1. Prepare the Shrimp

Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This step is important to remove excess moisture, as it helps the batter stick and ensures a crispy coating when fried. You can leave the shrimp tails on for a more elegant presentation, or remove them if you prefer.

2. Set Up the Breading Station

For the crispy shrimp batter, you’ll need a three-step breading station:

• In one shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• In a second shallow bowl, beat the egg.
• In a third shallow bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs).

This breading setup will allow you to coat each shrimp evenly, ensuring a crispy exterior and tender interior.

3. Coat the Shrimp

Dip each shrimp into the flour mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated. Then, dip it into the beaten egg, followed by the breadcrumbs. Press gently on the breadcrumbs to ensure they adhere well to the shrimp. Repeat the process with all the shrimp.

4. Fry the Shrimp

Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be about 1-2 inches deep so that the shrimp can fry evenly. The oil should be at about 350°F (175°C), which you can test by dropping a small piece of bread into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.

Carefully place the breaded shrimp into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the shrimp in batches if necessary. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. The shrimp should be cooked through, and the coating should be crunchy and golden. Remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

5. Make the Firecracker Sauce

While the shrimp are frying, it’s time to prepare the Firecracker sauce. In a small mixing bowl, combine the sriracha sauce, sweet chili sauce, mayonnaise, honey (if using), rice vinegar (if using), minced garlic, and sesame oil. Stir the mixture until smooth and well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your liking by adding more sriracha for heat or more honey for sweetness.

6. Coat the Shrimp in the Sauce

Once the shrimp are fried and crispy, place them in a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared Firecracker sauce over the shrimp and toss gently to coat them evenly. Make sure every shrimp is covered with the sauce for maximum flavor.

7. Garnish and Serve

Transfer the sauced shrimp to a serving platter and garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you like an extra kick of heat). Serve immediately while the shrimp are hot and crispy.