Dynamite Shrimp – This crispy, spicy, and creamy appetizer is a crowd favorite in many Asian-fusion restaurants with shrimp coated in a crispy batter, tossed in a spicy mayo sauce that’s just the right balance of heat and tang, and finished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions.
What is Dynamite Shrimp?
Dynamite Shrimp is a delicious seafood appetizer that originated from Asian-inspired cuisine, often served in restaurants like P.F. Chang’s. It features crispy shrimp coated in a creamy, spicy mayonnaise-based sauce, typically served in small bowls or on platters, making it perfect for sharing. The explosion of flavors — from the crispiness of the shrimp to the kick of spice in the sauce — makes this dish a true hit at any gathering.
Ingredients for Dynamite Shrimp
Here’s a breakdown of the essential ingredients you’ll need for making Dynamite Shrimp:
For the Shrimp:
- Shrimp: Medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Opt for fresh or frozen, but ensure they are thawed and dried before cooking.
- Cornstarch: Essential for getting that crispy, golden coating on the shrimp.
- Flour: Combines with cornstarch to give the shrimp its light, crispy texture.
- Egg: Helps the flour and cornstarch mixture adhere to the shrimp.
- Salt & Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the flavor.
For the Dynamite Sauce:
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the sauce. Japanese mayo like Kewpie is ideal for a richer, slightly tangy flavor.
- Sriracha: Adds a fiery kick. Adjust to your spice preference.
- Honey: Balances out the spiciness with a touch of sweetness.
- Lemon Juice: Provides a burst of acidity to brighten the flavors.
- Soy Sauce (optional): Adds umami depth to the sauce.
Garnish:
Chili flakes (optional): For an extra kick if you like things spicy!
Green onions: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor.
Sesame seeds: For a subtle nutty crunch.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Dynamite Shrimp
- Dry the shrimp well before coating. Moist shrimp can lead to a soggy texture, which is not ideal for frying.
- Use a thermometer to ensure your oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F). Too hot, and the shrimp will burn before they cook through; too cold, and they’ll be greasy.
- Toss the shrimp in the sauce just before serving to maintain their crispiness. If the shrimp sit in the sauce too long, they’ll soften.
- Make extra sauce! This creamy, spicy sauce is incredibly addictive and pairs well with other dishes like fries, chicken tenders, or even vegetables.
Variations of Dynamite Shrimp
While the classic Dynamite Shrimp recipe is hard to beat, there are some fun variations you can try depending on your taste:
Gluten-Free Dynamite Shrimp: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your cornstarch is gluten-free.
Dynamite Chicken: Swap out shrimp for bite-sized pieces of chicken breast or thigh. Follow the same method for coating and frying.
Dynamite Tofu: For a vegetarian version, use firm tofu instead of shrimp. Be sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before frying.
Baked Dynamite Shrimp: If you want a lighter version, you can bake the coated shrimp in the oven at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How to Serve Dynamite Shrimp
Dynamite Shrimp can be served in a variety of ways:
- As an appetizer: Serve it in a small bowl with toothpicks for a shareable starter.
- On a bed of lettuce: For a restaurant-style presentation, layer the shrimp over crispy romaine or iceberg lettuce.
- In tacos: Stuff the shrimp into soft tortillas with slaw for a fun twist on tacos.
- Over rice: Serve the shrimp over steamed rice with a drizzle of extra sauce for a more filling meal.
How to Store Dynamite Shrimp
If you have leftovers (which might be rare because they’re so delicious!), here’s how to store them:
- In the refrigerator: Place the shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to re-crisp.
- Freezing: It’s best not to freeze the shrimp after they’ve been sauced, as the sauce can separate upon thawing. If you want to freeze the shrimp, do so after frying but before tossing them in the sauce. Reheat in the oven and toss in fresh sauce when ready to serve.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make Dynamite Shrimp ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the shrimp by frying them a few hours ahead of time. Keep them warm in an oven set to low heat (around 200°F). Toss them in the sauce just before serving.
What can I use if I don’t have Sriracha?
If you don’t have Sriracha, you can substitute it with another hot sauce, like Cholula or Tabasco. Adjust the quantity to your taste preference, as some hot sauces are spicier than others.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry to avoid any excess moisture before frying.
Why is my shrimp not crispy?
The most common culprit is the temperature of the oil. Ensure the oil is hot enough (350°F), and avoid overcrowding the pan. Also, make sure the shrimp are dry before coating them.
Dynamite Shrimp
Dynamite Shrimp - This crispy, spicy, and creamy appetizer is a crowd favorite in many Asian-fusion restaurants with shrimp coated in a crispy batter, tossed in a spicy mayo sauce that’s just the right balance of heat and tang, and finished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, deveined and shells removed (21-25 count)
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder
- 3/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 1/2 cups cold club soda
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- Canola oil for frying
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 cup mayonnaise
Instructions
- Prepare for frying: Heat a pot of canola oil to 375°F, ensuring it’s at least 3 inches deep to submerge the shrimp fully.
- Coat the shrimp: In a bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and white pepper. Dredge the shrimp in the dry mix, shaking off any excess.
- Make the batter: Whisk cold club soda into the flour mixture until smooth. Dip each shrimp in the batter, then fry immediately for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Toss in sauce: While the shrimp are frying, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, and sriracha to make the spicy sauce. Once the shrimp are done, toss them in the sauce until well-coated.
Conclusion
Dynamite Shrimp is a perfect blend of crunchy, creamy, spicy, and tangy that makes it a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a restaurant-quality appetizer at home, this easy-to-follow recipe will deliver every time. With the tips, tricks, and variations mentioned above, you can even put your own spin on this classic dish.
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