If you’re looking for an appetizer that will light up your taste buds and impress any guest at your table, this Dynamite Shrimp recipe is exactly what you need. With its perfect balance of crispy golden batter and creamy, spicy sauce, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavors right from your own kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, looking to spice up your weeknight meals, or just treating yourself to something indulgent, this recipe hits every mark.

In this post, I’ll walk you through step by step how to recreate this stunning appetizer. Plus, I’ll share expert tips, helpful swaps, FAQs, and even food and drink pairing suggestions to elevate your experience. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Dynamite Shrimp Recipe

This recipe is for anyone who craves that irresistible combination of crunch and heat, finished with a creamy kick. If you’ve ever enjoyed dynamite shrimp at a Japanese or Asian-fusion restaurant, you know exactly what I’m talking about. The shrimp is perfectly crispy, thanks to a light batter that stays delicate and crunchy even after saucing. The creamy mayo-based sauce brings a sweet, spicy, and slightly tangy finish that’s totally addictive.

Even better? You don’t need to be a professional chef to make this at home. The ingredients are easy to find, and the whole dish comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and the perfect addition to your appetizer spread, game day snacks, or even as a main dish alongside rice or noodles.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a complete list of what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering Dynamite Shrimp:

For the Batter:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup cornstarch
1 ½ tablespoons baking powder
1 ½ cups cold club soda
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon white pepper
Canola oil, for frying

For the Shrimp:

1 pound shrimp, deveined and shells removed

For the Sauce:

1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon sriracha

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make this recipe seamless, gather the following kitchen tools before you start:

Deep, heavy-bottomed pot for frying
Cooking thermometer (essential for monitoring oil temperature)
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Slotted spoon or spider strainer
Paper towels (for draining excess oil)
Tongs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Pour canola oil into your pot until it’s at least 3 inches deep. Heat it to 375°F (190°C). Use a cooking thermometer to maintain this temperature for crispy results.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Mixture

In a large bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, kosher salt, and white pepper. Mix well.

Step 3: Dredge the Shrimp

Lightly coat the shrimp in the dry flour mixture. Shake off any excess coating. This initial dredge helps the batter cling to the shrimp later for extra crunch.

Step 4: Make the Batter

Add cold club soda to the remaining flour mixture and whisk until just combined. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are fine and will make the batter light and airy.

Step 5: Fry the Shrimp

Dip each dredged shrimp into the batter, let the excess drip off, then carefully place it into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.

Step 6: Drain

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 7: Make the Dynamite Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, and sriracha until smooth.

Step 8: Toss and Serve

While the shrimp is still warm, toss it in the dynamite sauce until fully coated. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Chef’s Tips for Perfect Dynamite Shrimp

Cold Club Soda is Key: The colder your club soda, the lighter and crispier your batter will be. Keep it chilled until the moment you add it to the flour mixture.
Don’t Crowd the Oil: Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature stable and ensure even crisping.
Serve Immediately: Dynamite Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh. The longer it sits, the softer the coating becomes.
Adjust the Heat: Love it spicier? Add an extra teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Recipe Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few creative variations:

Bang Bang Shrimp Twist: Add a splash of rice vinegar and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a tangy, spicy punch.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure your cornstarch and baking powder are gluten-free certified.
Alternative Proteins: Try this recipe with bite-sized pieces of chicken, calamari, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.

Storage and Leftovers

Although Dynamite Shrimp is best eaten fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until hot and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the batter soggy.

Note: For best results, store the sauce separately and toss the shrimp just before serving.

What to Serve with Dynamite Shrimp

Wondering how to round out your meal? Here are some delicious pairing suggestions:

Side Dishes: Serve alongside steamed jasmine rice, garlic noodles, or a crisp Asian slaw.
Appetizer Spread: Pair with spring rolls, dumplings, or tempura veggies for an impressive appetizer platter.
Drink Pairings: A chilled glass of Riesling or a citrusy craft beer complements the spicy richness beautifully. For a non-alcoholic option, try iced green tea or a zesty ginger beer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
A: I recommend using raw shrimp for this recipe. Pre-cooked shrimp can become rubbery when fried.

Q: Can I make the sauce in advance?
A: Absolutely! The sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Q: Is there a substitute for mayonnaise?
A: Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo alternative works well if you’re looking for a lighter or egg-free option.

Q: Can I air-fry the shrimp instead of deep-frying?
A: While air-frying can work, you might not achieve the same crispiness as deep-frying. If you try it, spray the battered shrimp generously with oil and cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Time to Get Cooking!

There you have it — your complete guide to making irresistible Dynamite Shrimp at home. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just spicing up your dinner, this dish is bound to become a new favorite. Don’t forget to snap a photo of your culinary masterpiece and share it on social media!

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Happy cooking!

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