Spicy Shrimp Crispy Rice

This dish combines tender, juicy shrimp with crunchy, golden crispy rice and a spicy, flavorful sauce. It’s a perfect appetizer, lunch, or light dinner with a satisfying mix of textures and bold flavors. This recipe serves 4.

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Ingredients:

For the Crispy Rice:

• 2 cups cooked sushi rice or short-grain rice, cooled
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or neutral oil
• Salt, to taste

For the Shrimp:

• 1/2 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Spicy Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1–2 teaspoons sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional, for balance)

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Microgreens or cilantro

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crispy Rice

1. Line a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper.
2. Spread the cooked rice into small bite-sized rounds or squares, pressing lightly to form compact shapes. You can use a spoon, cookie cutter, or mold.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Carefully place the rice shapes in the skillet. Cook without moving for 3–5 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.
5. Flip gently and crisp the other side for 2–3 minutes. Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
6. Season lightly with salt.

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2. Prepare the Shrimp

1. In a small bowl, toss the shrimp with soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and black pepper until evenly coated.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink, opaque, and slightly caramelized. Do not overcook.
4. Remove from heat and set aside.

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3. Make the Spicy Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sriracha, lime juice, and honey until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust the spiciness or sweetness as needed.

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4. Assemble the Dish

1. Place the crispy rice on a serving plate.
2. Top each rice piece with a shrimp.
3. Drizzle the spicy sauce over the shrimp generously.
4. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and microgreens or cilantro for extra freshness.

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Tips for Perfect Spicy Shrimp Crispy Rice

• Use short-grain or sushi rice for compact shapes; long-grain rice won’t hold together as well.
• Make sure the rice is completely cooled before forming shapes; this prevents sticking and crumbling.
• Adjust spiciness to your taste; sriracha can be substituted with gochujang or hot chili paste.
• For extra crunch, lightly pan-fry in a nonstick skillet with minimal oil rather than deep frying.
• Leftover crispy rice can be reheated in a hot skillet for a few minutes to restore crispiness.

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This dish is a perfect balance of crispy, tender, and spicy—a restaurant-quality appetizer or light meal that impresses with both flavor and texture.