If you’re a shrimp lover like me, you’re going to absolutely love this Yard House Firecracker Shrimp recipe! These shrimp are fried to perfection and tossed in a flavorful sauce that will make your taste buds dance.
It all started on a lazy Sunday afternoon when I was craving something spicy and crispy. As I reminisced about my last visit to Yard House, I thought – why not recreate their famous firecracker shrimp at home?
After learning the process, I’m now sharing this copycat version. Trust me, this might just become your new favorite appetizer!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Shrimp Dish
Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of the recipe, let me tell you why this Yard House Firecracker Shrimp is about to become your go-to dish:
- Irresistible Flavor: The perfect balance of sweet and spicy will keep you coming back for more.
- Crispy Texture: The light, crispy coating on the shrimp is simply addictive.
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, you can have this dish ready in about 30 minutes.
- Versatile: Great as an appetizer, main course, or party snack.
Ingredients That Needed
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb. extra-large shrimp, defrosted, peeled, and deveined
- 2 eggs
- Hot sauce
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cooking oil (peanut or vegetable oil)
For The Sauce:
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Lemon zest
For Garnish:
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Diced chives
Kitchen Tools Needed
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Tongs
- Wire rack
- Plate
Making Yard House Firecracker Shrimp Recipe
Step 1 | Prep the Shrimp
Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp. Grab the tail end and pinch it off, then do the same with the shell on the body. Make an incision down the back to remove the vein. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and set aside.
Step 2 | Prepare the Egg Wash
Beat two eggs in a bowl with a splash of hot sauce. This will be used to dredge the shrimp.
Step 3 | Make the Breading
In a mixing bowl, combine equal parts cornstarch and all-purpose flour. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Taste the mixture to ensure it’s adequately seasoned.
Step 4 | Season the Shrimp
Lightly season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Toss them to make sure they’re evenly coated.
Step 5 | Bread the Shrimp
Dip the shrimp into the egg wash, then coat them in the flour mixture. Place the breaded shrimp on a wire rack or plate and let them rest for a few minutes.
Step 6 | Heat the Oil
Heat your cooking oil in a frying pan or deep fryer to 350°F. Make sure there’s enough oil to submerge the shrimp.
Step 7 | Fry the Shrimp
Carefully place the shrimp into the hot oil, laying them away from you to avoid splatter. Fry for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
Step 8 | Drain the Shrimp
Remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a wire rack to drain. Avoid using paper towels as they can make the shrimp soggy.
Step 9 | Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup of sweet chili sauce, 1 tsp garlic paste, 1 tsp ginger paste, 1 tbsp. lemon juice, 2 tbsp. honey, and some lemon zest. Whisk thoroughly and adjust the flavor to your preference. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. For extra heat, add some sriracha.
Step 10 | Coat in Sauce
Dunk the fried shrimp into the prepared sauce, ensuring they’re well coated.
Step 11 | Serve
Plate the shrimp and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and diced chives. Enjoy your homemade Yard House Firecracker Shrimp Copycat Recipe.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Adjusting the Heat: If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of hot sauce or sweet chili sauce. For extra heat, add more sriracha or even a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Alternative Coatings: For a gluten-free option, you can use rice flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Make-Ahead Tips: You can bread the shrimp and refrigerate them a few hours in advance. This makes frying them up even quicker when you’re ready to eat.
Some Good Side Dishes to Serve with Firecracker Shrimp
These shrimp are perfect as an appetizer, but they’re also great served with a side to make a complete meal. Here are some suggestions:
- Steamed Rice: The perfect neutral base to balance out the bold flavors of the shrimp.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: A colorful mix of bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots adds both nutrition and crunch.
- Asian Slaw: A tangy, crunchy slaw with a sesame dressing pairs wonderfully with the shrimp.
- Garlic Noodles: These add a delicious, savory complement to the spicy shrimp.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, place the shrimp on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This helps to keep them crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the breading soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure they are fully defrosted, peeled, and deveined before starting the recipe.
What if I don’t have a deep fryer?
No problem! You can use a large frying pan with enough oil to submerge the shrimp. Just be sure to monitor the oil temperature to ensure even cooking.
Can I make the sauce in advance?
Absolutely! The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
For a lighter version, you can try baking the shrimp instead of frying. Bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Yard House Firecracker Shrimp Recipe
Enjoy this Yard House Firecracker Shrimp recipe with crispy, spicy shrimp tossed in a flavorful sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish!
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb. extra-large shrimp, defrosted, peeled, and deveined
- 2 eggs
- Hot sauce
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cooking oil (peanut or vegetable oil)
For The Sauce:
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Lemon zest
For Garnish:
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Diced chives
Instructions
Step 1 | Prep the Shrimp
Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp. Grab the tail end and pinch it off, then do the same with the shell on the body. Make an incision down the back to remove the vein. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and set aside.
Step 2 | Prepare the Egg Wash
Beat two eggs in a bowl with a splash of hot sauce. This will be used to dredge the shrimp.
Step 3 | Make the Breading
In a mixing bowl, combine equal parts cornstarch and all-purpose flour. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Taste the mixture to ensure it's adequately seasoned.
Step 4 | Season the Shrimp
Lightly season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Toss them to make sure they're evenly coated.
Step 5 | Bread the Shrimp
Dip the shrimp into the egg wash, then coat them in the flour mixture. Place the breaded shrimp on a wire rack or plate and let them rest for a few minutes.
Step 6 | Heat the Oil
Heat your cooking oil in a frying pan or deep fryer to 350°F. Make sure there's enough oil to submerge the shrimp.
Step 7 | Fry the Shrimp
Carefully place the shrimp into the hot oil, laying them away from you to avoid splatter. Fry for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
Step 8 | Drain the Shrimp
Remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a wire rack to drain. Avoid using paper towels as they can make the shrimp soggy.
Step 9 | Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup of sweet chili sauce, 1 tsp garlic paste, 1 tsp ginger paste, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp honey, and some lemon zest. Whisk thoroughly and adjust the flavor to your preference. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. For extra heat, add some sriracha.
Step 10 | Coat in Sauce
Dunk the fried shrimp into the prepared sauce, ensuring they're well coated.
Step 11 | Serve
Plate the shrimp and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and diced chives. Enjoy your homemade Yard House Firecracker Shrimp Copycat Recipe.
Conclusion
There you have it, the irresistible Yard House Firecracker Shrimp recipe. This dish is sure to impress with its perfect combination of crispy shrimp and flavorful sauce.
I hope you enjoy making and eating these as much as I do. Don’t forget to share your experience and any tweaks you made to the recipe. Happy cooking!
