Dynamite Shrimp Appetizer (2024)

Dec 21, 2018 · 13 Comments

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Dynamite shrimp appetizer is a fun and easy battered shrimp recipe coated in a Sriracha spicy mayo sauce! With the quick homemade dynamite shrimp sauce that is flavorful and spicy!

What is Dynamite Shrimp Appetizer?

Dynamite spicy shrimp appetizer is a delicious Japanese food invention. Since it appeared on PF Chang’s menu, it became an instant favorite. And this homemade shrimp delicacy is all about the spice – the spicy mayo sauce!

This is a mouthwatering appetizer for any main course, for example Cajun Shrimp Pasta. And if you love Japanese side dishes – go for Hawaiian Shrimp as well!.

Is It Spicy?

Yes, it is! Yet you can always adjust the heat a bit with the amount of Sriracha sauce you will add. Actually I had only added a couple of teaspoons of Sriracha to the sauce.

You can definitely go less or more than that. The right amount of spice for the people enjoying it is the balance we seek. So I do recommend that you add what you like, for that kick and the amazing color just like how you get it from PF Chang’s.

If you prefer a milder appetizer, you can easily cut the cilli sauce in half.

Is This Dynamite Shrimp Recipe Deeply Fried?

The traditional dynamite shrimp IS deeply fried, however I am firmly against any deep frying. My version uses avocado oil AND a carbon steel pan to achieve enough heat without deep frying.

So the answer is No, this is not a deep fried shrimp recipe!

How Do You Make Dynamite Shrimp?

As I mentioned before, dynamite shrimp is all about texture and spice. To achieve both we need to create an amazing shrimp coating and a beautiful shrimp sauce!

• First, you batter the shrimp in corn flour. This flour will give it a nice yellow tone. And a perfect crisp texture.
• Then, fry it until golden. And by the way – you don’t even have to use a wok! I used this inexpensive12 inch carbon steel skillet. Yes – Lodge makes carbon steel pans now. Who would’ve known? And as a bonus, it works like a wok!
• Always use a high smoking point vegetable oil. I used avocado oil and I didn’t add much. About 3 tablespoons.
• Lastly, you will make dynamite shrimp sauce. This spicy sauce is what makes the dynamite!
• Simply mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha and honey. This is the exact combination that makes the perfection!

How to Defrost Shrimp

• First things first, let frozen shrimp submerge for 10 minutes in cold tap water using colander.
• After 10 minutes, you will lift the colander and take all the shrimp out of the water and change the water in the bowl.
• Re-submerge the shrimp!
• You will leave it in cold water for another 10 to 20 minutes.
• By now theshrimp should be completely defrosted and still cold.
• Lastly, drain and pat them dry before cooking

How to Fry Shrimp in Pictures

First, you will prepare the batter from corn flour and then coat the shrimp in it.

Then you will fry the shrimp in a large skillet. You can use cast iron skillet if you don’t have a wok. For example, I used a carbon steel skillet.

The next step would be to prepare the dynamite shrimp sauce and coat your shrimp in it. Pretty easy so far! I used a large bowl to coat my shrimp in the sauce.

Use a plain spoon to mix!

Substitutions

Corn Flour

I highly recommend to use corn flour for the batter, however you can prepare delicious shrimp appetizer without any batter by using this learn how to cook shrimp article. If you love Asian Food, you will surely recognize the sharp flavors in both versions!

Soy Sauce

If you would like to make this homemade appetizer gluten-free, use Tamari Sauce or Coconut Aminos instead.

For low sodium version – use low sodium soy sauce.

How Do You Store Dynamite Shrimp

I recommend refrigeration for up to 1 week and no freezing! We don’t want to eat mushy shrimp.

Very easy! Enjoy!

More Spicy Shrimp Recipes

Shrimp Orzo in Creamy White Wine Sauce

Instant Pot Tomato and Shrimp

Pesto Shrimp Pasta