Name: Spicy Shrimp Appetizer
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired
Ingredients: For the Sauce:; ½ cup mayonnaise; ⅓ cup sweet chili sauce; 2 tablespoons sriracha (or other chili sauce); 1 teaspoon honey; For the Shrimp:; 1 egg, whisked; 1 teaspoon soy sauce; ⅔ cup corn flour; ½ teaspoon sea salt; ½ lb medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 scallion, chopped (for garnish); Optional Add-Ons:; Whole lettuce leaves (for serving); Extra finely chopped scallions (for garnish)

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Crispy golden shrimp tossed in a creamy, sweet, and fiery chili sauce — this Spicy Shrimp Appetizer is a Japanese-inspired dish that’s bold, addictive, and lightning-fast to prepare. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s the perfect starter for your next dinner party or when you’re craving something flavorful and fun.

Spicy Shrimp Appetizer

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy – From prep to plate in just 20 minutes.
Crispy and creamy – A contrast of textures with every bite.
Perfectly spicy – Balanced with sweet chili, sriracha, and honey.
Restaurant-style at home – Impress guests with this elegant appetizer.
Customizable – Adjust spice levels and serving style to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Sauce

½ cup mayonnaise
⅓ cup sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons sriracha (or any chili sauce)
1 teaspoon honey

For the Shrimp

1 egg, whisked
1 teaspoon soy sauce
⅔ cup corn flour
½ teaspoon sea salt
½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium-sized)
1 scallion, for garnish

Optional Add-Ons

Whole lettuce leaves (for serving)
Finely chopped scallions (extra garnish)

Directions

1. Make the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Shrimp
In a large bowl, whisk the egg and soy sauce. In a separate shallow dish, combine corn flour and sea salt.
Pat the shrimp dry, add them to the egg mixture, and toss to coat.
One at a time, dredge each shrimp in the corn flour mixture until well coated.

3. Fry the Shrimp
Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the shrimp in batches, about 1 minute per side or 2 minutes total, until golden and crispy.
Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.

4. Toss and Serve
Place the fried shrimp into the prepared sauce and toss gently to coat.
Garnish with chopped scallions and serve over lettuce leaves or in small appetizer dishes. Optional: serve extra sauce on the side.

Servings and timing

Yield: 4 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Calories: 295 kcal per serving

Variations

Less spicy – Reduce sriracha or skip it entirely for a milder version.
Extra crunchy – Use panko breadcrumbs instead of corn flour.
Air-fried version – Spray coated shrimp with oil and air-fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes.
Taco-style – Serve in mini tortillas with shredded cabbage for a fun twist.
Gluten-free – Ensure soy sauce is gluten-free and substitute with tamari if needed.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover shrimp (without sauce) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating: Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes until crisp. Add sauce after reheating to maintain texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before coating to ensure crispiness.

What is corn flour, and can I substitute it?

Corn flour is finely ground cornmeal. You can substitute with all-purpose flour or rice flour for a similar texture.

Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?

You can, but they won’t be as crispy. Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Is this dish very spicy?

It has a moderate kick from sriracha and chili sauce. You can adjust to your heat preference.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. Make it up to 3 days in advance and store in the fridge.

What’s the best oil for frying shrimp?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola, peanut, or vegetable oil.

Can I use other proteins?

Yes, chicken tenders or tofu cubes work well with the same method and sauce.

How do I keep the shrimp crispy after frying?

Drain well and avoid covering them immediately. Toss with sauce just before serving.

What sides go well with this appetizer?

Steamed rice, edamame, pickled vegetables, or a crisp salad are great accompaniments.

Can I serve it cold?

This dish is best served warm, but you can serve chilled for a picnic-style dish with lettuce wraps.

Conclusion

Spicy Shrimp Appetizer is the kind of dish that disappears quickly at parties and keeps people coming back for more. With its crunchy coating and rich, spicy-sweet sauce, it strikes the perfect balance between bold flavor and quick preparation. Whether you’re entertaining or just indulging at home, this shrimp dish is guaranteed to impress.

Molly