Explosive Flavor: Homemade Dynamite Shrimp Recipe That Pops
Sizzling and packed with flavor, this dynamite shrimp recipe promises a mouthwatering explosion of taste that will leave you craving more.
Crispy, golden-brown shrimp coated in a tangy, spicy sauce dance on your plate with irresistible charm.
Every bite delivers a perfect balance of heat and zest that tingles your taste buds.
The secret lies in the simple yet powerful combination of ingredients that elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
Quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying, these dynamite shrimp make for an impressive appetizer or main course.
Serve them at your next gathering, and watch as your guests devour every last morsel with delight.
Let’s find out this culinary adventure and experience a burst of flavor that will become your new favorite seafood sensation.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Calories: 561 kcal
Servings: 5
What You Need for Dynamite Shrimp
For Protein Base:
Shrimp: Sweet, tender seafood that creates the star of the dish, select fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp with firm texture and clean ocean scent.
For Coating and Crispy Texture:
Flour, Cornstarch, Baking Powder: Dynamic trio that ensures ultra-crispy, light coating with perfect golden crunch, choose unbleached flour for best results.
Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps with browning, enhances overall flavor profile.
Kosher Salt, White Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that balance and elevate the shrimp's natural flavor, use freshly ground white pepper for maximum impact.
For Sauce and Finishing:
Sriracha: Brings vibrant heat and tangy kick, select authentic Thai-style sauce for genuine flavor.
Mayonnaise: Creamy base that mellows spice and adds rich texture, opt for full-fat version for best consistency.
Club Soda: Creates airy, light batter by introducing carbonation, use ice-cold for maximum crispiness.
Canola Oil: Neutral oil perfect for high-heat frying, ensures even cooking and golden exterior.
Tools for Preparing Crispy Dynamite Shrimp
Deep Fryer or Heavy-Bottomed Pot: Essential for heating oil to the right temperature and safely frying shrimp.
Digital Thermometer: Crucial for ensuring oil reaches and maintains 375 degrees for perfect frying.
Large Mixing Bowls: Needed for creating flour mixture, batter, and spicy sauce.
Whisk: Perfect for blending club soda into flour mixture and mixing sauce ingredients smoothly.
Slotted Spoon or Spider Strainer: Great for removing shrimp from hot oil and draining excess oil.
Tongs: Helpful for safely handling and turning shrimp during frying.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient proportions for consistent results.
Instructions to Make Dynamite Shrimp from Scratch
Oil Preparation Warm up a deep pot with cooking oil, ensuring it reaches the perfect frying temperature for crispy seafood delights.
Flour Magic Create a light and airy coating blend using dry ingredients that will transform ordinary shrimp into a crunchy masterpiece.
Shrimp Transformation Gently dress each tender shrimp in the powdery mixture, allowing a delicate layer to embrace the seafood.
Batter Brilliance Whisk club soda into the seasoned flour, crafting a silky smooth batter that promises incredible texture.
Frying Adventure Drop the battered shrimp into sizzling hot oil, watching them turn a gorgeous golden brown in just minutes.
Spicy Finale Whip up a tangy sauce that combines creamy, sweet, and fiery elements to coat the crispy shrimp with an explosive flavor punch.
Tips for Spicy and Crunchy Dynamite Shrimp
Chill your flour mixture in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before coating shrimp to ensure an extra-crispy exterior that stays crunchy longer.
Always buy shrimp from a reputable source and use within 1-2 days of purchase for maximum flavor and texture.
Adjust sriracha levels to match your spice tolerance – start with a small amount and gradually increase for personalized heat.
Replace club soda with cold sparkling water if needed; both create the same light and airy batter that makes these shrimp wonderfully crisp.
Prepare the sauce up to two days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator to save time during meal preparation.
Serving Options for Dynamite Shrimp Appetizers
Party Platter Perfection: Arrange crispy dynamite shrimp on a large wooden board with fresh green lettuce leaves and bright lemon wedges for a stunning appetizer presentation.
Spicy Sidekick: Serve with steamed white rice or cilantro-lime rice to balance the sriracha mayo's heat and provide a delicious complementary base for the crunchy shrimp.
Garnish Galore: Sprinkle finely chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a light drizzle of extra sriracha sauce over the shrimp to add color, texture, and an extra flavor kick.
Social Gathering Star: Prepare as a crowd-pleasing finger food for game nights, cocktail parties, or casual summer gatherings where guests can enjoy bite-sized, crispy seafood with a spicy twist.
How to Store and Reheat Dynamite Shrimp
Fridge Fresh Tactics: Store leftover dynamite shrimp in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Crispy texture will soften, so reheat carefully in a skillet to restore some crunchiness.
Quick Reheat Method: Warm shrimp in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer to maintain their original texture and prevent sogginess.
Smart Sauce Storing: Keep the spicy mayo sauce separately in a sealed container. Refrigerate for 3-4 days, giving it a quick stir before using to restore its creamy consistency.
Freezing Strategy: Not recommended for dynamite shrimp, as the crispy batter will lose its delightful crunch when thawed. Best enjoyed immediately after cooking for maximum flavor and texture.
Oil Preparation: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 375°F (190°C), using a cooking thermometer to ensure precise temperature control for optimal frying.
Dry Mixture Creation: Combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, kosher salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl, whisking to create a uniform dry base for the shrimp coating.
Shrimp Preparation: Thoroughly pat shrimp dry with paper towels, then delicately coat each piece with the seasoned flour mixture, gently removing excess to prevent clumping.
Batter Formation: Incorporate chilled club soda into the flour blend, whisking until a smooth, light batter develops without any lumps.
Frying Process: Dip each shrimp into the batter, allowing excess to drip off, then carefully lower into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes until achieving a golden-brown, crispy exterior while maintaining consistent oil temperature.
Sauce Development: Simultaneously whisk mayonnaise, sugar, and sriracha sauce to create a vibrant, spicy coating that will elevate the shrimp’s flavor profile.
Finishing Touch: Transfer crispy shrimp to a paper towel-lined wire rack to drain excess oil, then immediately toss in the zesty sriracha-mayonnaise sauce, ensuring each piece is generously and evenly coated for a maximum flavor explosion.
Notes
Moisture Management: Pat shrimp completely dry to guarantee ultra-crispy, non-soggy exterior and prevent oil splattering during frying.
Temperature Control: Use a reliable cooking thermometer to maintain precise 375°F oil temperature, ensuring even cooking and golden-brown crispiness without burning.
Batter Brilliance: Whisk club soda into flour mixture just before dipping shrimp to create light, airy batter that delivers maximum crunch and delicate texture.
Sauce Sizzle: Prepare spicy mayo sauce while shrimp fry to coat immediately after cooking, locking in heat and ensuring maximum flavor absorption.
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.
Michael Reynolds
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.