Dynamite shrimp is a popular dish that originated in Japanese-American cuisine and has since become a beloved staple in many Asian-inspired restaurants worldwide. The dish features small, crispy fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce that is both savory and sweet.
How To Make:
To prepare dynamite shrimp, the shrimp are first cleaned and deveined, then coated in a batter made of cornstarch, flour, and spices before being deep-fried until golden brown. The sauce is typically made from a combination of mayonnaise, chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and soy sauce, creating a complex flavor profile that is both tangy and slightly sweet.
One of the signature characteristics of dynamite shrimp is its texture. The crispy exterior of the shrimp provides a satisfying crunch, while the creamy sauce adds a soft, velvety finish. The dish is often served with a garnish of chopped scallions or cilantro, adding a fresh, herbal note to the flavor profile.
Dynamite shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, a main course, or even as a topping for salads or sushi rolls. Its popularity can be attributed to its bold flavors and unique combination of textures, making it a crowd-pleaser for both seafood lovers and those looking for a little spice in their meals.
Tips and Variations:
Tips:
Make sure to thoroughly clean and devein the shrimp before coating them in the batter.
Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is heated to the correct temperature before frying the shrimp.
For an extra crispy coating, double-coat the shrimp in the batter before frying.
If you don't have access to fresh shrimp, frozen shrimp can be used as a substitute.
Variations:
To make the dish vegetarian or vegan-friendly, substitute the shrimp with tofu or mushrooms.
To add some crunch to the dish, mix in some chopped nuts such as cashews or peanuts to the sauce.
For a healthier version, try baking the shrimp instead of deep-frying them.
Experiment with different sauces, such as a sweet and sour sauce or a garlic butter sauce, for a different flavor profile.
For a spicy kick, add some diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup cold water
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp. sriracha hot sauce
- 1 Tbsp. honey
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 1 tsp. rice vinegar
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. onion powder
Instructions:
In a large bowl, mix together the cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and cold water.
Dip each shrimp into the egg mixture, then coat in the cornstarch mixture, shaking off any excess. Set aside on a plate.
In a sizable saucepan or wok, heat 2 inches or so of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
When the oil is hot (about 350°F), add the shrimp in batches and fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
Remove the fried shrimp with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha hot sauce, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Toss the fried shrimp in the sauce until coated.
Serve the dynamite shrimp immediately, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.