How to Make Crispy Dragon Shrimp: A Step-by-Step Guide
Published: 25 May 2025
If you are a fan of bold flavors and crispy shrimp, then Crispy Dragon Shrimp is a dish you must try. This seafood recipe combines the perfect crunch of fried shrimp with a sweet and spicy sauce that’s irresistible. Inspired by the famous Red Lobster Dragon Shrimp, this recipe allows you to enjoy the same delicious dish at home.
The combination of buffalo sauce, honey, and sesame oil creates a unique flavor profile that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or just want a quick, restaurant-quality shrimp meal, Crispy Dragon Shrimp is sure to impress with its bold and flavorful taste.
What is Crispy Dragon Shrimp?
Crispy Dragon Shrimp is a popular dish from Red Lobster, known for its crispy texture and bold, tangy sauce. It features perfectly fried shrimp, tossed in a flavorful sauce made from buffalo sauce, honey, and a blend of Asian-inspired ingredients like sesame oil and oyster sauce. The dish is typically served over jasmine rice, topped with sesame seeds and chili flakes for an extra crunch and spice.
The beauty of Dragon Shrimp lies in its balance of flavors. The crispy shrimp offers a satisfying crunch, while the sauce adds a delightful combination of sweetness, tanginess, and heat. Whether you’re craving a quick seafood dinner or want to impress your guests with restaurant-quality food at home, Dragon Shrimp is the perfect dish to try.
Why You will Love Dragon Shrimp
You will love Dragon Shrimp because of its incredible flavor and crispy shrimp texture. The shrimp is perfectly fried, creating a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with the sauce. The sweet and spicy sauce coats the shrimp in just the right amount, giving it a flavor-packed punch that’s balanced yet bold.
Another reason you’ll love this dish is how customizable it is. You can easily adjust the heat level, swap out ingredients for dietary preferences, or even substitute shrimp for other proteins like chicken or tofu. Not to mention, it’s quick and easy to prepare – ready in under an hour. Perfect for busy days when you want to enjoy a restaurant-quality shrimp dish at home!
What Is in Dragon Shrimp Red Lobster Recipe?
The key ingredients in the Dragon Shrimp recipe are shrimp, a crispy coating, and a flavorful sauce. The shrimp is typically peeled and deveined, coated in a mixture of flour and cornstarch, which helps create that irresistible crispy texture when fried. The coating is seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder, enhancing the shrimp’s natural flavor.
The sauce is where the magic happens. Buffalo sauce, honey, and sesame oil combine to create a sweet, tangy, and spicy blend. Soy sauce and oyster sauce add depth and umami, while butter makes the sauce silky and rich. The dish is topped with sesame seeds, green onions, and optional chili flakes to give it an added texture and burst of flavor.
How to Customize Your Dragon Shrimp Recipe
One of the best things about the Dragon Shrimp recipe is how easily it can be customized. You can adjust the spicy shrimp recipe by controlling the amount of chili flakes and buffalo sauce. For those who prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the spice by using less chili powder or swapping out buffalo sauce for a milder hot sauce.
Additionally, feel free to swap out shrimp for other proteins, such as chicken or tofu, if you’re looking for alternatives. You can also make this dish gluten-free by using rice flour instead of regular flour. With so many possibilities, you can make this dish suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Essential Tools
To make Dragon Shrimp at home, you will need a few essential tools. A deep frying pan or skillet is essential for frying the shrimp. It’s important to have the right cooking surface to get that crispy texture. A medium saucepan is needed for preparing the sauce. A mixing bowl is helpful for coating the shrimp, and tongs will help you flip the shrimp easily without making a mess.
Using a candy thermometer to check the temperature of the oil is also recommended to ensure the shrimp cooks properly and turns out crispy. Lastly, a paper towel lined plate is essential for draining excess oil after frying, keeping the shrimp crispy and not greasy.
How to Make Dragon Shrimp Red Lobster Recipe
The best Dragon Shrimp recipe starts with preparing the shrimp. First, combine the flour, cornstarch, and seasonings (like garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder) in a bowl. Coat the shrimp in the seasoned mixture, making sure each piece is evenly covered. Dip the shrimp into a beaten egg to help the coating stick, then coat again in the flour mixture.
Next, heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the shrimp in small batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Each shrimp should cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Meanwhile, prepare the sauce in a medium saucepan. Melt butter over medium heat, then add the diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in the buffalo sauce, honey, sesame oil, soy sauce, and oyster sauce, allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken for 3-4 minutes.
Once the sauce is ready, toss the crispy shrimp in the sauce until each piece is coated. Serve over a bed of jasmine rice, and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and chili flakes for an extra kick.
Ingredients and Variations
Dragon Shrimp is highly adaptable. If you want to change up the flavor profile, you can experiment with different sauces. Try using sriracha for a spicier kick or sweet chili sauce for a milder version. For a tropical twist, consider serving it over coconut rice instead of jasmine rice.
You can also add vegetables like stir-fried broccoli or carrots to the dish for extra nutrition. If you’re craving something different, switch out the shrimp for other proteins like chicken tenders, fish, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Special Recipe Notes for Perfect Crispy Dragon Shrimp
Achieving perfect crispy shrimp requires a few special tips. First, make sure the shrimp is completely dry before coating it. Excess moisture can make the shrimp soggy. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the shrimp; this ensures they cook evenly and stay crispy. Maintain the oil temperature between 350-375°F to ensure the shrimp fries properly without burning.
For extra crispiness, you can dip the shrimp in the egg and flour mixture twice before frying. This double coating will give the shrimp an extra crunchy texture. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; it should turn a golden brown color and should only take a few minutes to cook through.
Recipe Customizations and Additions
Dragon Shrimp is all about customization. You can add vegetables like stir-fried bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for a nutritious boost. For an extra crunch, try topping the shrimp with crushed peanuts or cashews. The sauce is also versatile – feel free to make it spicier with jalapeños or switch to a teriyaki sauce for a sweeter option.
You can even turn this recipe into a complete meal by serving it in lettuce wraps instead of rice for a low-carb alternative or serve it alongside noodles to make a heartier dish.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Serve Dragon Shrimp over jasmine rice or fried rice for a satisfying meal. For a light side, pair it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. Dragon Shrimp also pairs beautifully with a crisp Caesar salad or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance out the bold, spicy flavors.
For drinks, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer would complement the sweet and spicy sauce perfectly.
Storage Tips for Red Lobster Dragon Shrimp
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat the shrimp and maintain the crispy texture, use an air fryer or oven rather than the microwave. The microwave tends to make the shrimp soggy, so using dry heat helps restore the crispiness.
If you plan to freeze the shrimp, store the fried shrimp (without sauce) in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. When ready to eat, reheat and coat with fresh sauce.
FAQs
1. Is the crispy dragon shrimp good?
Yes, Crispy Dragon Shrimp is delicious, offering a perfect balance of crispy texture and sweet-spicy flavor that many love.
2. What’s the crispy dragon shrimp at Red Lobster?
At Red Lobster, Crispy Dragon Shrimp consists of fried shrimp coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, often served over jasmine rice with garnishes like sesame seeds and chili flakes.
3. What are dragon shrimp?
Dragon Shrimp refers to shrimp that are typically fried and coated with a flavorful, sweet-spicy sauce, often inspired by Asian flavors.
4. What is Walt’s favorite shrimp from Red Lobster?
Walt’s Favorite Shrimp from Red Lobster is a popular dish featuring shrimp served in a buttery, garlic-infused sauce, often paired with rice or vegetables.
5. How spicy is the Dragon Shrimp recipe?
The level of spice can be adjusted to your taste. Start with buffalo sauce and add chili flakes for more heat if you like it spicier. For a milder version, reduce the chili powder and skip the extra chili flakes.
6. What is the secret to crispy shrimp?
The secret is in the shrimp coating. A combination of cornstarch and flour creates a crispy exterior. Make sure to fry the shrimp at the right temperature and avoid overcrowding the pan.
7. What shrimp should I buy?
Fresh, medium to large shrimp works best for this recipe. It’s important to choose shrimp that are peeled, deveined, and have a firm texture. Wild-caught shrimp is a good choice for the best flavor.
8. Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the shrimp and coating in advance, as well as make the sauce ahead of time. Just store everything separately in the fridge. Fry the shrimp right before serving for maximum crispiness.
9. How do I avoid rubbery shrimp?
To avoid rubbery shrimp, cook them for no more than 2-3 minutes per side. Shrimp cooks quickly and can become rubbery if overcooked. Remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
10. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can use rice flour or almond flour instead of regular flour to make the recipe gluten-free. Be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce as well.
Conclusion
Making Crispy Dragon Shrimp at home is easier than you might think. With a few simple ingredients and the right techniques, you can enjoy this delicious seafood dish with shrimp in no time. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving a quick shrimp recipe for dinner, Dragon Shrimp delivers restaurant-quality shrimp at home every time. Try this recipe today and enjoy the perfect combination of crispy shrimp, sweet and spicy sauce, and a satisfying crunch!
- Be Respectful
- Stay Relevant
- Stay Positive
- True Feedback
- Encourage Discussion
- Avoid Spamming
- No Fake News
- Don't Copy-Paste
- No Personal Attacks
- Be Respectful
- Stay Relevant
- Stay Positive
- True Feedback
- Encourage Discussion
- Avoid Spamming
- No Fake News
- Don't Copy-Paste
- No Personal Attacks
