Firecracker Shrimp from Yard House features crispy battered shrimp tossed in a spicy, tangy sauce made with chili, garlic, and a hint of sweetness, garnished with fresh scallions for a vibrant and flavorful appetizer.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Slotted spoon
- Tongs
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Plate or serving platter
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2/3 cup cold club soda
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sliced scallions
When preparing your batter for Firecracker Shrimp, using cold club soda instead of water will help achieve a light and crispy texture due to the carbonation. Mixing all-purpose flour with cornstarch and baking powder ensures a delicate crunch that complements the shrimp's natural tenderness. Balancing spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the spicy, tangy sauce. Be cautious with the amount of vegetable oil during deep frying to maintain a consistent frying temperature for optimal crispiness. Your copycat Firecracker Shrimp from Yard House will shine with a perfectly balanced sauce of sweet chili, sriracha, honey, garlic, and rice vinegar, garnished with fresh scallions for vibrant flavor and presentation.
Instructions
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Whisk in cold club soda until batter is smooth.
- Heat vegetable oil in deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Dip shrimp into batter, coating thoroughly.
- Fry battered shrimp in batches until golden and crispy, 2-3 minutes per batch.
- Remove shrimp with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- In a saucepan, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and soy sauce. Heat over low until warmed and combined.
- Transfer shrimp to a mixing bowl; pour sauce over shrimp and toss to coat evenly.
- Plate the shrimp on a serving platter.
- Garnish with sliced scallions.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Firecracker Shrimp from Yard House copycat menu offers a crispy, spicy, and tangy appetizer that you can easily replicate at home. If you don't have club soda on hand, you can substitute it with sparkling water or even cold beer to maintain the batter's lightness and crispiness. When selecting chili sauce, use what is available in your pantry, such as sambal oelek or any chili paste, to achieve the desired heat level. If deep frying is not an option, pan-frying the shrimp in a shallow layer of vegetable oil can still give you a good crunch. Make sure to drain the fried shrimp on paper towels to keep them crispy before tossing in the sauce.
Tips
Ensure the shrimp are completely dry before dipping in batter to achieve maximum crispiness. Maintain the oil temperature around 350degF (175degC) throughout frying to prevent greasy shrimp and uneven cooking. When making the sauce, gently warm it without boiling to preserve the bright flavors and creaminess. Toss the shrimp with the sauce just before serving to keep the batter crispy while coating your appetizer evenly.
Nutritions
Firecracker Shrimp from Yard House contains large shrimp, which are rich in protein and low in calories, making this dish a satisfying source of lean protein. The batter adds carbohydrates and fats, primarily from all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and vegetable oil used for deep frying, which increases the calorie and fat content. The spicy, tangy sauce incorporates ingredients like mayonnaise, honey, and sweet chili sauce, contributing to both sugars and fats. You can enjoy this appetizer as a flavorful option, but keep in mind its balance of macronutrients and higher fat content from frying.
Storage
To store Firecracker Shrimp, place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Reheat the shrimp in an oven or air fryer at 350degF (175degC) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness, avoiding microwave reheating as it can make the batter chewy. Your best experience comes from serving the dish immediately after cooking, as the crispy texture and fresh garnish provide optimal flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
Your Firecracker Shrimp can be made gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour and cornstarch with a gluten-free flour blend and using gluten-free soy sauce in the sauce. For a lighter option, try air frying the battered shrimp at 400degF (200degC) for 8-10 minutes instead of deep-frying, ensuring they remain crispy without excess oil. Incorporate a squeeze of fresh lime juice into the sauce to enhance the tangy flavor profile and balance the sweetness. Swap sweet chili sauce with sambal oelek or a similar chili paste to increase heat intensity, particularly if you prefer spicier dishes.
Allergies
Firecracker Shrimp contains shellfish, a common allergen that can cause severe allergic reactions in some individuals. The dish also includes wheat-based flour and soy sauce, both of which are potential allergens for people with gluten or soy sensitivities. Be sure to inform your server about any food allergies to ensure your safety when enjoying this appetizer.
Why this recipe?
Firecracker Shrimp from Yard House restaurant is loved for its perfect balance of crispy texture and bold, spicy flavor that delivers a satisfying kick with every bite. The dish combines tender shrimp coated in a light batter and tossed in a tangy, chili-infused sauce that excites the palate. Crafting your own copycat version allows you to customize the heat level and freshness, ensuring a personalized and delicious appetizer experience. Your kitchen creation can replicate the vibrant taste and addictive crunch that make Firecracker Shrimp a standout menu item.