This Dynamite Shrimp Recipe is pure crave-inducing magic—crispy fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce that absolutely explodes with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a weekend treat, a gathering with friends, or just because you’re tired of the same old dinner rut, this is the knockout dish you’ve been searching for. The irresistible combination of light, crisp batter and that signature tangy-sweet kick makes this appetizer or main course unforgettable, and shockingly simple to pull off at home!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the beauties of this Dynamite Shrimp Recipe is how every single ingredient plays a pivotal role—no fillers, just the good stuff! Each component, from the fresh shrimp to the fizz of club soda, contributes to that golden, crunchy exterior and the creamy, spicy finish. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters.

Flour: All-purpose flour is the backbone of the batter, ensuring a tender, crispy crust every time.
Cornstarch: Blends with flour for extra crunch and a lighter bite in the finished shrimp.
Baking powder: Gives the batter its airy lift, so your shrimp don’t end up dense or heavy.
Cold club soda: The chilly bubbles make your batter even crisper and lighter—don’t skip this trick!
Kosher salt: Brings out the natural flavors in both the shrimp and the batter.
White pepper: Adds a subtle warmth that’s different from regular black pepper—trust me, it works beautifully here.
Canola oil (for frying): Neutral and perfect for deep-frying, leaving you with perfectly golden shrimp.
Shrimp (1 pound, 21-25 count, deveined and shelled): The star! Opt for larger shrimp for that perfect juicy bite.
Mayonnaise: The silky base for that addicting dynamite sauce—choose a good-quality mayo for best results.
Sugar: Just a hint balances out the heat in your sauce and adds the famous sweet kick.
Sriracha: Brings fire and depth, making your sauce irresistible and totally crave-worthy.

How to Make Dynamite Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Start by pouring canola oil into a sturdy pot or deep fryer, ensuring it’s at least three inches deep. Heat it to 375 degrees Fahrenheit—this hot oil is absolutely key for achieving shrimp that are crunchy on the outside and beautifully tender inside. Make sure you have a thermometer on hand to get this step perfect!

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Mix

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, kosher salt, and white pepper. Give this mixture a quick whisk to evenly distribute all those essential leavening and flavor agents, setting you up for a feather-light, seasoned batter. Don’t skip the white pepper; it has a milder, earthier bite that works wonders in this recipe.

Step 3: Dredge the Shrimp

Working with dry hands, toss your peeled and deveined shrimp in the dry mixture and gently shake off any excess. This first coat helps the wet batter adhere later, making each bite extra crisp and never soggy. Think of it as a little flavor insurance!

Step 4: Make the Wet Batter

Right before frying, whisk your cold club soda into the dry mix until just combined. You don’t want to overmix—lumps are perfectly fine here and actually help the batter stay light. The bubbles from the soda make a night-and-day difference in crunch factor, so make sure your soda is properly chilled.

Step 5: Batter and Fry the Shrimp

Dip your dredged shrimp into the wet batter, then carefully lower them into the hot oil. Fry in batches to keep the oil temperature steady and cook each batch for about 2–3 minutes, or until deeply golden and crisp. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels; patience here keeps them ultra crispy!

Step 6: Toss with Dynamite Sauce

While the shrimp are cooling slightly, quickly whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, and sriracha in a separate bowl until smooth and creamy. Toss the warm fried shrimp in this show-stopping sauce just before serving—the heat from the shrimp slightly melts the sauce, coating every nook and cranny. Try not to sneak too many bites before plating!

How to Serve Dynamite Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

Give your Dynamite Shrimp Recipe a final flourish by sprinkling chopped scallions, black or white sesame seeds, or even a few sprigs of fresh cilantro on top. A squeeze of lime right before eating brightens everything—plus, that pop of color makes your plate look restaurant-level gorgeous!

Side Dishes

This classic shrimp dish pairs brilliantly with fluffy steamed rice, garlic noodles, or even on a bed of shredded iceberg lettuce for a little crunch. Looking for something lighter? A cucumber salad on the side helps balance the richness of the sauce with a cool, refreshing bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling your Dynamite Shrimp Recipe into lettuce cups or slider buns for hand-held party bites, or skewer them for an appetizer platter that’s irresistible. You can even top rice bowls or loaded sushi rolls—let your imagination run wild! Presentation is half the fun, especially with such a vibrant, eye-catching dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow resist polishing off the whole batch, store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. For best results, keep the sauce and shrimp separate to preserve that crispy texture.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange fried (but un-sauced) shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month—just don’t freeze the mayonnaise-based sauce, as its texture will suffer.

Reheating

Reheat the shrimp in a 400-degree oven or an air fryer for 6–8 minutes, which restores most of the original crunch. Once warmed, toss with the freshly made sauce and enjoy them as if they were just cooked!

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for the Dynamite Shrimp Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them very dry before battering. Any extra moisture will prevent the batter from sticking and crisping up nicely.

Is there a good substitute for sriracha in the sauce?

If you’re out of sriracha or just want a milder/alternative heat, try sambal oelek or even chili-garlic sauce instead. Each variation adds its own twist, so feel free to customize the flavor!

Can I make the Dynamite Shrimp Recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and make sure your cornstarch is processed in a gluten-free facility. The results will be just as light and crispy!

What’s the best oil for frying shrimp?

Neutral, high-smoke-point oils like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil are your best bets for deep-frying. They let the flavors of the shrimp and sauce shine through without overpowering anything.

Can I scale this recipe up or down?

Definitely! You can easily halve the Dynamite Shrimp Recipe for a quick lunch or double it for a party. Just fry in batches to avoid crowding the oil, which can lower the temperature and make the shrimp soggy.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Dynamite Shrimp Recipe, you’ll wonder where it’s been all your life. It’s bold, rewarding, and always a crowd-pleaser—perfect for impressing friends or simply treating yourself to something incredible. So grab those ingredients, get sizzling, and don’t be surprised when this becomes one of your new go-to favorites!