Copycat P.F. Chang's Dynamite Shrimp Recipe

Learn how to make this homemade copycat version of P.F. Chang's famous Dynamite Shrimp with perfectly crisp tempura batter and that signature creamy, spicy sauce. This easy baking recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality appetizer that's sure to impress your guests!

Difficulty:

Intermediate

Prep Time:

20 mins

Cook Time:

15 mins

Serves:

4 servings

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">450g large shrimp, peeled and deveined</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120g tempura batter mix</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">180ml ice-cold water</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Vegetable oil for frying</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp mayonnaise</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp sriracha sauce (or other hot chili sauce)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp honey</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp sweet chili sauce</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp rice vinegar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp sesame oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 green onions, finely sliced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp sesame seeds</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving

🔥 Calories: 385 calories

🥑 Fat: 22 g

🧈 Saturated Fat: 3 g

🍞 Carbohydrates: 28 g

🍭 Sugar: 6 g

🍗 Protein: 18 g

🫀 Cholesterol: 150 mg

🧂 Sodium: 620 mg

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Cooking thermometer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Wire cooling rack</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Baking sheet</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 95°C (200°F). Place a wire cooling rack on a baking sheet to keep the fried shrimp warm while you work in batches.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Prepare the shrimp by ensuring they're completely dried with paper towels. Any excess moisture will cause the tempura batter to become soggy rather than crisp.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>In a medium bowl, prepare the dynamite sauce by whisking together the mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until completely smooth. The sauce should have a vibrant orange-red color and a creamy consistency. Set aside.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>In a large bowl, prepare the tempura batter by mixing the tempura mix with ice-cold water. The water must be very cold as this prevents the formation of gluten, resulting in a lighter, crispier coating. Mix only until just combined - small lumps are actually good for tempura texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Fill a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot with vegetable oil to a depth of about 7-8cm. Heat the oil to 180°C (350°F). Maintaining the correct temperature is crucial for achieving a crisp exterior while properly cooking the shrimp inside.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Working in small batches of 5-6 shrimp at a time, dip each shrimp into the tempura batter, allowing excess to drip off, then carefully lower into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. The quick cooking time ensures the shrimp remain tender and don't become rubbery.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried shrimp and transfer to the wire rack. Place in the preheated oven to keep warm while you continue frying the remaining batches. Keeping the finished shrimp in a low oven helps maintain their crispness.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Once all shrimp are fried, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the dynamite sauce over the warm shrimp and gently toss until every piece is evenly coated. The warm shrimp will help the sauce adhere better and slightly melt into the crispy coating.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Transfer to a serving plate or bowl, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately while still warm and crispy. For an authentic presentation, you can serve them in a lettuce-lined bowl with extra sauce on the side.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Copycat P.F. Chang's Dynamite Shrimp Recipe?

This recipe uses large shrimp, tempura batter mix, ice-cold water, vegetable oil, mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, honey, sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, green onions, and sesame seeds. The combination creates that signature crispy texture and spicy-sweet flavour.

How to cook Copycat P.F. Chang's Dynamite Shrimp Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Copycat P.F. Chang's Dynamite Shrimp by coating shrimp in tempura batter, frying until golden and crispy, then tossing in a homemade spicy-sweet sauce. The key steps include maintaining oil at 180°C, using ice-cold water in the batter, and keeping fried shrimp warm in a low oven while working in batches.

What's the secret to achieving perfectly crispy tempura shrimp?

The secret lies in using ice-cold water when mixing the tempura batter, as this prevents gluten formation. Small lumps in the batter actually create a better texture, and maintaining consistent oil temperature around 180°C ensures the coating crisps quickly without absorbing too much oil.

Can I bake instead of fry the shrimp for a healthier version?

Yes, you can bake tempura shrimp at 220°C for 10-12 minutes after lightly spraying with oil. While the texture won't be identical to deep-fried, you'll still achieve good results. For the crispiest baked version, use panko breadcrumbs mixed with the tempura batter.

What are the best side dishes to serve with spicy tempura shrimp?

Complement spicy tempura shrimp with cooling sides like cucumber salad, steamed rice, Asian slaw with sesame dressing, or crisp lettuce cups. Pickled vegetables offer a nice contrast, while edamame or vegetable spring rolls complete an Asian-inspired appetizer spread.

Want to try something else in ...