Firecracker Shrimp – Panda Express (Copycat)

Firecracker Shrimp – This easy panda express firecracker shrimp is is a combination of sweet, tangy and spicy made in less than 20 minutes served over rice perfect on those busy weeknights.

firecracker shrimp

What Makes Firecracker Shrimp So Irresistible?

It’s all about the sauce. That perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy will have you licking your fingers clean. The shrimp get a crispy coating that holds the sauce beautifully, making each bite a flavor explosion. Plus, this dish comes together so quickly, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute meal.

Firecracker Shrimp – Tips

Spice: Start with less Sriracha and taste as you go!

Don’t Crowd the Pan: Fry the shrimp in batches to keep the oil hot and the shrimp crispy.

Fresh is best: Use fresh ginger and lime for the brightest flavor.

Garnishes: Chopped cilantro, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of spicy mayo add extra zing.

panda express firecracker shrimp

Recipe Variations

Meat: Use boneless, skinless chicken instead of shrimp.

Vegetarian: Substitute firm tofu cubes for a delicious twist.

Air Fryer: Toss dredged shrimp in a tiny bit of oil, air fry at 400°F until cooked through. Toss with sauce.

Bang Bang Shrimp: A richer version with a creamy element in the sauce. Add a few tablespoons of mayonnaise to the firecracker sauce.

firecracker shrimp with easy marinade

How to Serve This Best Firecracker Shrimp?

  • Serve in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
  • Serve with fluffy white rice and steamed veggies for a complete meal.

Firecracker Shrimp – Recipe FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

The shrimp are best fresh out of the fryer, but you can prepare the sauce in advance.

How do I adjust the spice level?

Sriracha is your heat control! Add more for an extra kick or less if you prefer a milder sauce.

I don’t have cornstarch; what can I use?

Arrowroot powder or potato starch are good substitutes.

Firecracker Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce
Yield: 4

Firecracker Shrimp

firecracker shrimp

This easy panda express firecracker shrimp is is a combination of sweet, tangy and spicy made in less than 20 minutes served over rice perfect on those busy weeknights.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

For the shrimp

  • 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup oil for frying
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the sauce

  • 1/2 cup sweet chili garlic sauce, Thai-style
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1-2 tablespoons lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Sriracha
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated

Instructions

  1. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Add in cornstarch and coat well.
  2. Heat large saucepan on medium-high heat. Add oil.
  3. Dip 4-5 shrimp into the beaten and add to the hot oil and fry for about 2-3 minuites or until golden brown and cooked through.
  4. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and absorb any excess oil.
  5. For the sauce - Clean the saucepan. Add sriracha, sweet chili garlic sauce, and zest, honey, lemon juice, garlic salt and grated ginger.
  6. Bring to boil and boil for about 2-3 minutes on medium heat.
  7. Add the fried shrimp and toss to coat with the sauce.
  8. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately over rice.

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 415Total Fat 18gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 15gCholesterol 332mgSodium 1965mgCarbohydrates 31gFiber 1gSugar 10gProtein 30g

Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

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Soumyadip Chatterjee
Founder of easyshrimprecipes.com
Hi, this is Soumyadip, creator of easyshrimprecipes.com. I love cooking and sharing new tasty recipes to the entire world. So what are you waiting for, join me on a delicious journey.

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