Description

Firecracker shrimp are an Asian-inspired flavor celebration. A quick and easy treat for all occasions, this dish works as a flavorful appetizer or as an entrée with rice and veggies. Peeled shrimp are tossed in potato starch, fried to crispy perfection, and thoroughly coated in a sticky, sweet, and spicy sauce, then garnished with sesame, green onion, cilantro, and chile. Each bite-size shrimp explodes with flavor, like a little firecracker. If you love shrimp, these may prove addictive.

Directions

1. Gather the ingredients.
2. Add enough peanut oil to a countertop deep fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed pot so that there is 3-inches worth of oil. Preheat to 360 F.
3. Combine the honey, sriracha, ginger, fish sauce, and lemon juice in a large, wide mixing bowl.
4. Put the shrimp and potato starch into a gallon zip-close freezer bag and seal. Gently shake and turn the bag to thoroughly coat the shrimp in the potato starch.
5. In two batches (most likely, depending on the size of your setup), fry the shrimp until they turn pink, and the starch coating becomes crisp and golden, about 3 to 4 minutes per batch. Remove the shrimp and shake off the excess oil.
6. Toss the hot, fried shrimp in the sauce. Garnish with the sesame seeds, sliced scallions, chile pepper, cilantro, and a sprinkle of the Szechuan pepper, if using.
7. Serve with rice and perhaps a steamed vegetable. Enjoy!