There is nothing quite like the crispy crunch and juicy tenderness of perfectly fried shrimp, and that’s exactly what you get with this delightful 20-min Panko Shrimp Recipe. Quick enough for a busy weeknight yet impressive enough for guests, this recipe hits the perfect balance of texture and flavor with its golden panko coating and a spicy, creamy dipping sauce. Whether you’re craving something savory or need a crowd-pleaser that comes together in a flash, this dish brings a burst of crispy, crunchy goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keep it simple but impactful with these easy-to-find ingredients that each play a key role in bringing texture, flavor, and crunch to your 20-min Panko Shrimp Recipe. From the light crisp of panko to the gentle heat of sriracha, every element enhances the final bite.
- ½ lb jumbo shrimp: Peeled and deveined for ease and perfect bite-sized pieces.
- 1 ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs: Provides that irresistibly crispy crust that sets this recipe apart.
- 2 cups vegetable oil: A neutral oil ideal for frying without overpowering flavor.
- 1 large egg: Acts as the glue to hold the crispy coating firmly on the shrimp.
- 2 tbsp potato starch: Adds an extra light, delicate crunch to the flour mixture.
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour: Helps give the shrimp a good base for the coating.
- ¼ tsp salt: Enhances all the natural shrimp flavors in the dish.
- ¼ tsp garlic powder: Adds a savory depth without overwhelming the shrimp.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Just enough bite to complement the mild sweetness of shrimp.
- ¼ cup Japanese mayonnaise: Creamy, slightly tangy, perfect for the dipping sauce (regular mayo works too).
- 2 tbsp sriracha sauce: Brings a lively spicy kick that livens up every bite.
How to Make 20-min Panko Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flour Mixture
Start by mixing together the potato starch, all-purpose flour, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper in a shallow bowl. This combination ensures your shrimp will have a perfectly seasoned and lightly crisp coating that stays crunchy after frying.
Step 2: Coat the Shrimp
Dip each shrimp first into the flour mixture, making sure they are fully coated. Then, dunk them in the beaten egg, which acts as an adhesive layer. Finish by rolling the shrimp in panko breadcrumbs, creating that signature crispy, golden crust that makes this 20-min Panko Shrimp Recipe so irresistibly crunchy.
Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat your vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, turning carefully. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden-brown exterior that releases a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Step 4: Mix the Dipping Sauce
While your shrimp fry, stir together Japanese mayonnaise and sriracha sauce until smooth and perfectly blended. This sauce complements the crispy shrimp with a creamy texture and just the right amount of heat that will have you dipping and savoring every piece.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Once fried, set the shrimp on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve the shrimp hot alongside your spicy mayo dipping sauce, and get ready to enjoy one of the fastest, tastiest bites you can whip up!
How to Serve 20-min Panko Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions over the shrimp just before serving. A few lemon wedges on the side add a bright, citrusy zing that perfectly cuts through the richness of the fried crust, balancing the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these crunchy shrimp with simple steamed jasmine rice or a fresh, crisp salad to keep things light and balanced. For an extra touch, some pickled vegetables or a cool cucumber slaw can introduce refreshing contrasts in texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party platter, serve your 20-min Panko Shrimp Recipe on a bed of shredded cabbage with small bowls of different dipping sauces—you can include a tangy ponzu or creamy avocado crema to add variety. To elevate your presentation further, skewer the shrimp and drizzle with the spicy mayo for an eye-catching appetizer perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store the shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 1 to 2 days, but for the best crunch, it’s ideal to eat them fresh.
Freezing
While the shrimp are best enjoyed freshly cooked, you can freeze the breaded, uncooked shrimp on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. This makes it easy to pop them directly into hot oil later for a quick and crunchy snack anytime.
Reheating
To revive the crispiness, heat leftover cooked shrimp in a preheated oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it will make the coating soggy, losing that delightful crunch that defines the 20-min Panko Shrimp Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before breading. Excess moisture can prevent the panko from sticking properly and affect the crispiness.
What if I don’t have potato starch?
No worries! You can substitute with cornstarch without any noticeable difference. Both help create that light crisp layer.
Can I bake instead of frying the shrimp?
Yes, you can bake at 425°F (220°C) on a greased baking sheet for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The panko will still get crispy, but frying gives the best golden crunch fast.
Is Japanese mayonnaise very different from regular mayonnaise?
Japanese mayonnaise typically has a richer, slightly sweeter flavor and smoother texture, which complements the spicy sriracha beautifully. But regular mayo works just fine in a pinch!
Can I adjust the spice level in the dipping sauce?
Definitely! Adjust the amount of sriracha to suit your heat tolerance or add a touch of honey to tame the heat if you like things milder.
Final Thoughts
This 20-min Panko Shrimp Recipe is a true lifesaver when you want something quick, crispy, and seriously satisfying. The crunchy breading paired with that spicy mayo dipping sauce is a classic combo that never fails to impress. Give it a try and watch how fast it becomes a go-to favorite in your kitchen! Trust me, these crispy shrimp will brighten up any meal with that perfect crunch and bold flavor.
Print
20-min Panko Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
Description
A quick and crispy 20-minute Panko Shrimp recipe featuring jumbo shrimp coated in a flavorful flour mixture and panko breadcrumbs, fried to golden perfection and served with a spicy mayonnaise dipping sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Coating
- ½ lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs (or more if needed)
- 2 tbsp potato starch (or cornstarch)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp garlic powder (or onion powder)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg
Cooking Oil
- 2 cups vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
Dipping Sauce
- ¼ cup Japanese mayonnaise (or regular mayonnaise)
- 2 tbsp sriracha sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the flour mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the potato starch, all-purpose flour, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well to create an even coating mixture for the shrimp.
- Coat the shrimp: Dip each peeled and deveined shrimp first into the flour mixture, ensuring it is well coated. Then dip into the beaten egg, allowing the excess to drip off, and finally coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs for a crispy texture.
- Heat the oil and fry shrimp: Pour vegetable oil into a skillet and heat over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Fry the coated shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the dipping sauce: While the shrimp fry, mix together the Japanese mayonnaise and sriracha sauce in a small bowl until smooth and well combined. This sauce adds a creamy and spicy complement to the crispy shrimp.
- Serve: Serve the hot, crispy panko shrimp immediately with the spicy mayonnaise dipping sauce for dipping. Enjoy as an appetizer or main course.
Notes
- Use jumbo shrimp for better texture and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of panko breadcrumbs for desired crispiness.
- Oil temperature should be medium-high to ensure even frying without burning.
- Serve immediately for best texture; shrimp tend to lose crispiness if left to sit.
- The dipping sauce can be adjusted for heat by adding more or less sriracha.
