Firecracker Shrimp

This Firecracker Shrimp recipe features succulent shrimp smothered in a sweet and spicy firecracker sauce. Serve it over rice for a quick and easy 20-minute dinner solution - Better than takeout!

Course Dinner

Cuisine Chinese

Keyword firecracker shrimp, sriracha shrimp

Prep Time 7

Cook Time 20

Total Time 27

Servings Servings

Calories 440kcal

Author Maria Doss

Ingredients

¾ cup light brown sugar not packed
¼ cup + 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
1 ½ tablespoons rice vinegar
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
2 tablespoons water
1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 large garlic cloves minced
3 scallions chopped

Instructions

Make firecracker sauce by mixing brown sugar, sriracha, rice vinegar, soy sauce and red pepper flakes together until sugar is dissolved. Set aside.
Pat dry shrimp well with paper towels and toss with cornstarch.
Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet, over medium-high heat.
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes, until golden. Flip and cook for another minute, until nearly cooked through. Transfer the shrimp to a plate.
👉 If using a small pan, cook in two batches to avoid overcrowding.
Reduce the heat to medium, sauté the garlic for a few seconds, then pour in the sauce. Bring to a boil and cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
Stir in the cooked shrimp, along with any accumulated juices and scallions. Top with toasted sesame seeds and serve over cooked white rice.

Notes

Use a large pan to ensure the shrimp fit in a single layer. Overcrowding will steam them and may cause overcooking. If using a smaller pan, cook in batches.

Use light or golden brown sugar and not dark brown.

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy texture.

Adjust the heat to your spice tolerance by reducing sriracha and skipping red pepper flakes. If you do, also cut back on the brown sugar to avoid making it too sweet.

Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave when ready to enjoy.

Nutrition