Firecracker Shrimp and Broccoli

Firecracker Shrimp is the perfect marriage of tender shrimp, crisp-tender broccoli, and a bold homemade sauce made with pantry staples like soy sauce, Sriracha, and honey. It's faster than takeout and way more satisfying!

This dish became a regular in our house after one too many disappointing takeout nights. I wanted something just as bold and saucy, but lighter, cheaper, and easy enough to pull off even on hectic nights. It's got enough heat to keep it exciting, but it's still kid-approved, especially when paired with rice or noodles.

When we are doing a big takeout spread at home, we serve Firecracker Shrimp with some Baked Egg Rolls, Fried Rice, or Chow Mein for a takeout-style meal right at home!

Need more Asian-inspired shrimp recipes? You'll love this Shrimp Stir Fry, these Shrimp Sushi Bowls, or this Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry!

Before You Get Started

Here are some quick things to keep in mind before making this recipe:

• Shrimp: The recipe calls for larger shrimp, but you can use whatever size you have on hand. Be sure to peel and devein the shrimp before using them, or find shrimp that comes pre-peeled and deveined.
• Chop and measure everything ahead of time. This stir-fry moves quickly. Having everything prepped means no scrambling once you start cooking.
• Double the sauce if you love extra drizzle. The original recipe makes just enough to coat everything. For saucy rice bowls or noodles, double it.

Quick Swaps for Firecracker Shrimp

Don't have something in the ingredient list? Here are a few simple swaps you can make:

• Broccoli: Feel free to swap this out for another veggie, depending on what you have. Other good options include asparagus, green beans, and zucchini.
• Honey: Maple syrup or brown sugar works as well.
• Sriracha: Chili garlic paste, like sambal olek, will also work.

How to Make Firecracker Shrimp

Here's how to make firecracker shrimp at home:

1. Prep Everything First

Dry the shrimp, chop the broccoli, and mix up the sauce in a small bowl so you're ready to go once the pan is hot.

Dry the shrimp completely. Excess moisture causes steaming instead of searing. Pat each one dry with a paper towel before they hit the pan.

2. Sear the Shrimp

Heat some oil in a large skillet and cook the shrimp in a single layer. Shrimp cook fast—2 to 3 minutes per side is plenty. As soon as they turn opaque and pink, take them off the heat.

Use high heat for a better sear. Medium-high heat gives you that quick caramelization on the shrimp and tender-crisp broccoli.

3. Cook the Broccoli

In the same skillet, cook the broccoli until it's tender but still crisp. If the pan gets dry, splash in some water to help it steam.

4. Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the sauce and simmer until it slightly thickens and becomes glossy.

5. Toss It All Together

Return the shrimp and broccoli to the pan and stir to coat everything evenly with the sauce.

Optional Cooking Method: Grill the Shrimp

You can also grill the shrimp separately and toss them into the sauce at the end if you prefer that smoky flavor.

Firecracker Shrimp Tips & Tricks

Here are some of my top tips and tricks to help you get the best firecracker shrimp every time:

• Play around with flavors: If you prefer something sweeter, add more honey. Want something more savory? Just increase the amount of soy sauce. Need more spice? Toss in more Sriracha.
• Can't have soy? Coconut aminos are a great swap. Keep in mind that this will be slightly sweeter than soy sauce, so you may need to adjust the amount of honey accordingly.
• Want a more robust sauce? Add a cornstarch slurry to the pan and mix well. The sauce should thicken up significantly, so only add a tiny amount at a time until you've reached your desired consistency.

Side Dish Ideas

Not sure how to serve the dish? Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Tacos and wraps. Tacos and firecracker shrimp are a perfect match for any family dinner. Simply load the shrimp into your tortillas, add some veggies, and drizzle some of the sauce from the pan on top. Voila!
• Plate it up. Try serving this dish as the star of the show alongside some cauliflower rice or Quinoa Fried Rice and some Sesame Broccoli or green beans.
• Noodles. This dish works great when served with your favorite noodles. I love adding the shrimp to Asian Noodle Bowls for extra protein! Want a low-carb noodle alternative? Try these Stir-Fried Zucchini Noodles.
• Salads: If you want a super filling dinner without adding a ton of calories, add the shrimp to an Edamame Salad!

How to Store This Dish

Keeping shrimp fresh in the fridge is super easy! Here's how to store and reheat leftovers:

Allow your shrimp to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight storage container. Then, store them in one of two ways:

• In the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
• In the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
• Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep the shrimp tender. If using the microwave, heat in 30-second bursts and stir between each round to avoid overcooking.
• Leftovers: This dish stores incredibly well and is delicious in homemade Shrimp and Rice Bowls for meal prep throughout the week!