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    Home > Appetizers and Beverages > Super Easy Firecracker Shrimp

    Super Easy Firecracker Shrimp

    Published: Apr 30, 2022 · Modified: Oct 2, 2022 by Lea Ann Brown · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Firecracker shrimp.

    Grilled and glazed with a sweet and spicy firecracker sauce, Firecracker Shrimp is a quick and amazing appetizer. Or served with side dishes, a super easy dinner option. Five ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes … you can’t beat that.

    Grilled firecracker shrimp served on a white platter with blue cheese dressing dipping sauce.

    I’ve tried several versions of Firecracker Shrimp. Versions where shrimp are potato starched, or floured, and come with a lengthy lineup of ingredients.

    Those recipes are really very good, but I’ve settled on this incredibly quick, easy, no-fuss version as a permanent resident in my data base and the recipe I want to share with my readers. A version with flavor and texture that you’ll find addictive.

    This recipe somewhat reminds me of Bang Bang Shrimp … except its a version that isn’t breaded.

    This recipe for Firecracker Shrimp is Asian inspired and a quick and easy treat for any meal.

    It’s a super quick offering for an appetizer, or served with rice for a light and welcome easy dinner option.

    Peeled and deveined shrimp are skewered and grilled basted with sweet, sticky sauce that becomes a beautiful glaze as it cooks.

    The beauty of this recipe, is that it uses ingredients that you most likely already have in your pantry.

    Let’s take a look.

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    Mise en place. Always gather ingredients before starting any recipe. It will save you time and organize your mind.

    Ingredients to make easy firecracker shrimp.
    • Shrimp: Choose quality wild caught shrimp that has already been shelled and deveined. This will save you lots of time.
    • Neutral Oil: Canola oil or Vegetable oil works well here.
    • Apricot Jam.
    • Soy Sauce.
    • Red Chile Pepper Flakes.
    • Sesame Seeds (optional) Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds once the shrimp is cooked.

    Ingredient Substitutions

    • Salmon: I have also used this recipe for grilled salmon. Works like a charm for a quick dinner entree.
    • Jam: I had peach jam in the pantry. It works great as a sub for Apricot Jam.
    • Red Chile Pepper Flakes: A couple of good shakes of your favorite hot sauce is a good substitute for red pepper flakes. As is a sizable pinch or Cayenne pepper or New Mexico chile powder. Avoid using a chili powder blend that you most likely have in your pantry. It just won’t be as spicy and it’s a while different world of flavors.

    Step by Step Instructions

    How do you make firecracker shrimp? It super easy.

    Mixing sauce ingredients to make firecracker shrimp.
    Sauce for firecracker shrimp.
    • Step 1, prepare the Firecracker Shrimp Sauce. In a small bowl, combine preserves, oil, soy sauce and red pepper flakes.
    • Step 2, Use a fork to stir and blend the ingredients together.
    Shrimp skewered on metal rods.
    Shrimp skewers on a sheet pan that have been broiled and glazed.
    • Step 3: Skewer the peeled and deveined shrimp onto metal or wooden skewers. If using wooden, soak them for 20 minutes ahead of time, so they don’t burn. You can also use a grill basket. Use oil or a cooking spray to coat the pan before grilling.
    • Step 4: Broil or grill the Firecracker Shrimp. If broiling, place sheet pan 4 inches below the broiler unit. Slide the sheet pan out, turning every 2 minutes, basting with the sauce each time you turn. If grilling grill over medium high heat and turn shrimp every 2 minutes, basting each time you turn.

    FAQ’s

    What Shrimp Is Best For Firecracker Shrimp

    Please look for shrimp that tastes like shrimp. And by that I mean wild caught shrimp as opposed to farmed. Study those packages in your freezer section, you’ll be surprised to see you can find wild caught. They have a cleaner true shrimp flavor. And purchase frozen shrimp and thaw them yourself. Shrimp that is displayed in the seafood section that are not frozen, are more than likely previously frozen. Unless you live on the ocean.

    Whats The Best Way To Thaw Shrimp?

    Place shrimp in the refrigerator and let it thaw naturally overnight.

    Shrimp Tip: Using a paper towel, pat shrimp dry before cooking. You’ll get a much better and crispier sear. Also, leave a tiny bit of space between the shrimp as you skewer. That little bit of air flow will help the shrimp cook evenly.

    Storage

    If you have any leftovers, place shrimp in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days.

    Serving Suggestions

    If you’re not serving this as an appetizer, serve with Easy Baked Rice, or a simple fresh garden salad.

    Use Blue Cheese Dressing as a dipping sauce = Delicious.

    Whether you’re serving this as a light meal, or appetizer, I hope you enjoy the recipe as much as we do.

    Recipe for Firecracker Shrimp

    I hope you give this super easy shrimp dinner recipe a try. It’s a great idea to keep in your back pocket for a quick light dinner or appetizer. You’re going to love it’s simplicity and unique flavor.

    And if you’re looking for more easy seafood recipes, don’t miss my Seafood Category You’ll find lots of healthy recipes including the most popular on my site for Heavenly Halibut.

    More Grilled Shrimp Recipes

    • Grilled shrimp salad with avocado, orange wedges, mint and cherry tomatoes
      Grilled Shrimp Salad with Citrus Mint Dressing, Avocado and Orange
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    Grilled firecracker shrimp served on a white platter with blue cheese dressing dipping sauce.

    Firecracker Shrimp

    Grilled and glazed with a sweet and spicy firecracker sauce, Firecracker Shrimp is a quick and amazing appetizer, or served with side dishes, a super easy dinner option. Five ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes … you can’t beat that.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer Recipes, Main Course Seafood
    Cuisine: Asian
    Diet: Gluten Free
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 163kcal
    Author: Lea Ann Brown

    Ingredients

    • 1/2 cup apricot preserves or peach preserves
    • 1 teaspoon Neutral oil canola or vegetable oil works well here.
    • 1 teaspoon soy sauce Use Tamari to make this recipe gluten free.
    • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
    • 1 pound uncooked large shrimp peeled and deveined
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • In a small bowl, combine the preserves, oil, soy sauce and pepper flakes. Pat the shrimp dry and thread shrimp onto metal or soaked wooden skewers. Using a paper towel, lightly oil the grill grates before placing the shrimp.
    • Grill, uncovered, over medium heat or broil 4 in. from the heat until shrimp turn pink, 2-3 minutes on each side, basting frequently with apricot mixture.
    • Use blue cheese dressing as a dipping sauce.

    Notes

    Shrimp Tip: Using a paper towel, pat shrimp dry before cooking. You’ll get a much better and crispier sear. Also, leave a tiny bit of space between the shrimp as you skewer. That little bit of air flow will help the shrimp cook evenly.
    If you’re not serving this as an appetizer, serve with Easy Baked Rice, or a simple fresh garden salad.
    If you have any leftovers, place shrimp in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days.
    Heat Factor: If you don’t have red pepper flakes, use 1/4 teaspoon New Mexico Red Chile Powder, or a good shake of your favorite hot sauce or sriracha.
    Use Blue Cheese Dressing as a dipping sauce = Delicious.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 163kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 143mg | Sodium: 742mg | Potassium: 159mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 339IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @lannisam or tag #CookingOnTheRanch!

    Firecracker Shrimp … It’s What’s For Dinner.

    And, don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more delicious recipes and cooking tips. Make it a delicious day … every day.

    If you’ve tried this or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating in the recipe card below. And write a review in the comment section. I always appreciate your feedback.

    This recipe is adapted from Taste of Home.

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    • Bacon Jalapeno Cheese Ball served with crackers.
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    • Jalapeno artichoke dip with crackers.
      Quick Easy Jalapeno Artichoke Dip

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. John / Kitchen Riffs says

      May 11, 2022 at 8:37 am

      I’ve never made this dish! Really should, and your recipe looks perfect. Thanks!

      Reply
    2. mjskitchen says

      May 06, 2022 at 8:40 pm

      5 stars
      My husband informed me that grilled season starts this week so he wants to grill at least once a week. Perfect timing on this shrimp. We love a spicy shrimp and these are right up our alley. Thanks!!!

      Reply
    3. Larry says

      April 30, 2022 at 3:10 pm

      Looks really good Chef and I like using blue cheese dressing for dipping. I’m always amazed at how many recipes call for apricot preserves.

      Reply

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    I'm Lea Ann, Welcome to my Colorado kitchen. I'm a Culinary School Grad with a passion to inspire you to cook as often as you can. Here you'll find Wild West Colorado inspired recipes along some Southwestern and Mexican food favorites. I also share some special recipes from school along pro cooking tips. If you're an adventurous cook looking to spice up your meal plans, you'll find plenty of reliable, approachable, easy to follow recipes.

    More about me →

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