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.
Ingredients
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
Instructions
Sliced green onionsSesame seeds
- 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.
Video
Notes
📝 Notes
- Use large, peeled and deveined shrimp for the best texture and presentation.
- Pat shrimp dry before cooking to help them sear properly.
- Adjust the heat level by increasing or reducing hot sauce and red pepper flakes.
- Honey or brown sugar balances the spicy firecracker sauce.
- Cook shrimp just until pink and opaque to avoid overcooking.
- Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor.
- Serve over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently to prevent rubbery shrimp.
🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 360 kcal |Carbohydrates: 24 g |
Fiber: 1 g |
Sugars: 16 g |
Protein: 32 g |
Fat: 14 g |
Saturated Fat: 2 g |
Cholesterol: 220 mg |
Sodium: 880 mg |
Potassium: 420 mg |
Calcium: 110 mg |
Iron: 2.8 mg