Firecracker Shrimp is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and savoriness in one bite. This recipe is a quick and easy way to elevate shrimp into a flavorful dish that works as an appetizer or a main course. The combination of sriracha, sweet chili sauce, and honey gives the shrimp a punch of flavor that lives up to its “firecracker” name. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or to impress guests at a party, Firecracker Shrimp will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with oil to prevent the shrimp from sticking.
Step 2:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon of sriracha sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional for those who like more heat), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until the sauce is smooth and well-mixed.
Step 3:
Take your peeled and deveined shrimp (make sure they’re fully dried off to help the sauce stick better) and toss them in the sauce mixture. Stir gently, ensuring every shrimp is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
Step 4:
Spread the coated shrimp out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are spaced evenly to ensure even cooking.
Step 5:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the shrimp for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and opaque, and the sauce caramelizes slightly on the shrimp. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can turn rubbery if left in the oven too long.
COOKING Note:
- Be mindful of cooking time, as shrimp cook quickly. Keeping them in the oven for too long can result in a tough texture. Aim to pull them out once they are just pink and opaque.
- You can also grill the shrimp instead of baking them for a smoky, charred flavor. Grill over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes per side until cooked through.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with rice: For a complete meal, serve these spicy, saucy shrimp over a bed of steamed white rice or jasmine rice. The rice helps absorb the flavorful sauce, balancing out the heat from the sriracha and cayenne.
- As an appetizer: If you’re hosting a gathering, these shrimp make a great appetizer. Simply serve them on a platter with toothpicks, garnished with chopped green onions. A drizzle of extra sweet chili sauce on the side can make a fantastic dipping option.
- In tacos: For a fun twist, use these shrimp as the filling in soft tacos. Top with shredded cabbage, a squeeze of lime, and some cilantro for a fresh, zesty meal.
- With a salad: Add the shrimp to a fresh green salad. A bed of arugula or spinach with a light vinaigrette would complement the shrimp’s rich flavors.
Tips:
- Adjusting the spice level: If you’re not a fan of too much heat, you can reduce the amount of sriracha or cayenne pepper, or omit the cayenne entirely. For those who like it even spicier, feel free to add more sriracha or a dash of hot sauce.
- Make it crispy: For a crispier texture, try adding a light breading. After coating the shrimp in the sauce, dip them in panko breadcrumbs before baking.
- Marinate for extra flavor: If you have time, let the shrimp marinate in the sauce for 30 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to seep deeper into the shrimp, making every bite even more delicious.
- Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp often have a sweeter, more tender flavor than frozen. However, if using frozen shrimp, ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before cooking.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving (based on 4 servings)
- Protein: 24g
- Sodium: 820mg (may vary based on salt levels in sauces used)
FAQS:
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them fully before cooking. Pat them dry to help the sauce adhere better during baking.
Q: What if I don’t have sriracha?
A: You can substitute sriracha with another hot sauce of your choice, or use more sweet chili sauce for a milder taste. Adding a bit of crushed red pepper flakes can also help maintain some heat.
Q: Can I cook the shrimp in a skillet instead of the oven?
A: Absolutely! You can pan-sear the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes per side. Just be sure not to overcrowd the pan so the shrimp cook evenly.
Q: How can I make this dish healthier?
A: To reduce calories, you can swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or a low-fat version of mayo. You can also serve the shrimp with a large salad or cauliflower rice for a lighter meal.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.
Conclusion:
Firecracker Shrimp is a fantastic recipe that delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. The combination of creamy mayonnaise, spicy sriracha, and sweet honey creates a balanced sauce that perfectly complements the tender shrimp. Whether you’re serving this dish as an appetizer, a main course over rice, or in tacos, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. With easy preparation and only a few simple ingredients, this dish can quickly become a favorite in your weekly meal rotation.
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Firecracker Shrimp
- Total Time: 22 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with oil to prevent the shrimp from sticking.
Step 2:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon of sriracha sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional for those who like more heat), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until the sauce is smooth and well-mixed.
Step 3:
Take your peeled and deveined shrimp (make sure they’re fully dried off to help the sauce stick better) and toss them in the sauce mixture. Stir gently, ensuring every shrimp is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
Step 4:
Spread the coated shrimp out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are spaced evenly to ensure even cooking.
Step 5:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the shrimp for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and opaque, and the sauce caramelizes slightly on the shrimp. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can turn rubbery if left in the oven too long.
Notes
COOKING Note:
- Be mindful of cooking time, as shrimp cook quickly. Keeping them in the oven for too long can result in a tough texture. Aim to pull them out once they are just pink and opaque.
- You can also grill the shrimp instead of baking them for a smoky, charred flavor. Grill over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sodium: 820mg
- Protein: 24g