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Crispy Firecracker Shrimp Skewers with Spicy Sriracha Butter Sauce

crispy firecracker shrimp skewers - featured image

These crispy firecracker shrimp skewers feature a bold, crunchy coating paired with a spicy, buttery sriracha sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight grilling or indoor cooking, they deliver a delicious balance of heat and richness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed)
  • 1 cup (120g) panko breadcrumbs (Japanese-style recommended)
  • ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten, room temperature
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before using)
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • Pinch of smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and black pepper on both sides.
  2. Set up your breading station with three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Dredge each shrimp in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into beaten eggs, and finally roll in panko breadcrumbs until evenly coated.
  4. Thread 4-5 shrimp per skewer, piercing through the thickest part so they lay flat. Set aside.
  5. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in sriracha, honey, garlic powder, lime juice, and smoked paprika. Cook for 2-3 minutes until smooth and fragrant.
  6. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 375°F / 190°C). Place skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, turning carefully to get a nice char and even cooking.
  7. Brush cooked shrimp skewers liberally with the spicy sriracha butter sauce. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions.

Notes

For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour and panko with almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. For dairy-free, use vegan butter or coconut oil and ensure sriracha is dairy-free. Avoid overcrowding shrimp when breading and cooking to maintain crispiness. Brush sauce on after cooking to keep coating crispy. Shrimp cook quickly; do not overcook to avoid rubbery texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp skewers, firecracker shrimp, sriracha butter sauce, spicy shrimp, grilled shrimp, easy shrimp recipe, seafood skewers