Assuming you are a shrimp person like me, I am sure you have at least one taste of Red Lobster Crispy Dragon Shrimp, crunchy with sweetness and spiced to the max; you simply can’t stop there. Crispy shrimp with a creamy spicy-sweet sauce make for that dish where once you begin eating, there’s no stopping. And the good part is that you need not wait for a restaurant visit; you can whip this up at home, and it is quite easy to do.

What is Red Lobster Crispy Dragon Shrimp All About?

Battered and fried, the crispy dragon shrimp is charred with scallions and drizzled with a buttery, spicy sauce and served by Red Lobster. Breaded lightly, fried crisp, and tossed with the sauce that imparts heat and sweetness: the two bases make a perfect plate. Each bite is crunchy on the outside, tender and juicy within, and bursting with flavor.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup cornstarch
½ cup flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for frying

For the Dragon Sauce

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha (more if you like it hotter)
1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

Wash the shrimp and put them on paper to dry. Allow fifteen minutes to soak in buttermilk.
A mixing is done in a bowl using cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, and paprika, with salt and pepper added.
Now, heat the deep fry oil until hot.
Coat them with the flour mixture after taking them out of the buttermilk.
You should fry the shrimp in batches until they turn golden brown and become crispy (approximately 2-3 minutes on each side).
Fried shrimp are arranged over paper towels to absorb excessive oil.
In another bowl, whisk mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey.
Coat the piping hot shrimp in the sauce thoroughly.
Serve hot and crisp.

Storage Tips

It’s best to eat these fresh, but leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep crispy; do not microwave, as this will turn them to mush.
Store sauce separately if you want to keep leftovers.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as an appetizer, with extra sauce on the side.
For a full meal, serve with rice or noodles.
For a lighter option, toss into lettuce wraps.
For an even better taste, garnish with green onions or sesame seeds.

Pro Tips and Variations

Need it hotter? Increase the Sriracha or crushed red pepper.
Air fry, don’t deep fry for a lighter version.
Not a shrimp person? Try the same recipe but use chicken bites or cauliflower.
For added crunch, coat the shrimp in the flour mixture twice before frying.

FAQs About Red Lobster Crispy Dragon Shrimp

1. Is Red Lobster Crispy Dragon Shrimp spicy?

It has a mild-to-medium bite, and you can always adjust the spiciness by increasing or decreasing the quantity of sriracha.

2. Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?

You can definitely bake them; around 15 minutes at 400°F should do it. However, frying gives you the crispiest outcome.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as it stands, but you can use gluten-free flour and cornstarch to make it gluten-free.

4. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, but make sure they’re thawed and fully dried before coating and frying.

Try It!

Of course, one could easily make Red Lobster Crispy Dragon Shrimp at home, and it tastes almost as good and even better! The crispy coat, sweet, and spicy sauce, together with juicy shrimps, make this one of those recipes you would continuously want to repeat in the kitchen. Attempt this, and you’ll definitely have a new favorite dish to wow your family or friends.