Name: Dynamite Shrimp Fritters with Spicy Mayo Dip You’ll Love
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups Flour (Serves as the base.); 0.75 cups Cornstarch (Enhances crispiness.); 1.5 tablespoons Baking Powder (Helps the fritters puff up.); 1.5 cups Cold Club Soda (Adds lightness to the batter.); 0.5 teaspoon Kosher Salt (Enhances flavor.); 0.25 teaspoon White Pepper (Offers subtle heat.); Canola Oil (Enough for frying.); 1 pound Shrimp (21-25 count, deveined and shells removed.); 1 cup Mayonnaise (Forms a creamy base.); 1 tablespoon Sugar (Rounds out flavors.); 1 tablespoon Sriracha (Introduces a delicious kick.)

There’s a certain thrill that comes from uncovering a dish that feels both indulgent and playful at the same time. This past weekend, while rummaging through my fridge, I stumbled upon a bag of shrimp that had been overlooked. With a spark of inspiration, I decided to create a dish that would elevate those humble ingredients into something spectacular—Dynamite Shrimp Fritters.

Imagine each bite bursting with succulent shrimp encased in a crispy, golden batter. The light crunch followed by the tender shrimp inside evokes a satisfying crunch that’s hard to resist. Paired with a zesty sriracha mayonnaise, these fritters become the star of any gathering, transforming an ordinary day into a delicious celebration. Whether it’s for a cozy night in or entertaining friends, this recipe is your ticket to homemade comfort food that’s sure to impress, leaving fast food in the dust.

Why will you love Dynamite Shrimp fritters?

Easy to make: These fritters come together quickly with just a few basic ingredients, making them perfect for any home cook.

Flavor explosion: The blend of succulent shrimp with a hint of sriracha in the dipping sauce adds a delightful kick, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.

Crispy goodness: The light, crispy exterior paired with tender shrimp provides an irresistible texture contrast that will have everyone coming back for more.

Versatile appetizer: Serve these fritters at parties or enjoy them as a main dish; they’re an exciting alternative to boring fast food.

Crowd-pleaser: Whether you’re entertaining friends or enjoying a cozy night in, these fritters are sure to impress and satisfy, transforming any meal into a special occasion.

Dynamite Shrimp Fritter Ingredients

For the Batter
• Flour – 1 1/2 cups serves as the base, giving the fritters structure.
• Cornstarch – 3/4 cup enhances crispiness, creating that golden crunch we love!
• Baking Powder – 1 1/2 tablespoons helps the fritters puff up nicely when fried.
• Cold Club Soda – 1 1/2 cups adds lightness to the batter, making each bite fluffy.
• Kosher Salt – 1/2 teaspoon enhances flavor; feel free to adjust to your taste.
• White Pepper – 1/4 teaspoon offers a subtle heat that complements the shrimp.

For Frying
• Canola Oil – Enough for frying; it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, perfect for these fritters.

For the Shrimp
• Shrimp – 1 pound (21-25 count, deveined and shells removed) adds the main protein for our dynamite dish.

For the Dipping Sauce
• Mayonnaise – 1 cup forms a creamy base for our sauce, balancing the spice.
• Sugar – 1 tablespoon rounds out the flavors, counteracting the heat nicely.
• Sriracha – 1 tablespoon introduces a delicious kick, perfectly suiting the Dynamite Shrimp theme!

How to Make Dynamite Shrimp Fritters

Combine dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, kosher salt, and white pepper. This mixture is the foundation of your fritters!
Whisk in club soda: Gradually pour in the cold club soda while whisking until the batter is smooth. The club soda’s carbonation will give your fritters a delightful lightness.
Heat oil: In a deep pan, heat canola oil over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough for frying, aiming for about 350°F.
Dip shrimp: Take each deveined shrimp and dip it into the prepared batter. Make sure they’re thoroughly coated for a crispy shell!
Fry until golden: Carefully place the battered shrimp in the hot oil, frying until they turn golden brown, usually about 3-4 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
Drain excess oil: Once done, remove the shrimp from the oil and let them drain on a plate lined with paper towels. This will help keep them crispy.
Mix dipping sauce: In a separate bowl, blend together the mayonnaise, sugar, and sriracha until well combined. Taste and adjust for your preferred spice level!
Serve and enjoy: Present the warm fritters on a platter, accompanied by the zesty dipping sauce. They are perfect for sharing or indulging solo!

Optional: Sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Dynamite Shrimp

Fridge: Store leftover Dynamite Shrimp fritters in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best crispiness.

Freezer: Place cooled fritters on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a hot oven.

Reheating: For optimal texture, reheat frozen fritters at 375°F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through and crispy. Enjoy as a delicious snack or meal!

Variations & Substitutions for Dynamite Shrimp

Feel free to personalize these fritters with exciting variations that suit your taste and dietary needs!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a deliciously inclusive option.
Spicy Twist: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the batter for an extra kick that spice lovers will adore!
Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley into the batter to give your fritters a burst of freshness.
Add Veggies: Fold in finely chopped bell peppers or scallions for extra flavor and texture, making each bite even more delightful!
Coconut Flour: Swap out some of the flour with coconut flour for a subtly sweet, tropical twist that complements shrimp beautifully.
Panko Coating: For an extra crunch, dip the battered shrimp in panko crumbs before frying; this will take your fritters to the next level!
Sweet Heat: Drizzle honey over the fried fritters or mix it into the dipping sauce for a sweet contrast to the spice.
Baked Option: For a healthier choice, bake the fritters on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F until golden instead of frying.

With these creative adaptations, you’re on your way to making your Dynamite Shrimp fritters uniquely yours!

Make-Ahead Tips for Dynamite Shrimp Fritters

Dynamite Shrimp Fritters are a fantastic option for meal prep! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance—just mix the dry ingredients and refrigerate the club soda separately. To ensure the fritters maintain their crispy texture, avoid combining the club soda with the batter until you’re ready to fry. The shrimp can also be marinated in your favorite seasonings for up to 3 days in the fridge, enhancing their flavor before cooking. When you’re ready to serve, simply mix the batter, dip the shrimp, fry them in hot oil until golden, and enjoy this restaurant-quality dish with minimal hassle!

Expert Tips for Dynamite Shrimp Fritters

Dry Mix First: Mixing the dry ingredients thoroughly ensures an even distribution of flavors in your fritters, avoiding any clumps.
Chill the Club Soda: Using very cold club soda gives the batter a crispy texture, so don’t skip this step for your Dynamite Shrimp!
Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on the oil temperature; if it’s too hot, the fritters may burn before cooking through. Aim for about 350°F.
Batter Consistency: The batter should be thick enough to coat the shrimp but not so thick that it clumps. Adjust with a little more club soda if necessary.
Drain Properly: Allow the fritters to drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil, maintaining their delightful crunch when served.

What to Serve with Dynamite Shrimp Fritters?

Creating a delightful meal goes beyond the main dish—it’s about the experience and flavors that accompany it. Let’s elevate your dining experience!

Zesty Coleslaw: A crunchy, refreshing side dish that perfectly balances the richness of the fritters with its tangy dressing. The crisp vegetables provide a satisfying texture contrast.
Garlic Butter Rice: Creamy and aromatic, this dish soaks up the flavors of the shrimp fritters and adds a comforting element to your plate. The buttery finish leaves you wanting more!
Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness complements the savory fritters, and the crispiness ties the meal together beautifully. Dip in the sriracha mayo for an extra layer of flavor!
Refreshing Cucumber Salad: The coolness and crunch of cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette cleanse the palate, making every bite of fritter feel new and exciting.
Mango Avocado Salsa: This vibrant and fruity salsa offers a delightful contrast to the spice of the fritters, creating a marriage of flavors that’s hard to resist in every bite.
Chilled White Wine: A glass of crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, enhances the shrimp’s flavor while refreshing your palate between bites. Perfect for sipping while enjoying your feast!
Chocolate Mousse: End your meal on a sweet note with a light and airy chocolate mousse, which offers a lovely contrast to the savory fritters and rounds out your dining experience with a touch of indulgence.
Lemonade Spritzer: A sparkling lemonade spritzer combines sweetness and tartness, perfectly complementing the fried shrimp without overpowering them. The effervescence is a refreshing companion!

Dynamite Shrimp Fritters Recipe FAQs

How can I choose the right shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting shrimp, look for fresh, uncooked shrimp that are firm and have a slightly translucent appearance. Avoid any shrimp with a strong fishy odor or that show signs of discoloration or dark spots all over. The 21-25 count shrimp works well here, providing a perfect bite size for fritters.

How should I store leftover Dynamite Shrimp fritters?
You can store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, to keep them crispy, I often recommend reheating them in a skillet over medium heat rather than microwaving, which can make them soggy.

Can I freeze Dynamite Shrimp fritters?
Yes, indeed! To freeze your fritters, first allow them to cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag, ensuring you remove as much air as possible. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months.

What’s the best way to reheat frozen fritters?
For optimal texture, reheat frozen fritters directly from the freezer in a hot oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes or until they are heated through and crispy. This method will bring back that delightful crunch!

Can I use different types of flour or make substitutions?
Very! If you’re looking for gluten-free options, you could try a gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of regular flour. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly. Additionally, if you enjoy a twist, you might add spices to the batter like garlic powder or paprika for a flavor boost!

Are there any dietary considerations?
That’s a thoughtful question! If serving to guests with dietary restrictions, ensure the mayonnaise used is free from allergens such as eggs for those with egg allergies. Always double-check that your shrimp are sustainably sourced if that’s important for dietary preferences.