What is a Dragon Shrimp? A Look at This Unique Shrimp Dish

Seafood lovers are likely familiar with dishes like shrimp scampi, coconut shrimp, and shrimp tempura. But you may have seen an intriguing shrimp dish on menus called “dragon shrimp” and wondered – what exactly is it?

In this article, we’ll explore what dragon shrimp is, where it originated from, how it’s prepared, and what makes it stand out We’ll also look at some popular restaurant dishes featuring dragon shrimp so you know where to try it

What is Dragon Shrimp?

Dragon shrimp refers to shrimp that is breaded or battered and fried, then coated in a sweet and spicy Asian-inspired sauce. It can also be called “bang bang shrimp” or “spicy dragon shrimp” on some menus.

The name comes from the sauce – its bold, tangy flavors are meant to “breathe fire” like a dragon. The sauce also often contains chili paste or red pepper flakes to give it some heat.

So dragon shrimp is essentially fried shrimp in a bold, sweet and slightly spicy glaze or sauce. It combines the crispy crunch of tempura style shrimp with addictive Asian flavors.

Origins of Dragon Shrimp

While fried shrimp dishes have long been popular in the Southern United States, the specific dragon shrimp recipe has its origins in Asian cuisine.

The inspiration comes from bang bang chicken – a classic Sichuan dish of crunchy boneless chicken tossed in a fiery sesame chili oil sauce. Replacing chicken with plump shrimp imparts ocean-fresh flavor to this concept.

The name “dragon shrimp” likely comes from American Chinese restaurants that started serving their own version. The fierce dragon imagery evokes the flaming spice and intense flavors.

How Traditional Dragon Shrimp is Prepared

Authentic dragon shrimp made in Sichuan kitchens involves a few key steps:

• Shrimp are lightly battered and fried until golden brown and crispy. They are left whole, with tail on.

• A spicy sauce is prepared using chili oil, Sichuan peppercorns, chilies, Chinese black vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and sugar.

• The crisp fried shrimp are tossed in the sauce, coating each piece.

• It’s finished with a garnish of chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds.

• For extra flavor, the dish may also contain crispy fried garlic chips or shallots.

Part of what makes the sauce so intense is the tingling sensation from Sichuan peppercorns. This adds a touch of numbness and mouth-numbing heat that enhances the other flavors.

Variations from Restaurants

While traditional dragon shrimp is quite spicy, American Chinese restaurants often cater their version to local tastes.

Some variations you may find include:

• Use of a thickened sauce that adheres to the shrimp, rather than a thin dressing that coats it.

• Offering mild, medium, and spicy heat levels to suit all preferences.

• Adding extra sugar or honey to balance out the chili spices.

• Serving the shrimp chopped in pieces or bites rather than whole.

• Frying the shrimp in a thick beer batter or panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

• Garnishes like diced mango, sesame seeds, cilantro, or scallions.

So dragon shrimp served at restaurants often has a sauce that is sweeter and thicker compared to authentic Sichuan versions. But the flavour concept stays the same – fried shrimp in a addictive sweet and spicy glaze.

Popular Dragon Shrimp Restaurant Dishes

Here are some restaurants that serve tasty versions of dragon shrimp, often with their own twists:

• PF Chang’s – Their Crispy Honey Shrimp is a customer favorite, with tempura shrimp and a honey-laced spicy sauce.

• Red Lobster – Their Crispy Dragon Shrimp features large fried shrimp in a milder sweet chili glaze and sesame seeds.

• Panda Express – Their Sweetfire Shrimp includes shrimp coated in a crispy batter and sauce with a savory sweet and spicy flavor profile.

• Noodles & Company – Their Sweet & Spicy Shrimp Stir-Fry has crispy shrimp tossed in a thickened sweet chili sauce along with noodles and veggies.

• Outback Steakhouse – Their Dragon Shrimp dish features shrimp coated in a mildly spicy thai sauce with dragonfruit and mint.

• Bonefish Grill – Bang Bang Shrimp with creamy, sweet chili sauce atop crispy shrimp is a signature menu item.

What Makes Dragon Shrimp Unique

What sets dragon shrimp apart from other shrimp appetizers is the complex sauce. The sweet, savory, and spicy Asian-style sauce is the star – it has a compelling flavor unmatched by cocktail sauce or drawn butter.

And the crispy shrimp provides a perfect textural contrast. The crunchy exterior gives way to plump, juicy shrimp inside. Every bite bursts with flavor and texture.

The sauce also contains ingredients not found in many Western shrimp dishes, like chili paste, rice vinegar, and sesame. This gives dragon shrimp an exotic, addictive flavor profile you can’t get from typical shrimp appetizers.

Tips for Making Dragon Shrimp at Home

Want to recreate restaurant-style dragon shrimp in your own kitchen? Here are some helpful tips:

• Use large shrimp – Opt for jumbo or colossal shrimp since their size stands up well to frying and saucing.

• Pat shrimp very dry – Coat shrimp with cornstarch and pat extremely dry so the breading adheres. Wet shrimp will get soggy.

• Double bread – Dip shrimp in flour first, then egg wash, then breadcrumb coating for extra crispy crunch.

• Fry at high heat – Use peanut or vegetable oil and fry at 375°F for best texture. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding.

• Toss in sauce – Mix up the sauce ingredients like chili paste, rice vinegar, honey, soy and toss the fried shrimp in it.

• Garnishsimply – Chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or cilantro add freshness. Lime wedges on the side brighten the flavors.

Nutrition Facts for Dragon Shrimp

Here are some general nutrition facts for dragon shrimp, based on a typical 5-6 pieces serving:

• Calories: 300-400
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbs: 20-30g

Since dragon shrimp is deep fried and includes a sauce, it is higher in calories than plain shrimp. But it makes a more satisfying appetizer for dipping and dunking!

Is Dragon Shrimp Healthy?

In moderation, dragon shrimp can be part of a healthy diet, as it provides lean protein, essential nutrients, and even some vegetables from garnishes.

The coconut or vegetable oil used for frying contains healthier unsaturated fats compared to animal-based oils. And shrimp provide minerals like iodine, zinc, iron and antioxidants like astaxanthin.

Just watch your portion size, as the high-calorie sauce and fried coating mean dragon shrimp should be enjoyed as an occasional treat. Pairing it with veggies and brown rice can help make a balanced meal.

Should You Try Dragon Shrimp?

If you love shrimp but want to venture beyond scampi and cocktails, dragon shrimp is a must-try. The crispy, crunchy shrimp paired with a sweet, savory and slightly spicy sauce is an irresistible combination.

The complex Asian-inspired flavors and sesame, chili, and garlic really wake up your tastebuds. And the fried shrimp provides a indulgent textures that contrasts beautifully with the sauce.

So next time you spot dragon shrimp on a restaurant appetizer menu, go for it! The unique flavors and crispy, saucy textures make this a shrimp dish like no other.