without breaking a sweat. Let me show you how simple and rewarding it is to whip this up.

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Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients & Why They Work
• Make It Your Way
• Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Firecracker Shrimp Recipe
• Top Tip
• How to Serve Spicy Firecracker Shrimp Recipe
• Make Ahead and Storage
• Frequently Asked Questions:
• Final Thoughts
• Delicious Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in the Spicy Firecracker Shrimp Recipe plays a key role in building that signature flavor and texture. When combined, they create a harmony of crispy shrimp coated in a sticky, flavorful sauce that packs a punch without overwhelming you.

• Shrimp: I go for large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best texture and ease of eating.
• Flour & Cornstarch: These form the crispy coating—the cornstarch especially helps get that perfect crunch.
• Garlic Powder: Adds cozy, savory depth to both the coating and the sauce.
• Peanut Oil: It fries hot and fast, helping crisp the shrimp perfectly; can sub vegetable or olive oil if needed.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful base for the sauce, keeping it rich without being heavy.
• Buffalo Sauce: This is where the spice comes from; I recommend Frank’s Buffalo Sauce for that classic zing.
• Brown Sugar: Balances the heat with sweetness and helps achieve that sticky sauce texture.
• Apple Cider Vinegar & Soy Sauce: Bring acidity and umami, making the sauce taste layered and complex.
• Mustard and Chili Powder: Add warmth and subtle heat to elevate the flavor profile.
• Red Pepper Flakes, Green Onions, Toasted Sesame Seeds: For garnishes—these add crunch, color, and a fresh bite to finish the dish.
• Rice: I love serving this over fluffy rice to soak up all that amazing sauce.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Spicy Firecracker Shrimp Recipe is that it lends itself so well to your own twists. I often tweak the heat level or swap garnishes depending on what I have on hand or the occasion.

• Heat Level: If you like things hotter, I bump up the chili powder and add extra red pepper flakes—if you don’t, just cut back the buffalo sauce and skip the chili powder.
• Gluten-Free: I’ve switched to rice flour and cornstarch for the coating when cooking for friends with gluten sensitivities, and it works wonderfully.
• Extra Crunch: Sometimes, I add crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs into the coating for an unbeatable crunch.
• Make It a Bowl: Try serving this on a bed of greens or alongside stir-fried veggies for a lighter twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Firecracker Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Sauce Ahead

First up, mix the chicken broth with cornstarch until it’s smooth—make sure the broth is cold so you don’t jumpstart thickening too soon. Then stir in buffalo sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, mustard powder, and chili powder (if you like it spicy). I like to prepare this a little ahead and keep it aside so it’s ready to go once the shrimp is cooked.

Step 2: Coat and Fry the Shrimp

Pat your shrimp dry; moisture is the enemy of crunch here. Toss them in a bag with flour, cornstarch, and garlic powder until they’re well coated. Heat your oil over medium-high heat until it’s hot enough that the shrimp sizzles immediately on contact—this helps form that crispy crust. Fry in batches to avoid crowding and soggy shrimp. Each batch takes about 3 to 4 minutes until golden and crispy on both sides.

Step 3: Finish with the Sauce

After frying, wipe out excess oil from the pan, then pour your prepared sauce in and bring it to a boil. It thickens quickly, so watch closely! Once it’s glossy and thickened, toss the shrimp back in and stir gently to coat. Let it heat through for a minute or two—then you’re ready to plate!

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Serve the shrimp over rice and top with a scattering of red pepper flakes, sliced green onions, and toasted sesame seeds for a pop of freshness and extra texture.

How to Serve Spicy Firecracker Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this shrimp with a mix of thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds – they add freshness and crunch that contrast beautifully with the sticky sauce. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick or a handful of chopped peanuts for texture and nuttiness.

Side Dishes

Serving it over fluffy herb-infused rice is my favorite because it soaks up the sauce and makes the meal complete. For veggies, steamed broccoli or Asian-style slaw with a light dressing balances the heat perfectly. If you want something quick, simple stir-fried greens like bok choy are fantastic.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I’ve tossed the shrimp in a large bowl, sprinkled generously with herbs and sesame seeds, then served it with toothpicks for easy grabbing. It’s also fantastic served as a taco filling with slaw, avocado, and a drizzle of lime crema for a fun twist everyone loves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover spicy firecracker shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember the shrimp will soften a bit as the coating absorbs moisture, so it’s best enjoyed within that timeframe.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this dish because the crispy texture doesn’t hold up well. But if you must, freeze the shrimp and sauce separately. Thaw in the fridge overnight and gently reheat—the texture will be a bit different but still tasty.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming the shrimp gently in a skillet over medium heat, tossing them in the sauce to recoat. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to make the shrimp rubbery and the coating soggy.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Firecracker Shrimp Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s always a hit yet so easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a group, this dish delivers fuss-free excitement and flavors that dance on your tongue. Give it a try—once you do, I bet it’ll become a regular too!

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