Hey there, fellow food lovers! Today I’m super excited to share everything you need to know about one of my absolute favorite seafood dishes – dragon shrimp! Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or just curious about this unique dish, I’ve got you covered with all the juicy details
What Exactly is Dragon Shrimp?
Dragon shrimp is basically a mouthwatering combination of crispy fried shrimp coated in a sweet and spicy Asian-inspired sauce The name comes from the “fiery” flavors that’ll make your taste buds feel like they’re breathing fire (in the best way possible!)
Think of it as the perfect marriage between
- Crispy tempura-style fried shrimp
- Bold, tangy Asian sauce
- Sweet and spicy flavor profile
- Crunchy texture meets succulent shrimp
The Origin Story
While we Americans love our fried shrimp, dragon shrimp actually has its roots in Asian cuisine. It’s inspired by a classic Sichuan dish called bang bang chicken, where they swapped the chicken for plump shrimp to create this ocean-fresh twist.
The “dragon” name likely started popping up in American Chinese restaurants – pretty clever marketing if you ask me! I mean, who wouldn’t want to try something that sounds that epic?
How It’s Made: Traditional Style
Here’s how authentic Sichuan kitchens whip up this bad boy:
-
The Shrimp Prep
- Whole shrimp with tails on
- Light batter coating
- Deep fried till golden and crispy
-
The Signature Sauce
- Chili oil
- Sichuan peppercorns
- Chinese black vinegar
- Soy sauce
- Fresh garlic
- Touch of sugar
- Various chilies
-
The Finishing Touches
- Toss fried shrimp in sauce
- Garnish with scallions
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds
- Optional crispy garlic chips
American Restaurant Versions
Not gonna lie, American restaurants have put their own spin on this dish. Here’s what you might find:
Common Variations:
- Thicker, stickier sauces
- Multiple heat level options
- Sweeter flavor profiles
- Bite-sized pieces
- Extra crunchy breading
- Creative garnishes like mango or cilantro
Where to Get Your Dragon Shrimp Fix
Looking to try this awesome dish? Here’s where you can find some tasty versions:
-
Red Lobster
- Crispy Dragon Shrimp for $12.99
- Mild spicy chili sauce
- Comes with those amazing Cheddar Bay Biscuits!
-
PF Chang’s
- Known for their Crispy Honey Shrimp
- Tempura style with honey-spiced sauce
-
Bonefish Grill
- Famous Bang Bang Shrimp
- Creamy sweet chili sauce
Make It at Home Like a Pro
Wanna try making dragon shrimp in your kitchen? Here are my top tips:
Essential Ingredients:
- Jumbo or colossal shrimp
- High-heat oil (peanut or vegetable)
- Asian chili paste
- Rice vinegar
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Breadcrumbs or tempura mix
Pro Tips:
- Pat those shrimp SUPER dry
- Double-bread for extra crunch
- Fry at 375°F
- Don’t overcrowd the pan
- Toss in sauce while hot
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds
Is It Healthy?
Let’s keep it real – this isn’t exactly health food, but it’s not terrible either! Here’s what you’re looking at per serving (5-6 pieces):
- Calories: 300-400
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 20-30g
The good news? Shrimp itself is packed with:
- Lean protein
- Essential minerals
- Antioxidants
- Healthy fats
Why You Should Try Dragon Shrimp
Listen, if you’re tired of the same old shrimp scampi or cocktail shrimp, you NEED to give dragon shrimp a shot. Here’s why I’m obsessed:
- That perfect crispy-crunchy texture
- Sweet-spicy-savory flavor bomb
- More exciting than basic fried shrimp
- Great for sharing (though you might not want to!)
- Works as an app or main dish
The Bottom Line
Dragon shrimp is seriously one of those dishes that’ll make you wonder where it’s been all your life. Whether you grab some at a restaurant or try making it at home, I promise it’s worth every bite. Just remember to have some cold drinks handy – that dragon might breathe a little fire!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article further?
Dipping & Frying the Shrimp Now, dip each shrimp into the batter one at a time, letting the excess batter drip off. Then hold the dragon shrimp by the tail and slip it into the hot oil. Don’t put too many shrimp into the oil at once because the temperature of the oil will drop. Adjust the temperature of the oil to keep it hot while you fry all the shrimp.
Your Magic Dragon fried shrimp dish is complete! Serve on shredded lettuce with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of pink Himalayan salt. I used MSG in this Dragon shrimp recipe, and all I know is that the light fluffy coating had a unique savory taste. I did not have a hot flash or a headache as a consequence of eating this dish. This recipe is taken from Mr. Lees cookbook, and it is important to follow it precisely.
The technique for making the batter is unusual but produces the puffiest, fluffiest coating I have ever experienced on a Chinese fried shrimp. I was skeptical that the shrimp would not require a sauce, but Mr. Lee was right! They were perfect with a sprinkle of pink salt and a squeeze of lemon. The dragon shrimp themselves must be fresh and high quality. Of course, this is easy if you live in New Orleans!
Preparing the Dragon Shrimp First, you should clean and devein them while leaving the tails intact. Butterfly them by slicing down the underside but not all the way through. Flatten the dragon shrimp with the palm of your hand just a bit. Be sure to pat them dry. Set aside in the refrigerator if you are not cooking right away. About 10 minutes before you fry them, take them out and sprinkle the garlic juice and salt and MSG over them. Rub that into the dragon shrimp with your fingers. Step 2
DRAGON SHRIMP RECIPE | DRAGON PRAWN | better than take out shrimp recipe
FAQ
What is dragon shrimp?
Crispy shrimp tossed in a sweet, mildly spicy chili sauce.
What do dragon shrimp taste like?
Our Crispy Dragon Shrimp is tossed in a sweet, mildly spicy chili sauce! Britney Wood not very spicy. Tasty though!!
Is lobster a dragon shrimp?
So when the Chinese first saw lobster, they considered it just another type of shrimp. Hence, she explained, in the Chinese language, a “Lobster” is called a “Dragon Shrimp” (龙虾), meaning, a Very Big Shrimp. Yes…
What is the sweetest shrimp in the world?
Pink shrimp are some of the tastiest shrimp you can find, mild and sweet without the distinctive ammonia taste some of the brown and white shrimp have.