Red Lobster Crispy Dragon Shrimp Recipe

Golden shrimp coated in a sweet and spicy glaze can stop anyone mid‑bite. You’ll find Crispy Dragon Shrimp on many restaurant menus, but the Red Lobster Crispy Dragon Shrimp is a favorite among seafood lovers.

This dish is known for its loud crunch and sticky sauce that clings to every piece. The crispy coating, bold glaze, and gentle heat make it hard to ignore once it’s served.

Enjoying this shrimp at a restaurant is not always easy. Prices can be high, locations may be far, and the dish is not always on the menu.

Making it at home keeps things simple. You get the same crunch, the same sweet‑spicy sauce, and the same comfort without going out.

This copycat recipe helps you recreate that Red Lobster flavor using basic ingredients. The shrimp stays crispy, the sauce tastes balanced, and the steps are easy to follow, even if you’re new to cooking.

You can adjust the heat, choose your cooking method, and have this dish ready in no time.

What Is Red Lobster Crispy Dragon Shrimp

Red Lobster Crispy Dragon Shrimp is crispy fried shrimp tossed in a sweet chili style sauce. The flavor feels sweet, spicy, tangy, and crunchy all at once. It is served as an appetizer or as an entrée over rice.

The sauce coats each shrimp without turning it soggy. The crunch stays strong, and the glaze adds bold flavor. Among seafood starters, the balance of texture and sauce makes it memorable.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Crispy Dragon Shrimp Recipe

1. Save Money – Making this at home costs much less than ordering it at the restaurant. You’ll spend about half the price and get more shrimp.
2. Control the Spice – Adjust the heat to your taste. Add more chili sauce for extra kick or keep it mild for kids.
3. Fresh Ingredients – Choose high-quality shrimp and make the sauce with real butter, honey, and garlic. No mystery ingredients.
4. Cook Anytime – No need to wait for a table or make reservations. Make this whenever the craving hits.
5. Pick Your Method – Use an air fryer for less oil, deep-fry for maximum crunch, or pan-fry with what you have.

Red Lobster Crispy Dragon Shrimp Ingredients

For the Shrimp Marinade:

• 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined): The bigger the shrimp, the better. Large shrimp give you a nice bite and are easier to coat. You can use medium shrimp, but adjust the cooking time.
• 1 egg white: This helps the coating stick to the shrimp. You can use the whole egg in a pinch, but egg white works best for a lighter coating.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Adds extra crispiness to the coating. You can use potato starch instead.
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Gives the shrimp a savory flavor. Low-sodium soy sauce works fine.
• 1 tablespoon water: Thins out the marinade so it coats the shrimp evenly.
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth. Black pepper works too, but white pepper is more traditional.

For the Coating:

• 1/2 cup cornstarch: The secret to that super crispy coating. Don’t skip this.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Balances the cornstarch and helps the coating stick. You can use rice flour for an even crispier result.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds flavor to the coating.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: More savory flavor in every bite.
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika: A little color and mild flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Seasons the shrimp from the outside.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A touch of heat.

To Fry:

• Avocado oil (or vegetable oil): Avocado oil has a high smoke point, which is great for frying. Canola, vegetable, or peanut oil all work too.

For the Dragon Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons butter: Adds richness to the sauce. You can use olive oil for a lighter version.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic tastes best, but garlic powder works in a pinch (use 1/2 teaspoon).
• 1/4 cup brown sugar: Sweetness that balances the spice. Light or dark brown sugar both work.
• 1/4 cup honey: More sweetness and a sticky texture. Maple syrup can substitute.
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds saltiness and depth.
• 1 tablespoon water: Helps thin the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water): This makes a slurry that thickens the sauce. Mix it before adding.
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For heat. Add more or skip it based on your preference.

For Serving:

• Cooked white or brown rice: The perfect base for this dish.
• 2 green onions (sliced): Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor.
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Gives a nutty flavor and looks pretty.

Essential Kitchen Equipment

1. Large mixing bowl: For the marinade and coating.
2. Wire rack: Keeps shrimp separated and crispy.
3. Baking sheet: Goes under the wire rack.
4. Small saucepan: For making the dragon sauce.
5. Whisk or fork: To mix the marinade and sauce.
6. Tongs or fork: For flipping and tossing shrimp.
7. Air fryer, deep pot, or large skillet: Pick your cooking method.
8. Cooking spray or oil mister: For the air fryer method.

How to Make Red Lobster Crispy Dragon Shrimp

Step 1 | Marinate the Shrimp

In a large bowl, mix the egg white, cornstarch, soy sauce, water, and white pepper. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and stir until every piece is coated.

The mixture should be slightly thick and sticky. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least 15 minutes so the flavors soak in and the coating sticks well.

Step 2 | Prepare the Crispy Coating

While the shrimp marinate, prepare the coating mixture. In another bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly blended. This coating creates the crispy texture.

Step 3 | Coat the Shrimp

Remove the shrimp from the fridge. Coat each shrimp in the dry mixture, pressing gently so both sides are well covered.

Shake off any excess coating and place the shrimp on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Keep the shrimp spaced apart so they cook evenly.

Step 4 | Spray with Oil

Lightly spray the coated shrimp with avocado oil. This step helps the coating turn golden and crispy during cooking.

Step 5 | Cook the Shrimp

Cook the shrimp using the preferred method, such as frying, air frying, or baking, until crispy and fully cooked.

Step 6 | Make the Dragon Sauce

While the shrimp cook, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Stir in the brown sugar, honey, and soy sauce.

Let the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes until slightly bubbly.

Step 7 | Thicken the Sauce

Mix cornstarch with water in a small cup until smooth. Slowly pour it into the sauce while stirring. The sauce will thicken quickly.

Cook for another minute, then remove from heat. Add red pepper flakes if heat is desired.

Step 8 | Toss and Serve

Place the cooked shrimp in a large bowl and pour the sauce over them. Toss until all shrimp are evenly coated.

Serve immediately over rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Cook the Shrimp (Choose Your Method)

1. Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the shrimp in a single layer in the basket. Don’t overcrowd them. Air fry for 4 minutes. Then open the basket, flip each shrimp, and spray them with more oil.

Air fry for another 5 to 6 minutes. They should look golden brown and crispy. This is my favorite method because it’s quick and uses less oil.

2. Deep-Frying Method: Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F. Use a thermometer to check the temperature. Carefully lower a few shrimp into the hot oil.

Don’t add too many at once. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn golden. Use a slotted spoon to remove them. Place them on a plate with paper towels to drain extra oil.

3. Pan-Frying Method: Pour about 1/4 inch of oil into a large skillet. Heat it over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Fry for 2 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.

Remove them and place on paper towels. This method is good when you don’t have an air fryer or deep fryer.

Expert Tips for Perfect Crispy Dragon Shrimp

• Dry the Shrimp Well – Moisture reduces crispiness. Always pat the shrimp dry before adding them to the marinade so the coating sticks better.
• Check Oil Temperature (If Frying) – Keep the oil around 350°F. Oil that’s too hot will burn the coating, while cooler oil makes the shrimp greasy.
• Flip Halfway Through Cooking – Whether frying, baking, or air frying, flipping ensures even browning on both sides.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Shrimp – Cook in batches if needed. Crowding lowers heat and prevents proper crisping.
• Adjust the Spice Level – Start mild with heat in the sauce. Extra spice can always be added later or served on the side.

What to Serve with Crispy Dragon Shrimp

Serve the shrimp over white rice or fried rice. The rice soaks up the extra dragon sauce. You can also add steamed broccoli or snap peas on the side. The green veggies add color and balance the sweet sauce.

For a light option, serve the shrimp over a bed of lettuce with sliced cucumbers and carrots. This makes it feel like a salad bowl.

Some people like to add egg rolls or spring rolls on the side. Wonton strips also add extra crunch.

For drinks, iced tea or lemonade pairs well with the sweet and spicy flavors.

You can also serve this as an appetizer before a bigger meal. Just put the shrimp on a platter with toothpicks. Your guests will love it.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay good for up to 2 days. Keep the sauce separate to maintain crispiness.

When ready to eat, reheat the shrimp in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes. This brings back the crunch. You can also use the oven at 375°F for about 5 minutes.

Don’t use the microwave because it makes the coating soft and chewy. Warm the sauce separately in a small pot on the stove. Then toss the reheated shrimp in the warm sauce.

Red Lobster Crispy Dragon Shrimp Recipe FAQs

1. What size shrimp works best?

Large shrimp, around 21–25 count per pound, work best for this recipe. They cook evenly and hold the coating well. Smaller shrimp cook faster and may dry out.

Jumbo shrimp need longer cooking and may lose balance with the sauce. Large shrimp give the best crunch-to-sauce ratio and look great when served over rice.

2. Can this dish be made gluten free?

Yes, it can be adjusted. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Replace all-purpose flour with rice flour or a gluten-free blend. Cornstarch already fits gluten-free needs.

The result stays crunchy with the same flavor balance.

3. Why is egg white used instead of whole egg?

Egg white helps the coating stick without adding heaviness. Yolks add fat, which can soften the crust. Egg white creates a light layer that supports crisp texture, especially when air frying or frying at high heat.

4. What’s the difference between dragon sauce and bang bang sauce?

Dragon sauce focuses on sweet chili heat with honey and brown sugar, creating a sticky glaze. Bang bang sauce uses mayo as a base, making it creamy and mild.

Dragon sauce feels bolder and lighter, while bang bang sauce tastes richer and softer. Both work with shrimp, yet dragon sauce keeps the coating crisp longer.

5. How can the sauce stay thick and glossy?

The cornstarch slurry is key. Adding it slowly while the sauce simmers helps it thicken evenly. Stirring constantly prevents lumps. The sauce thickens more as it cools, so removing it from heat at the right time keeps it glossy and smooth.

6. How can the coating stay crispy longer?

Keep shrimp on a wire rack after cooking. Avoid stacking. Toss with sauce right before serving. Heat and steam soften crust fast.

Continue to Content

Red Lobster Crispy Dragon Shrimp Recipe

Yield: 4 (about 1 pound shrimp)

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Make Red Lobster Crispy Dragon Shrimp Recipe at home in just 35 minutes. This easy copycat recipe delivers crispy shrimp with a sweet spicy sauce.

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Ingredients

Shrimp Marinade

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 egg white
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper

Crispy Coating

• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup all‑purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Frying

• Avocado oil or vegetable oil, as needed

Dragon Sauce

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For Serving

• Cooked white or brown rice
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix the egg white, cornstarch, soy sauce, water, and white pepper. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and stir until every piece is coated. The mixture should be slightly thick and sticky. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least 15 minutes so the flavors soak in and the coating sticks well.
2. While the shrimp marinate, prepare the coating mixture. In another bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly blended. This coating creates the crispy texture.
3. Remove the shrimp from the fridge. Coat each shrimp in the dry mixture, pressing gently so both sides are well covered. Shake off any excess coating and place the shrimp on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Keep the shrimp spaced apart so they cook evenly.
4. Lightly spray the coated shrimp with avocado oil. This step helps the coating turn golden and crispy during cooking.
5. Cook the shrimp using the preferred method, such as frying, air frying, or baking, until crispy and fully cooked.
6. While the shrimp cook, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Stir in the brown sugar, honey, and soy sauce. Let the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes until slightly bubbly.
7. Mix cornstarch with water in a small cup until smooth. Slowly pour it into the sauce while stirring. The sauce will thicken quickly. Cook for another minute, then remove from heat. Add red pepper flakes if heat is desired.
8. Place the cooked shrimp in a large bowl and pour the sauce over them. Toss until all shrimp are evenly coated. Serve immediately over rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: (Per Serving)
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 410Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 190mgSodium: 980mgCarbohydrates: 38gFiber: 1gSugar: 21gProtein: 28g

This homemade version of Crispy Dragon Shrimp brings that iconic flavor to your table. That perfect mix of crunch and bold sauce is just a few steps away.

I hope this recipe becomes a new favorite in your home.