Restaurant Inspired
Origin and Cultural Significance
Dynamite Shrimp became popular through Asian-fusion restaurants, particularly P.F. Chang’s, where it is served as a signature appetizer. The dish blends Japanese tempura-style frying with a creamy, spicy sauce influenced by American flavor profiles. It represents the globalization of food, taking elements from multiple cuisines to create a bold, addictive appetizer. Its viral popularity grew on social media and food blogs, cementing it as a must-try restaurant copycat dish. Today, Dynamite Shrimp is enjoyed worldwide as a shareable appetizer or indulgent snack.
Unique Ingredients and Flavors
This dish features tender shrimp coated in a light batter, deep-fried until golden and crispy. The “dynamite sauce” combines mayonnaise, sriracha, and sweet chili sauce for a creamy, tangy, and spicy coating. A touch of honey balances the heat, while sesame oil adds depth. Garnishes like green onions and sesame seeds provide freshness and crunch. The contrast of crispy shrimp and smooth, bold sauce makes this recipe irresistible.
Dynamite Shrimp with Sauce (Copycat Recipe) – Crispy Fried Shrimp Tossed in Creamy Spicy Dynamite Sauce
This Dynamite Shrimp copycat recipe recreates the restaurant favorite with crispy fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce. Each shrimp is battered, fried to golden perfection, and coated in a rich chili-mayo glaze that packs flavor in every bite. Perfect for parties, game nights, or as a restaurant-style starter, it’s quick to prepare and delivers a bold punch. Pair with rice, noodles, or enjoy as an appetizer with dipping sauce. Once you make it at home, you’ll see why this dish has become a worldwide favorite.
Ingredients
Ingredient List
Dynamite Sauce:
Instructions
1. Marinate the Shrimp
- Place shrimp in buttermilk for at least 20 minutes to tenderize and absorb flavor.
2. Prepare the Coating
- In one bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, whisk eggs.
3. Heat the Oil
- In a deep pan or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F.
4. Batter and Fry
- Remove shrimp from buttermilk, dredge in flour mixture, dip into egg wash, then coat again with flour mixture for double crispiness. Fry shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
5. Make the Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and sesame oil until creamy and smooth.
6. Toss and Serve
- Coat fried shrimp with the dynamite sauce just before serving. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Note
Hot Oil Warning: Frying oil can splatter and cause burns—handle carefully and avoid overcrowding.
Allergy Warning: Contains shellfish, eggs, and gluten. Substitute gluten-free flour or vegan mayo if needed.
For maximum crispiness, toss shrimp with sauce only right before serving.
