Craving a taste of Red Lobster’s iconic Dragon Shrimp? This beloved dish, with its crispy shrimp and bold, sweet-spicy sauce, is a fan favorite for a reason. Now, you can skip the restaurant wait and bring that magic straight to your kitchen with this easy homemade version of Red Lobster Dragon Shrimp Recipe.
What makes this recipe a winner is its simplicity-using everyday ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll whip up a meal that rivals the original. No fancy chef skills required, just a love for delicious food and a little time. Whether it’s a family dinner or a solo indulgence, this dish promises satisfaction.
Get ready to dive into a restaurant-quality experience at home. Let’s make Dragon Shrimp that’ll impress everyone at the table!
What so Special About Red Lobster Dragon Shrimp?
The Red Lobster Dragon Shrimp bursts with a thrilling mix of flavors. Crispy, golden shrimp meet a sauce that’s tangy from buffalo sauce, sweet from honey, and savory with hints of sesame and Red Lobster Dragon Sauce.
It’s a moderate spice kick-think a 5 or 6 out of 10-balanced by a subtle sweetness that keeps you coming back. Served over fragrant jasmine rice, the dish offers a delightful texture contrast: crunchy shrimp, sticky sauce, and tender rice.
Garnishes like green onions and sesame seeds add freshness and a nutty crunch, making every bite a perfect harmony of bold and comforting tastes.
Ingredients for Red Lobster Dragon Shrimp Recipe
Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Crispy Dragon Shrimp Red Lobster
- 1 lb. shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
You can simply use Omaha Steak Seasoning altering all the dry ingredients. But the best choice is using all ingredients separately.
For Serving:
- Jasmine rice
- Green onions (sliced)
- Sesame seeds
- Extra red chili flakes (optional)
- Red Lobster Dragon Sauce
Tools Required
- Deep frying pan or skillet
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Paper towels
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Copycat Dragon Shrimp Red Lobster Recipe
Simply follow the steps given below to make your Crispy Dragon Shrimp like Red Lobster at home
1. Prepare the Shrimp
In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, and black pepper. In another bowl, whisk eggs. Dip each shrimp in egg, then coat in the flour mixture.
2. Fry the Shrimp
Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat (350°F). Fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels.
3. Make the Sauce
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until soft. Add buffalo sauce, honey, sesame oil, soy sauce, oyster sauce, parsley, and chili flakes. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
4. Toss and Serve
Toss fried shrimp in the sauce. Serve over jasmine rice, garnished with green onions, sesame seeds, and extra chili flakes if desired.
Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Red Lobster Crispy Dragon Shrimp
1. Protein Swap: Replace shrimp with bite-sized chicken pieces for a hearty twist-fry them until crispy and toss in the sauce.
2. Vegetarian Option: Use firm tofu cubes, fried to a golden crunch, for a meat-free version that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
3. Spice It Up: Swap buffalo sauce with sriracha or a fiery hot chili sauce for an extra kick that spice lovers will adore.
4. Sweet Variation: Substitute honey with maple syrup or a sprinkle of brown sugar to tweak the sweetness with a new depth.
5. Umami Boost: If oyster sauce is unavailable, hoisin sauce adds a sweet-savory punch that complements the dish perfectly.
6. Veggie Add-In: Stir-fry broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots and mix them in for a colorful, nutritious boost to your plate.
7. Tropical Twist: Serve over coconut rice instead of jasmine for a subtle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the spicy sauce.
8. Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle crushed peanuts or cashews on top for an added layer of texture and nutty flavor.
9. Low-Carb Option: Skip the rice and serve the shrimp in crisp lettuce wraps for a lighter, refreshing take on the dish.
10. Noodle Base: Trade rice for rice noodles or spaghetti, tossing them with the shrimp and sauce for a fun, slurp-worthy meal.
Some Tips on This Red Lobster Crispy Dragon Shrimp Recipe
1. Dry the Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels before coating to ensure the batter sticks and fries up crisp.
2. Double Coat: For extra crunch, dip shrimp in egg and flour mix twice before frying-perfect for texture lovers.
3. Oil Temperature: Keep oil at 350-375°F (use a thermometer) to avoid soggy or greasy shrimp.
4. Fry in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry small batches to maintain oil heat and even cooking.
5. Season Generously: Taste your flour mix and adjust spices-bold seasoning makes the shrimp sing.
6. Sauce Consistency: If the sauce thickens too much, thin it with a tablespoon of water for a silky finish.
7. Control the Heat: Reduce chili flakes or use mild buffalo sauce for a gentler flavor; taste as you go.
8. Fresh Garnishes: Slice green onions just before serving for maximum freshness and a crisp bite.
9. Don’t Overcook: Fry shrimp just until pink and curled (2-3 minutes)-overcooking turns them rubbery.
10. Rest the Shrimp: Let fried shrimp sit on paper towels briefly to drain oil, keeping them light and crispy.
How to Store and Reheat Red Lobster Crispy Dragon Shrimp Properly
Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep sauce separate if possible to maintain crispiness.
To reheat, use an oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to revive the crunch. Avoid microwaving-it’ll make the shrimp soggy. Freeze unsourced shrimp for up to a month.
Red Lobster Dragon Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb. shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- Oil for frying vegetable or canola
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, and black pepper. In another bowl, whisk eggs. Dip each shrimp in egg, then coat in the flour mixture.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat (350°F). Fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until soft. Add buffalo sauce, honey, sesame oil, soy sauce, oyster sauce, parsley, and chili flakes. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
- Toss fried shrimp in the sauce. Serve over jasmine rice, garnished with green onions, sesame seeds, and extra chili flakes if desired.
Video
Notes
FAQs on This Red Lobster Dragon Shrimp Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Red Lobster Dragon Shrimp Recipe that people often ask.
1. How spicy is this Dragon Shrimp recipe?
It’s moderately spicy, around a 5-6 on a 1-10 scale, thanks to chili powder and flakes. Dial it down by skipping the flakes or up with extra hot sauce.
2. What’s the secret to crispy shrimp?
Dry shrimp thoroughly, use a flour-cornstarch mix, and fry at 350-375°F in small batches. A thermometer helps keep the oil just right.
3. What shrimp should I buy?
Opt for medium-large (16-20 count), wild-caught shrimp. Fresh or frozen works, but avoid pre-cooked-firm texture and a clean smell are key.
4. Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes! Mix spices, make sauce, and chop garnishes up to 24 hours early. Coat and fry shrimp just before serving for peak crispiness.
5. What are some sauce variations?
Try sweet chili sauce for less heat, sriracha for more, or pineapple juice for a fruity twist. Ginger or teriyaki can add extra flair.
6. How do I avoid rubbery shrimp?
Cook until pink and slightly curled (2-3 minutes). Remove from heat immediately-residual heat finishes the job without toughening them.
7. Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap flour with rice flour or almond flour. Ensure your soy and oyster sauces are gluten-free too.
8. What’s a good side dish?
Pair with a fresh salad, stir-fried veggies, or coconut rice. Lettuce wraps or noodles also make tasty, creative bases.
9. How do I adjust for kids?
Cut the buffalo sauce and chili flakes, leaning on honey and soy for a milder, sweeter flavor they’ll love.
10. Can I use an air fryer instead?
Yes! Coat shrimp, spray with oil, and air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway. Toss in sauce after.
The Red Lobster Dragon Shrimp recipe is your ticket to a quick, flavorful meal that feels like a treat. With crispy shrimp and a sauce that’s sweet, spicy, and savory, it’s a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.
Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this dish delivers restaurant vibes without the hassle. Customize it, master it, and enjoy a homemade classic that’s as fun to cook as it is to eat!
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Looks delicious
Thanks
Came out perfect
Thanks for trying