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Spicy Crunchy Creamy Shrimp Recipe

Name: Basmati's Asian Cuisines SPICY CRUNCHY CREAMY SHRIMP Recipe
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb raw shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails optional); 4 oz cream cheese (softened); 3 tbsp mayonnaise; 1.5 tbsp sriracha (or other hot chile sauce); 1 tsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp fresh lime juice; 1 tsp garlic (minced); 2 stalks green onions (thinly sliced, white and green separated); 1 tsp kosher salt; 0.5 tsp black pepper; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds; 0.5 cup cornstarch; 2 each eggs (beaten); 0.5 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp paprika; 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper; 0.5 tsp fine salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper; 2 cups neutral oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut); 4 each lime wedges (for serving); 2 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish); 0 to taste extra sriracha or spicy mayo (optional dipping)

Inspired by Basmati's Asian Cuisine

Time45m

Serves4

SAME AS ABOVE, JUST ADD CREAM CHEESE.

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Ingredients

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Shrimp Mixture

1 lb raw shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails optional)

4 oz cream cheese (softened)

3 tbsp Mayonnaise

1 1/2 tbsp sriracha (or other hot chile sauce)

1 tsp Brown sugar

1 tbsp Fresh lime juice

1 tsp Garlic (minced)

2 stalks green onions (thinly sliced, white and green separated)

1 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

Crunchy Coating

1 cup Panko breadcrumbs

2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

1/2 cup Cornstarch

2 each eggs (beaten)

1/2 cup 00 bread flour

1 tsp Watkins paprika

1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp fine salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

For Frying & Finishing

2 cups neutral oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut)

4 each Lime wedges (for serving)

2 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)

0 to taste extra sriracha or spicy mayo (optional dipping)

Method

Prep Shrimp & Creamy Sauce

Prepare shrimp

Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and, if large, butterfly or cut into 1/2" pieces so each piece is bite-sized. Season lightly with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.

Soften cream cheese

Leave cream cheese at room temperature for 20–30 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds until easily stirrable.

Make creamy spicy mixture

In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sriracha, brown sugar, lime juice, minced garlic, and the white parts of the sliced green onions. Use a fork or spatula to blend until smooth and fully incorporated. Taste and adjust heat or lime. Stir in remaining 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper if desired.

Coat shrimp lightly

Add prepared shrimp to the creamy mixture and toss gently until each piece is evenly coated. Let sit 5–10 minutes to absorb flavor.

Breading & Crunch

Set up breading station

On three shallow dishes arrange: flour mixed with paprika, cayenne, and salt; beaten eggs; and panko mixed with toasted sesame seeds. Add cornstarch to the flour or keep separate to dredge — the goal is a dry-dusting layer to help batter and panko adhere.

Dredge shrimp

Working in batches, remove shrimp from creamy mixture letting excess drip off. Dredge each shrimp first in the seasoned flour/cornstarch mixture, then dip into beaten eggs, then press into panko-sesame mixture to form an even crunchy coating. Place coated shrimp on a tray and repeat.

Rest before frying

Allow breaded shrimp to rest on a rack or tray for 10 minutes—this helps the coating adhere and creates a crunchier crust.

Fry & Finish

Heat oil

Pour oil into a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot to a depth of about 1–1.5 inches (or use a deep-fryer). Heat to 350°F (175°C). If you don't have a thermometer, test by dropping a small piece of breading; it should sizzle and brown within about 30–45 seconds.

Fry shrimp

Fry shrimp in small batches so oil temperature stays steady. Cook 2–3 minutes per batch, turning as needed, until golden brown and cooked through (internal shrimp temp ~120–140°F). Do not overcrowd the pan.

Drain and season

Using a slotted spoon or spider, transfer fried shrimp to a paper towel-lined tray or wire rack. Immediately sprinkle a light pinch of fine salt over each batch to enhance flavor.

Garnish & serve

Arrange shrimp on a platter, garnish with chopped green tops of the green onions and cilantro if using. Serve hot with lime wedges and extra sriracha or a spicy mayo (mix equal parts mayo and sriracha) for dipping.