Get ready to set your taste buds on fire with the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that'll make your dinner guests go wild! Our Firecracker Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce is the perfect explosion of crispy, spicy, and sweet flavors that will transform your ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience. Imagine golden, perfectly crisp shrimp with a kick of heat, glazed in a luscious sweet chili sauce that'll have everyone begging for the recipe - this dish is about to become your new go-to party starter!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispy coating. Any excess moisture will prevent proper breading.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. Whisk together until fully integrated and no lumps remain.
- Create a dry breading station by spreading the flour mixture evenly across a shallow dish or plate.
- Dredge each shrimp completely in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring full and even coverage. Gently shake off excess coating.
- Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C). Use a cooking thermometer for precise temperature control.
- Carefully place breaded shrimp into hot oil in small batches to prevent overcrowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove shrimp using a slotted spoon and drain on wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Once all shrimp are fried, transfer to a large mixing bowl and drizzle with sweet chili sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Tips
- • Moisture is the enemy of crispy shrimp! Pat those shrimp completely dry before breading to ensure a perfectly crunchy exterior. • Use a cooking thermometer to maintain the oil at exactly 375°F for optimal frying results. • Fry in small batches to prevent overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy shrimp. • For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to your breading mixture. • Serve immediately after tossing in sauce to maintain the crispy texture. • For a lighter version, you can also try baking the breaded shrimp in a hot oven at 425°F for 10-12 minutes. • Garnish with fresh chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added visual appeal and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 180mg
