Name: Dynamite Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Vegetable oil for frying; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sriracha; 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce; 1 teaspoon honey; 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional); Pinch of garlic powder

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Dynamite Shrimp is the kind of dish that makes any meal feel instantly special: plump, crispy shrimp tossed in a creamy, fiery sauce that’s as irresistible as it is easy to whip up. If you’ve ever craved that restaurant-style crunch and punchy flavor at home, you’re in for a treat! This recipe brings together a few everyday ingredients for a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course that’s absolutely bursting with color, texture, and zing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how such simple ingredients can transform into something so addictive! Each one serves a real purpose, whether it’s creating a crispy coating, delivering mouthwatering heat, or adding a hint of sweetness to your Dynamite Shrimp. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some helpful tips to get the most out of every element:

Shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): Large, fresh shrimp work best for their sweet taste and satisfying bite.
Buttermilk (1/2 cup): Soaks the shrimp for extra tenderness and helps the coating stick.
Cornstarch (1/2 cup): Essential for achieving that shatteringly crisp crust.
All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Lightens the batter and balances the cornstarch for perfectly textured coating.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances every flavor and seasons the shrimp throughout.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle heat and depth to the breading.
Vegetable oil: Neutral flavor and high smoke point make it ideal for shallow or deep frying.
Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The creamy backbone of that luscious dynamite sauce.
Sriracha (2 tablespoons): Brings punchy heat and a garlicky kick.
Sweet chili sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a sticky, sweet edge to tame the spice.
Honey (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors with a touch of floral sweetness.
Rice vinegar (1 teaspoon, optional): Brightens and cuts through the richness for perfect balance.
Garlic powder (pinch): Tiny but mighty, just enough for savory depth.

How to Make Dynamite Shrimp

Step 1: Mix Up the Dynamite Sauce

Start by making the absolute star of the show: the dynamite sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha, sweet chili sauce, honey, rice vinegar (if using), and a pinch of garlic powder. Give it a taste and adjust the sriracha to find your perfect spice level. Pop the bowl into the fridge to chill while you move on to the shrimp—this will let all the flavors mingle and develop extra oomph!

Step 2: Coat the Shrimp

In a new bowl, stir together the cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper. Pour the buttermilk over your peeled and deveined shrimp, tossing them gently to make sure every piece is thoroughly coated. Now, one by one, dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, pressing lightly so the coating sticks snugly and gives you that signature crisp with every bite.

Step 3: Fry to Crispy Perfection

Grab your deepest skillet or a sturdy pot and fill it with about two inches of vegetable oil. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (use a kitchen thermometer for best accuracy). Fry the shrimp in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan—about 2 to 3 minutes per side should do it, until they’re beautifully golden and crunchy. Set each finished batch on a paper towel-lined plate to drain away any excess oil.

Step 4: Toss in Dynamite Sauce

While the shrimp are still piping hot, gently toss them in your chilled dynamite sauce. The residual heat helps the sauce cling to the crispy coating, resulting in that glossy, craveable finish. Work in batches if you need, and don’t worry if you get a little messy—half the fun is licking that dynamite sauce off your fingers!

How to Serve Dynamite Shrimp

Garnishes

To really make your Dynamite Shrimp pop (both visually and flavor-wise), sprinkle over a little chopped green onion or a handful of toasted sesame seeds. Not only do these garnishes add color and crunch, but they also accentuate the Asian-inspired flair of the dish. If you’re feeling zingy, a squeeze of fresh lime will brighten up each bite even more!

Side Dishes

There are so many creative ways to build out your Dynamite Shrimp meal. Serve it piled high over a mound of steamed white rice to make those saucy bites truly shine, or wrap it up in crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh, hand-held appetizer. For a full dinner spread, pair with simple sides like sautéed bok choy or ginger-garlic noodles to keep the focus on the shrimp.

Creative Ways to Present

Dynamite Shrimp is a total showstopper for parties and gatherings. Try filling small cups with a bed of shredded lettuce and topping with a few saucy shrimp for easy bite-sized starters. Or, skewer the shrimp and drizzle extra sauce over the top for a fun twist on cocktail shrimp. However you serve it, those vibrant colors and bold flavors will always steal the spotlight!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Dynamite Shrimp (though odds are slim!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The coating will soften a bit after chilling, but the shrimp will keep their flavor for up to two days. For best results, store the sauced shrimp and any extra sauce separately so you can reheat without the coating getting soggy.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the breaded (but not yet sauced) cooked shrimp. Allow them to cool completely, then arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep their quality for up to a month. To enjoy later, simply reheat from frozen and toss in fresh sauce.

Reheating

To revive leftover Dynamite Shrimp, spread them out on a baking sheet and reheat in a hot oven (400°F) or air fryer for 4-6 minutes until crisp. If you’ve stored them without sauce, toss in fresh dynamite sauce just before serving. If already sauced, gently reheat to avoid drying out the shrimp and enjoy as soon as possible.

FAQs

Can I make Dynamite Shrimp less spicy?

Absolutely! It’s easy to dial back the heat by reducing the amount of sriracha in the dynamite sauce or leaving out the extra chili entirely. You can also add a little more mayonnaise or honey for a milder, creamier experience.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp work beautifully for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before coating, so you get the crispiest possible crust on your Dynamite Shrimp.

Is it possible to bake or air fry instead of deep frying?

Definitely! For a lighter version of Dynamite Shrimp, you can bake in a 425°F oven for 12–15 minutes, or air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes. You’ll still get delicious crunch without as much oil.

Can I prepare the dynamite sauce ahead of time?

Yes, in fact, making the sauce ahead allows the flavors to deepen and meld together. Store it in the fridge for up to three days in a sealed container and give it a good stir before using.

What can I do with leftover dynamite sauce?

Leftover dynamite sauce is absolutely delicious drizzled over grilled chicken, roasted veggies, or even as a zippy spread for sandwiches and wraps. Keep it handy for adding a little extra magic to just about anything!

Final Thoughts

You’ll be amazed at just how easy it is to whip up restaurant-style Dynamite Shrimp right in your own kitchen. With their crunchy coating and that signature spicy-creamy sauce, these shrimp are true crowd-pleasers you’ll want to make again and again. Dive in, get a little messy, and share the love—your friends and family will be begging for your secret!

Dynamite Shrimp Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Dynamite Shrimp are crispy, spicy, and utterly delicious. Coated in a creamy, tangy sauce, they make a perfect appetizer or main course.

Ingredients

Scale

For the shrimp:

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable oil for frying

For the dynamite sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sriracha
1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional)
Pinch of garlic powder

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Instructions

Prepare the dynamite sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, sweet chili sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder. Adjust heat to taste. Chill while preparing shrimp.
Coat the shrimp: Toss shrimp in buttermilk, then dredge in a mixture of cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper.
Fry the shrimp: Heat oil to 350°F, fry shrimp in batches until golden and crispy.
Toss in sauce: Coat hot shrimp in dynamite sauce. Serve garnished with green onions or sesame seeds.