OMG I’m so excited to share this Spicy Firecracker Shrimp recipe w/ you guys! Been making this for years and it never disappoints. The combo of juicy shrimp coated in that sweet-spicy sauce just hits different. Seriously, the sauce caramelizes perfectly when cooked giving you that sticky glaze that’s both fiery and sweet at the same time. And the best part? Takes like 20 mins tops to make! Keep reading cuz I’m gonna show you exactly how to nail this recipe every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Firecracker Shrimp
Let’s be real – finding quick seafood recipes that actually taste amazing isn’t always easy. That’s why this Spicy Firecracker Shrimp recipe is a total game-changer. My brother-in-law (who claims he doesn’t even like seafood!) couldn’t stop eating these when I made them for our last family get-together.
What’s great is you can adjust the heat level based on what you’re into. Not into super spicy food? Just cut back on the sriracha or red pepper flakes. Want it tongue-numbingly hot? Add more! This recipe is super flexible.
Works great as appetizer, main dish or even thrown in tacos. You can serve it over rice, with noodles, or just by itself with some veggies on the side. Seriously versatile.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Spicy Firecracker Shrimp
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined) – fresh works best but frozen is totally fine if thawed properly
- 2 tbsp cornstarch – helps create that perfect crispy coating
- ½ tsp salt – just enough to bring out the sweetness of the shrimp
- ¼ tsp black pepper – adds subtle kick
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil for cooking – can sub w/ canola or peanut oil if that’s what u have
For the Firecracker Sauce:
- ⅓ cup buffalo sauce or hot sauce – Frank’s RedHot works great here but use your fave
- ½ cup brown sugar – balances the heat with sweetness
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar – adds tangy dimension
- 2 tbsp sriracha – for that distinctive spicy kick, can reduce if too spicy for u
- 3 cloves garlic (minced) – fresh is way better than powder here
- 1 tsp ginger paste – adds warmth and complexity
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes – adjust based on how hot u want it
- 1 tbsp soy sauce – brings the umami factor
- 1 tsp sesame oil – little goes long way, adds nuttiness
For Garnish:
- Sliced green onions – adds freshness and color
- Sesame seeds – for that bit of texture
- Lime wedges – the acidity cuts thru the richness
Can’t find ginger paste? Sub w/ 1 tsp freshly grated ginger or ½ tsp ground ginger. For gluten-free option, just swap regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
How to Make Spicy Firecracker Shrimp
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels – this is super important for getting them crispy!
- In large bowl, toss shrimp with cornstarch, salt and pepper until evenly coated
- Let sit for 5 mins while u make the sauce
Step 2: Make the Firecracker Sauce
- In medium bowl, mix together buffalo sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, sriracha, minced garlic, ginger paste, red pepper flakes, soy sauce and sesame oil
- Whisk until brown sugar completely dissolved – sauce should be smooth but thick enough to coat back of spoon
- Set aside about ¼ cup of sauce for serving later
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
- Heat vegetable oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering
- Add coated shrimp to pan in single layer – don’t overcrowd or they’ll steam instead of getting crisp!
- Cook 2 mins per side until pink and slightly crispy on edges
- Shrimp are done when they curl into C shape and turn opaque – if they curl into tight O shape, they’re overcooked
Step 4: Add the Sauce
- Lower heat to medium
- Pour firecracker sauce over cooked shrimp
- Toss continuously for about 1-2 mins until sauce thickens and coats shrimp completely
- Sauce is ready when it gets sticky and glossy – watch carefully cuz sugar can burn quick!
Step 5: Serve
- Transfer Spicy Firecracker Shrimp to serving dish
- Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds
- Add lime wedges on side
- Drizzle with reserved sauce for extra flavor kick
Whole process takes bout 20 mins and boom – u got the most amazing Spicy Firecracker Shrimp that’ll impress everyone!
Delicious Variations of Spicy Firecracker Shrimp
1. Pineapple Firecracker Shrimp
Add ½ cup diced pineapple to the sauce during the last minute of cooking. The sweetness of pineapple works amazing with the spicy sauce and gives tropical vibes.
2. Coconut Firecracker Shrimp
Replace half the hot sauce with coconut milk and add 2 tbsp shredded coconut to the cornstarch coating. Gives awesome Thai-inspired flavor profile.
3. Firecracker Shrimp Tacos
Chop cooked Spicy Firecracker Shrimp and serve in corn tortillas with slaw, avocado and extra sauce. Perfect for Taco Tuesday!
4. Honey Lime Firecracker Shrimp
Sub half the brown sugar with honey and add 1 tbsp lime zest to the sauce. Creates brighter, more citrusy version that’s perfect for summer.
5. Firecracker Shrimp Pasta
Toss Spicy Firecracker Shrimp with cooked linguine or fettuccine and bit of the reserved sauce. Add some steamed broccoli for complete meal.
6. Bourbon Firecracker Shrimp
Add 2 tbsp bourbon to sauce and cook 30 secs longer to burn off alcohol. Gives amazing depth of flavor for more adult version of the dish.
FAQ About Spicy Firecracker Shrimp
How do I store leftover Spicy Firecracker Shrimp?
Store any leftover Spicy Firecracker Shrimp in airtight container in fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in microwave for 30-45 seconds or in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of water if sauce seems too thick when reheating. Honestly tho, these are so good u prob won’t have leftovers!
Can I make Spicy Firecracker Shrimp ahead of time?
You can prep components ahead but best served fresh. Prepare sauce up to 3 days in advance and keep in fridge. Can also clean and devein shrimp day before. Just don’t coat shrimp in cornstarch mix until right before cooking or they’ll get soggy.
What can I serve with Spicy Firecracker Shrimp?
So many options! Serve over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or with side of stir-fried veggies. Great with simple cucumber salad to balance the heat. Also works as app with toothpicks. For complete meal, try with our Shrimp Avocado Salad as starter.
How do I adjust the spice level of Firecracker Shrimp?
Easy to customize heat level! For milder version, reduce sriracha to 1 tsp and cut red pepper flakes in half. For extra spicy version that’ll really make u sweat, double sriracha and add ¼ tsp cayenne pepper to sauce. Start with less and add more – can always increase heat but hard to tone down if too spicy!
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw completely and pat dry really well before coating in cornstarch mixture. Excess moisture will prevent shrimp from getting that nice crispy exterior we want. If using frozen, might wanna go for raw frozen rather than pre-cooked frozen since we’re cooking them in recipe.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yep! Super easy to make GF version. Just swap regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Also double check that your hot sauce is gluten-free (most are but some contain trace amounts). Everything else in recipe should already be gluten-free!
Can I bake these instead of pan-frying?
You can but won’t get same crispy texture. If baking, preheat oven to 400°F, arrange cornstarch-coated shrimp on lined baking sheet, spray with cooking spray, bake 6-8 mins until pink and opaque. Then toss with warmed sauce. If u have air fryer, even better – cook at 380°F for about 5-6 mins, shaking basket halfway through.
More Amazing Shrimp Recipes You’ll Love
If u loved this Spicy Firecracker Shrimp recipe, def check out these other killer shrimp dishes on our site:
- For something with amazing summer vibes, try our Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers – perfect for cookouts!
- Need quick weeknight dinner? Our Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta comes together in just 20 mins.
- Looking for one-pan meal? Honey Garlic Shrimp Sausage and Broccoli has got u covered.
- Craving restaurant-style appetizer? Bang Bang Shrimp is total crowd-pleaser.
- For classic that never disappoints, our Shrimp Scampi is buttery perfection.
- And don’t miss our Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp for taste of island-inspired cuisine!
Tips for Perfect Spicy Firecracker Shrimp Every Time
- Biggest tip: don’t overcook the shrimp! They cook super fast and go from perfect to rubber in like 30 seconds.
- Pat shrimp really dry before coating in cornstarch – moisture is enemy of crispiness.
- When adding sauce to pan, let it bubble and reduce slightly to get that sticky glaze texture.
- Use large or jumbo shrimp if possible – they’re easier to handle and don’t overcook as quickly as smaller ones.
- For extra flavor, marinate shrimp in bit of garlic, lime juice and salt for 15 mins before coating in cornstarch.
- Sauce can be made spicier by adding chopped fresh jalapeño or serrano pepper.
- For thicker sauce, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water and add to sauce while cooking.
The Story Behind Spicy Firecracker Shrimp
First time I made this Spicy Firecracker Shrimp was for friend’s birthday who loves spicy food. Was super nervous cuz hadn’t tried recipe before but decided to risk it. Everyone literally gathered around the platter and they were gone in like 5 mins!
What makes this dish special is the balance between sweet and heat. It’s got that initial sweetness that hits your tongue first, then slow burn follows that builds but never overwhelms. The sauce caramelizes on the outside of shrimp creating these amazing crispy-sticky bits that are just incredible.
Spicy Firecracker Shrimp has become my go-to impressive dish that seems fancy but actually super easy. Works for date night, family dinners, or whenever I need to whip up something quick that looks like I spent way more time on it than I actually did.
I’ve tweaked this recipe over years to get it just right, and I’m so pumped to share it with u! Hope it becomes regular in your rotation too. Would love to hear how it turns out if u try it!
Why This Spicy Firecracker Shrimp Recipe Works
This Spicy Firecracker Shrimp recipe hits all the right notes cuz it balances flavors so perfectly. The cornstarch coating creates light crispy shell around shrimp that helps sauce cling to every bite. The combo of buffalo sauce, brown sugar and spices creates that sticky-sweet-spicy situation that’s totally addictive.
What’s great is how quick it comes together. From start to finish, you’re looking at bout 20 mins which makes it perfect for busy weeknights when u want something that tastes like it took way more effort.
The versatility of this dish is another reason it works so well. Serve it as party app, over rice for dinner, or even in lettuce wraps for lighter option. Can scale recipe up easily for crowd or down for intimate dinner.
Honestly, once u try this Spicy Firecracker Shrimp, it might ruin restaurant versions for u! The homemade sauce is that good, and u control exactly what goes in it.
Nutrition Info
One serving (about 6-7 large shrimp with sauce) contains approximately:
- Calories: 285
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 14g
Recipe makes about 4 servings total.
Ready to Make the Best Spicy Firecracker Shrimp?
Can’t wait for u to try this Spicy Firecracker Shrimp recipe! It’s been my secret weapon for years whenever I need to impress without stressing. The combo of juicy shrimp with that sweet-spicy glaze is straight-up irresistible.
My neighbor (who’s actually professional chef!) asked for recipe last time I brought these to neighborhood cookout. Seriously one of those dishes that looks and tastes way more complicated than it actually is.
Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining friends, or just treating yourself to something special, this Spicy Firecracker Shrimp hits the spot every time. The beauty is in making it your own – adjust spice level, try different variations, or pair with whatever sides you love.
Would absolutely love to hear how this turns out for u! Drop comment below or tag us on social if u make it. And remember, cooking should be fun – so don’t stress if yours doesn’t look exactly like pics. It’s all about that amazing flavor!
Enjoy ur Spicy Firecracker Shrimp adventure!
Spicy Firecracker Shrimp Recipe
Equipment
- Skillet
- Bowl
- Spoon
- Whisk
Ingredients
- For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- For the Firecracker Sauce:
- ⅓ cup buffalo sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp sriracha
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp ginger paste
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- For Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prep the Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss shrimp with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Make the Firecracker Sauce: Mix buffalo sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, sriracha, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a bowl. Whisk until sugar is dissolved.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat oil in skillet over medium-high. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until crispy.
- Add the Sauce: Pour sauce over shrimp and toss for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats shrimp.
- Serve: Transfer shrimp to a dish, garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and lime wedges. Drizzle with reserved sauce.