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Crispy Firecracker Shrimp Skewers

crispy firecracker shrimp skewers - featured image

These Crispy Firecracker Shrimp Skewers feature a spicy, sticky glaze and a crispy coating, perfect for summer BBQs and quick gatherings. Ready in under 30 minutes, they deliver bold flavor and a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on for presentation if desired)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha or favorite hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)
  • Thinly sliced green onions (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)
  • Wooden or metal skewers (soaked if wooden)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle cornstarch over the shrimp and toss gently until evenly coated.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, Sriracha, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil until smooth. Set aside.
  3. Thread 4-5 shrimp onto each skewer, leaving space between each shrimp.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry shrimp skewers for 1-2 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  5. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place shrimp skewers on the grill and cook 1-2 minutes per side. Brush generously with firecracker glaze during grilling, flipping and glazing again to caramelize.
  6. Remove skewers from grill and transfer to serving plate. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry thoroughly to ensure crispiness. Use cornstarch instead of flour for a lighter, crunchier coating. Fry shrimp first to lock in crunch, then grill to add smoky char and caramelize glaze. Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying. Brush glaze multiple times while grilling for best flavor and stickiness. If glaze thickens too much, add a teaspoon of water to loosen. Watch shrimp carefully to avoid overcooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp skewers, firecracker shrimp, spicy shrimp, summer BBQ, grilled shrimp, crispy shrimp, seafood appetizer