Sarah BrownDynamite shrimp is a captivating dish that brings a burst of flavor to any meal. Before we dive deep, let’s explore what you can serve alongside these plump, crispy shrimp. Here are some crowd-pleasing options:
Chilled Green Salad: A refreshing mix of greens, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette adds a crisp contrast.
Steamed Rice or Fried Rice: Both options provide a hearty base that soaks up that incredible sauce.
Grilled Veggies: Charred vegetables add smoky flavors and a satisfying crunch.
Asian Noodle Salad: This dish complements the shrimp’s spiciness with its cool, crunchy noodles.
Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety, like sweet chili sauce or spicy mayo, to elevate the dipping experience.
Now, let’s embark on a flavorful journey into the world of dynamite shrimp!
Hey there! Have you ever found yourself salivating over the crunchy, spicy goodness of dynamite shrimp? If you haven’t, sit tight. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Picture it: succulent shrimp cloaked in a tantalizingly spicy, creamy sauce, perfect for appetizers, snacks, or even a simple dinner. With its rich flavors and delightful crunch, it’s no wonder that dynamite shrimp has exploded in popularity.
Personally, I remember the first time I tasted dynamite shrimp at a lively Asian fusion restaurant. The blend of textures and flavors was nothing short of a revelation. Since then, I’ve learned to make it at home, and today, I want to share this gem of a recipe with you! You’ll not only be able to prepare it, but you’ll also understand exactly why you’ll fall in love with each bite.
What is Dynamite Shrimp?
At its core, dynamite shrimp is a deep-fried dish featuring shrimp that have been marinated and coated in a crisp batter. The shrimp are then tossed in a creamy sauce, which typically includes sriracha for heat and mayonnaise for creaminess. The result? A dish that dances on your taste buds!
The term “dynamite” in its name isn’t just for show. This dish packs an explosive flavor punch, combining spicy, salty, and sweet elements that harmonize perfectly. Many restaurants serve it as an appetizer, but I say, why not enjoy it anytime?
Why You’ll Love Dynamite Shrimp
Let’s cut to the chase! Here’s why this dish will become a staple in your kitchen.
1. Flavor Explosion: One bite unleashes a symphony of flavors. The creamy sriracha sauce cuts through the crispy texture of the shrimp, creating a balanced dish that is hard to resist.
2. Versatility: Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a solo movie night, dynamite shrimp fits the bill. You can serve it as a standalone dish, part of a feast, or even as a topping on a bed of rice.
3. Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip this up in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
4. Customizable: Adjust the spice level according to your palate. Want more heat? Add more sriracha. Prefer a milder version? Reduce it.
5. Crowd-Pleaser: It tends to impress! Serve it at gatherings, and you’ll likely find it disappearing in no time.
You will also like the following Side Dishes recipes!
The Ingredients You Will Need To Make Dynamite Shrimp
Now let’s gather what we’ll need to create this delightful dish. Here’s the grocery list:
For the Shrimp Marinade:
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 250 g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 small egg
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking oil (for deep frying)
For the Coating:
- ¼ cup cornflour (cornstarch)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
For the Sauce:
- 2 teaspoons honey
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2-3 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- ½ teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1½ tablespoons tomato ketchup
For Garnish:
- White sesame seeds
- Lettuce leaves
- Spring onions or chives, finely chopped
- Black sesame seeds
It might seem like a lot at first, but trust me, the flavors are worth every ingredient!
Directions
Ready to bring the magic of dynamite shrimp into your kitchen? Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Start by placing the peeled and deveined shrimp into a bowl. Add the soy sauce, egg, smoked paprika, red chili powder, salt, lemon juice, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure every shrimp is coated evenly. Let this sit for about 15-20 minutes. This step allows the flavors to really sink in.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
While the shrimp is marinating, in another bowl, mix together the cornflour, all-purpose flour, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. This coating will give the shrimp that golden crunch when fried.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
In a deep frying pan, heat enough oil for deep frying. Ensure the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C) before adding the shrimp. A good trick is to drop a small amount of batter into the oil; if it sizzles and rises, you’re ready.
Step 4: Coat and Fry the Shrimp
Take the marinated shrimp and one by one, coat them in the flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour. Carefully place them in the hot oil, frying in batches if necessary to avoid crowding the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy, then remove them using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Mix the Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine honey, mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, rice vinegar, and ketchup. Stir until well combined. This creamy sauce is what makes the dish truly “dynamite.”
Step 6: Toss the Shrimp
Once the shrimp are fried and drained, immediately toss them in the sauce. Make sure they are well coated.
Step 7: Plate and Garnish
Serve the dynamite shrimp over fresh lettuce leaves. Sprinkle with white sesame seeds, spring onions, and black sesame seeds for that extra flair.
Notes
Here are some tips to get your dynamite shrimp just right:
1. Choose Fresh Shrimp: The fresher the shrimp, the better the flavor. Look for shrimp that smell briny but not fishy.
2. Adjust the Spiciness: If sriracha is too intense, start with a smaller amount. You can always tweak the sauce to your liking.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry shrimp in small batches. This ensures they cook evenly and get a nice crispy texture.
4. Keep Them Warm: If frying in batches, keep the cooked shrimp warm in a low oven until everything is ready.
5. Serve Immediately: To enjoy the best texture, serve the shrimp right after frying, as they tend to lose their crispness over time.
Storage Tips
If you have any leftovers (though, trust me, you might not!), here’s how to store them:
Store in the Fridge: Place any cooled shrimp in an airtight container. They’ll last for up to 2 days but lose some crunch.
Reheat Carefully: To reheat, use an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes. This helps regain some of the original crispiness.
Nutrition Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutrition profile per serving (approximately four shrimp):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
Keep in mind that nutrition might vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
Serving Suggestions
Wondering what to serve on the side? Here are some great options:
Asian-style slaw: Refreshing and crunchy, it complements the shrimp’s texture beautifully.
Brown rice: Adds a wholesome base that is both filling and satisfying.
Mango Salsa: A vibrant and sweet addition that contrasts the spicy shrimp.
Pickles: Adds a tangy crunch, balancing the richness of the shrimp.
Chili Garlic Noodles: An excellent choice for those looking to up the spice level with a side dish.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Dynamite Shrimp?
Feeling adventurous? Here are substitutes you can consider:
Tofu: For a vegetarian twist, use firm tofu. Press it to remove excess moisture, then follow the same marinating and frying process.
Chicken: Chicken tenders or strips can easily replace shrimp. Adjust cooking time as chicken will take longer to fry.
Cauliflower: For a low-carb option, try battered cauliflower florets for a plant-based version.
Fish: Any white fish, such as cod or tilapia, can work well in this dish.
Crab: Use crab meat instead of shrimp for a luxurious variation.
Dynamite Shrimp
Equipment
- Frying pan
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Marinade:
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 250 g shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 small egg
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking oil for deep frying
For the Coating:
- ¼ cup cornflour cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
For the Sauce:
- 2 teaspoons honey
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2-3 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- ½ teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1½ tablespoons tomato ketchup
- For Garnish:
- White sesame seeds
- Lettuce leaves
- Spring onions or chives finely chopped
- Black sesame seeds
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
- Start by placing the peeled and deveined shrimp into a bowl. Add the soy sauce, egg, smoked paprika, red chili powder, salt, lemon juice, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure every shrimp is coated evenly. Let this sit for about 15-20 minutes. This step allows the flavors to really sink in.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
- While the shrimp is marinating, in another bowl, mix together the cornflour, all-purpose flour, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. This coating will give the shrimp that golden crunch when fried.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
- In a deep frying pan, heat enough oil for deep frying. Ensure the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C) before adding the shrimp. A good trick is to drop a small amount of batter into the oil; if it sizzles and rises, you’re ready.
Step 4: Coat and Fry the Shrimp
- Take the marinated shrimp and one by one, coat them in the flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour. Carefully place them in the hot oil, frying in batches if necessary to avoid crowding the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy, then remove them using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Mix the Sauce
- In a separate bowl, combine honey, mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, rice vinegar, and ketchup. Stir until well combined. This creamy sauce is what makes the dish truly “dynamite.”
Step 6: Toss the Shrimp
- Once the shrimp are fried and drained, immediately toss them in the sauce. Make sure they are well coated.
Step 7: Plate and Garnish
- Serve the dynamite shrimp over fresh lettuce leaves. Sprinkle with white sesame seeds, spring onions, and black sesame seeds for that extra flair.
Notes
- Choose Fresh Shrimp: The fresher the shrimp, the better the flavor. Look for shrimp that smell briny but not fishy.
- Adjust the Spiciness: If sriracha is too intense, start with a smaller amount. You can always tweak the sauce to your liking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry shrimp in small batches. This ensures they cook evenly and get a nice crispy texture.
- Keep Them Warm: If frying in batches, keep the cooked shrimp warm in a low oven until everything is ready.
- Serve Immediately: To enjoy the best texture, serve the shrimp right after frying, as they tend to lose their crispness over time.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I bake dynamite shrimp instead of frying?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the coated shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
2. Do I need to use a specific type of shrimp?
While large shrimp are recommended for texture, feel free to use medium or even smaller shrimp as long as you adjust cooking times accordingly.
3. What can I do with leftover sauce?
That sauce is versatile! Use it as a dip for vegetables or grilled chicken, or even as a dressing for salads.
4. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour for coating and ensure your sauces are gluten-free.
5. What can I serve for a drink pairing?
A crisp lager or a sweet iced tea can enhance the experience. For non-alcoholic options, consider sparkling water with a slice of lime.
6. Is dynamite shrimp spicy?
It has a zesty kick from the sriracha, but you can adjust the spice level to your preference by varying the amount.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve journeyed through the world of dynamite shrimp, you should feel ready to make this dish the star of your next meal. The explosion of flavors, the enticing crunch, and the creamy dressing ensure it’s hard to resist. Whether it’s for a quiet night in or a lavish gathering, this dish always impresses. So gather your ingredients, unleash your culinary creativity, and enjoy every delightful bite of this easy-to-make dynamite shrimp. Your friends (and your taste buds) will thank you! Happy cooking!
