Ingredients
Scale
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients, especially fresh shrimp and a good quality mayo for the sauce. I’ve always believed that simple, quality ingredients make a huge difference, a lesson passed down from countless afternoons in my mum’s kitchen in southern England. If you can find wild-caught shrimp, it’s worth the extra effort for that sweet, clean flavor. For the sauce, homemade mayo can be a game-changer, but store-bought works just fine when you’re short on time.
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (or substitute with rice flour for gluten-free)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably full-fat for creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 teaspoons sriracha, adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped green onions or cilantro
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Place cornstarch in a shallow bowl. Dredge each shrimp in the cornstarch, shaking off the excess. This step creates that signature crispy crust.
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy—my years in restaurant kitchens taught me that temperature control is everything.
- Carefully fry the shrimp in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each batch for about 2-3 minutes, until golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- While the shrimp cooks, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a medium bowl. Adjust the heat level by adding more or less sriracha according to your taste.
- Once all shrimp are fried, toss them gently in the sauce until evenly coated. The shrimp should be warm, so the sauce clings perfectly.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or cilantro if you like a fresh finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
