Name: Easy Firecracker Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined); ½ cup cornstarch; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil); ⅓ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot or similar); 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred); 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; Sliced green onions; Sesame seeds

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Crispy, juicy shrimp tossed in a bold, sticky, sweet and spicy sauce this Easy Firecracker Shrimp Recipe is the kind of dinner that wakes up your taste buds in the best way possible.

Imagine golden shrimp with a light crispy coating, glazed in a glossy firecracker sauce made with garlic, brown sugar, hot sauce, and a hint of tangy vinegar. The first bite is sweet, the second brings the heat, and by the third you’re completely hooked. It’s crunchy on the outside, tender and succulent on the inside, and coated in a sauce that clings perfectly to every piece.

This dish tastes like something you’d order at a trendy Asian fusion restaurant, but it comes together in under 30 minutes at home. It’s vibrant, colorful, and absolutely Pinterest worthy perfect for weeknight dinners, game day appetizers, or when you’re craving something bold and exciting.

If you love big flavor with minimal effort, this firecracker shrimp recipe is about to become your new obsession.

Firecracker Shrimp

What Is Firecracker Shrimp?

Firecracker shrimp is a popular sweet and spicy shrimp dish known for its crispy texture and bold sauce. It’s inspired by Asian American cuisine and often appears on restaurant menus as an appetizer or signature entrée.

What makes it special is the sauce: a perfect balance of sweetness, heat, garlic, and tanginess. The shrimp are typically lightly battered or coated in cornstarch before being pan fried or air fried, creating a crispy exterior that holds onto the sauce beautifully.

This easy version skips complicated steps while keeping all the bold, addictive flavor. You get restaurant-quality results without deep frying or fancy ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in 30 minutes – Perfect for busy weeknights.
Better than takeout – Fresh, flavorful, and customizable.
Sweet + spicy balance – Adjustable heat level.
Crispy and saucy – The ultimate texture combination.
Versatile – Serve as an appetizer, rice bowl, tacos, or lettuce wraps.

How This Recipe Works

Cornstarch coating: Creates a light, crispy crust without heavy batter.
High-heat cooking: Seals in moisture and keeps shrimp juicy.
Balanced sauce ratio: Brown sugar + hot sauce + soy sauce creates depth and stickiness.
Quick simmer: Thickens the sauce just enough to coat without becoming too heavy.

Ingredients for Easy Firecracker Shrimp Recipe including shrimp, hot sauce, and garlic — Simple pantry ingredients come together for this Easy Firecracker Shrimp Recipe!

Ingredients (With Measurements & Substitutions)

For the Shrimp

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
½ cup cornstarch
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)

For the Firecracker Sauce

⅓ cup brown sugar
¼ cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot or similar)
2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon sesame oil

Garnish

Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds

Substitutions & Notes

Less spicy: Reduce hot sauce to 2 tablespoons.
Extra spicy: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha.
Gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Air fryer option: Spray shrimp lightly with oil and air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes.

Close-up of crispy shrimp from Easy Firecracker Shrimp Recipe with sesame seeds — Look at that sticky, spicy glaze on this Easy Firecracker Shrimp Recipe!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Coat with Cornstarch

Place cornstarch in a shallow bowl and dredge shrimp until evenly coated. Shake off excess.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and lightly golden. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in brown sugar, hot sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Toss and Glaze

Return shrimp to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the glossy firecracker sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Tips & Flavor Variations

Add steamed broccoli or snap peas for a complete one pan meal.
Turn into Firecracker Shrimp Tacos with slaw and lime crema.
Serve over jasmine rice for a spicy shrimp bowl.
Make it creamy by stirring in 1 tablespoon mayo for a bang bang style sauce.
Try grilling the shrimp instead of pan frying for a smoky twist.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing

Make-Ahead

You can prepare the sauce up to 3 days in advance and store in the fridge.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain texture. Microwave works but may soften crispiness.

Freezing

Shrimp can be frozen cooked, but texture may change slightly upon reheating. Best enjoyed fresh.

Easy Firecracker Shrimp Recipe served over rice with vegetables — Serve this Easy Firecracker Shrimp Recipe over rice for the ultimate weeknight dinner!

Serving Suggestions

Firecracker shrimp pairs beautifully with:

Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
Garlic noodles
Fried rice
Asian cucumber salad
Lettuce wraps
Stir fried vegetables

For entertaining, serve as skewers with toothpicks for a party appetizer.

Nutritional Notes (Approximate Per Serving)

Calories: 290–330
Protein: 24–28g
Fat: 9–12g
Carbohydrates: 28–32g
Sugar: 18–20g

Values vary depending on sauce adjustments and portion size.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking shrimp: They cook quickly — 2–3 minutes per side is enough.
Crowding the pan: Leads to steaming instead of crisping.
Skipping drying step: Wet shrimp won’t crisp properly.
Boiling the sauce too long: It can become too thick or overly sweet.
Adding shrimp too early to sauce: Toss only at the end to preserve texture.

FAQs

Is Firecracker Shrimp very spicy?

It has a noticeable kick, but sweetness balances the heat. You can adjust spice level easily.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before coating.

Can I bake instead of fry?

Yes — bake at 425°F for 10–12 minutes until cooked through.

What’s the difference between bang bang shrimp and firecracker shrimp?

Bang bang shrimp is creamy and mayo-based. Firecracker shrimp is sticky, sweet, and spicy.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely cook shrimp in batches to maintain crispiness.

Conclusion

This Easy Firecracker Shrimp Recipe delivers bold, sweet-and-spicy flavor in under 30 minutes. It’s crispy, saucy, and incredibly satisfying — perfect for weeknights, entertaining, or when you want something that feels restaurant-quality without the hassle.

With its glossy sauce, vibrant garnish, and irresistible flavor, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

If you love easy APPETIZERS like Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Smokies or Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers, this recipe belongs in your regular rotation.

Save this Easy Firecracker Shrimp Recipe for your next spicy craving — it’s sweet, sticky, crispy, and better than takeout! 🔥🍤

Easy Firecracker Shrimp Recipe

This Easy Firecracker Shrimp is crispy, juicy, and tossed in a bold sweet-and-spicy sauce with the perfect kick of heat. Quick to make and bursting with flavor, it’s a restaurant-style appetizer or dinner that’s ready in minutes.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 360 kcal