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This firecracker shrimp is a combination of sweet and heat and can be ready in under 30 minute. Serve it as a party appetizer or a meal.
What is Firecracker Shrimp?
I first tried Firecracker Shrimp or Bang Bang as some restaurants call it, years ago. It is usually on the appetizer menu but we love it so much at our house we enjoy it as the main dish.
There are many different versions of this shrimp out there but today’s version is quick, easy and delicious. Using frozen panko breaded shrimp we cover it in a creamy sweet and spicy sauce which makes it a cinch to prepare this restaurant quality dish.
Is Firecracker Shrimp Hot?
As the name implies this shrimp is on the spicy side. I would consider this recipe to have a moderate level of spice. You can lessen the heat by not using as much chili garlic sauce or increase the sweet by adding a bit more sugar.
Can I Bread My Own Shrimp?
If you are unable to find frozen panko breaded shrimp you can bread your own shrimp. It’s a bit more work and a little messier but totally doable. The recipe for the Panko breading is below i the recipe card.
How Do You Make Firecracker Shrimp?
- Thaw the frozen breaded shrimp in the refrigerator.
- Heat canola oil in a pan on the stove top to 325-350 degrees F.
- Fry shrimp one layer at a time until golden brown.
- Place fried shrimp on a paper towel lined plate.
- After shrimp has drained, place in a large bowl.
- Mix together the sauce ingredients until smooth in another bowl.
- Pour sauce over shrimp and gently toss to coat shrimp but being sure not to break up the shrimp.
- Serve shrimp warm on a bed of lettuce.
- Garnish with some diced green onions, parsley and or sesame seeds.
What Can I Serve with Firecracker Shrimp?
You can serve it as an appetizer or as a main dish. If serving it as a main dish, just add in a grain or a vegetable or both to make it a complete meal.
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What if I am using prebreaded shrimp?
If you are using prebreaded shrimp skip the part about dipping into egg and panko and go directly to frying the shrimp.
For other shrimp recipes try these:
Firecracker Shrimp
Ingredients
Secret Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 4 tsp chili garlic sauce use less for less heat
- 1 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp white wine vinegar
- 1 panko breaded frozen shrimp
- vegetable oil for frying
Garnish:
- lettuce leaves, sesame seeds, green onion or parsley
To make your own Panko Breaded Shrimp:
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 egg white
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Mix together sauce ingredients and refrigerate until ready to use
To make your own Panko Breaded Shrimp:
- Heat vegetable oil in pan to about 350 degrees
- Mix together bread crumbs and garlic powder
- Dip unpeeled shrimp in egg white mixture
- Dip in panko crumbs mixture
- Place in hot oil and cook until browned on both sides and cooked through
- If using frozen, pre-breaded shrimp thaw in the refrigerator and then cook in hot oil until coating is brown and crispy, making sure inside is cooked too
- After shrimp is cooked place in a bowl and pour special sauce over the top
- Gently fold together
- Place shrimp on a plate covered with lettuce leaves and sprinkle on green onion
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Nutrition Facts:
Susan Richmond says
If not using pre-breaded shrimp, wouldn’t you want to dip peeled shrimp into the egg and panko?
Leigh Anne Wilkes says
If you are using prebreaded shrimp, you do not need to dip into egg or panko