Red Lobster Dragon Shrimp Recipe

If you’ve ever tried Red Lobster’s famous Dragon Shrimp, you know it’s a treat. The crispy shrimp paired with a sweet and spicy sauce is an unforgettable combination. The good news? You can now make this amazing dish at home with a few simple ingredients. This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t need complicated tools or fancy skills—just follow my step-by-step instructions, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal ready in no time.

So, get ready to enjoy the perfect homemade Dragon Shrimp Red Lobster recipe that’s sure to be a hit with your family or even for yourself when you crave something delicious!

What is Dragon Shrimp Recipe?

Dragon Shrimp is one of the standout dishes from Red Lobster’s menu. It features crispy fried shrimp tossed in a flavorful sauce made with buffalo sauce, honey, and a mix of Asian-inspired ingredients like sesame oil and oyster sauce. The dish balances spiciness with a hint of sweetness, creating an addictive flavor combination.

Served over jasmine rice and topped with green onions, sesame seeds, and chili flakes, it’s a complete meal with a great balance of textures and flavors. 

Why You’ll Love Dragon Shrimp

1. Simple Ingredients: Most ingredients are pantry staples or easy to find at your local store.
2. Quick and Effortless: The dish is ready in about 45 minutes, making it great for busy days.
3. Incredible Flavor: The crispy shrimp paired with a tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce will leave you craving more.
4. Customizable to Your Taste: You can easily adjust the recipe to match your preferences.
5. Restaurant-Level Satisfaction: Enjoy a high-quality meal at home without the cost of dining out.
6. A Family Favorite: Serve it with rice for a meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and guaranteed to please everyone.

What Is in Dragon Shrimp Red Lobster Recipe?

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb. Shrimp (Peeled and Deveined): Fresh or frozen shrimp works fine, but fresh shrimp gives the best texture and flavor. Be sure to remove the shells and clean the shrimp thoroughly.
• 2 Eggs: These act as a binder to help the coating stick to the shrimp, ensuring a crispy outer layer.
• 2 tsp Garlic Powder: Adds a savory depth of flavor to the coating.
• 2 tsp Onion Powder: Complements the garlic powder and enhances the shrimp’s taste.
• 1 tsp Chili Powder: Provides a mild kick of spice, balancing the other flavors.
• 1/2 tsp Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor to the seasoning mix.
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper: A basic seasoning that enhances all the other spices.
• 1/2 cup Flour: Used for the coating, helping to create a light, crispy texture.
• 1/2 cup Cornstarch: Mixed with flour, it makes the shrimp extra crispy when fried.
• Oil for Frying: Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil for frying.

For the Sauce:

• 1 Small Onion (Diced): Adds texture and a sweet, aromatic base to the sauce.
• 1/4 cup Buffalo Sauce: This is the star of the sauce, providing tanginess and spice. Choose a buffalo sauce that matches your spice preference.
• 2 tbsp. Honey: Balances out the heat from the buffalo sauce with a natural sweetness.
• 1 tsp Sesame Oil: A small amount goes a long way in giving the sauce a nutty, Asian-inspired flavor.
• 1 tbsp. Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness to the sauce, enhancing its overall taste.
• 1 tbsp. Butter: Gives the sauce a silky texture and richness.
• 2 tbsp. Oyster Sauce: Brings a savory depth to the dish, tying all the flavors together.
• 1 tsp Dried Parsley: Adds a hint of herbiness and a pop of green to the sauce.
• 1/2 tsp Red Chili Flakes: Optional, for those who love an extra spicy kick.

For Serving

• Jasmine Rice: Pairs beautifully with the bold flavors of the shrimp and sauce. 
• Green Onions (Sliced): These add a fresh, crisp garnish that complements the spiciness of the sauce.
• Sesame Seeds: A crunchy topping that brings out the sesame oil flavor in the sauce.
• Extra Red Chili Flakes: Optional, for sprinkling on top if you want more heat.

How to Customize Your Dragon Shrimp Recipe

1. Shrimp: Swap the shrimp with bite-sized chicken pieces for a crispy alternative. For a vegetarian twist, tofu works perfectly when fried to golden perfection.
2. Flour: If you’re avoiding gluten, use rice flour or almond flour to keep the shrimp crispy while staying gluten-free.
3. Buffalo Sauce: Prefer a different spice profile? Replace buffalo sauce with sriracha, hot chili sauce, or even a tangy barbecue sauce for a unique flavor.
4. Honey: Out of honey? Maple syrup or brown sugar can be used to add sweetness to the sauce without compromising the taste.
5. Oyster Sauce: If oyster sauce isn’t available, hoisin sauce or soy sauce makes an excellent replacement, maintaining the umami depth of the dish.

Essential Tools

1. Deep Frying Pan or Skillet: Perfect for frying the shrimp to golden, crispy perfection.
2. Medium Saucepan: Ideal for preparing the flavorful sauce that ties the dish together.
3. Mixing Bowls: Use these for coating the shrimp and mixing the batter.
4. Tongs: Handy for flipping the shrimp while frying and transferring them without a mess.
5. Paper Towels: Essential for draining excess oil from the fried shrimp to keep them crispy.

How to Make Dragon Shrimp Red Lobster Recipe

Step 1 | Prepare the Shrimp

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, and black pepper to create the coating mixture.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
3. Dip each cleaned shrimp into the egg mixture, then coat it thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure the shrimp is evenly covered for the perfect crispy texture.

Step 2 | Fry the Shrimp

1. Heat oil in a deep frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when a bit of batter is added.
2. Fry the shrimp in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook each shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown.
3. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 3 | Make the Sauce

1. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened and fragrant.
3. Stir in the buffalo sauce, honey, sesame oil, soy sauce, oyster sauce, parsley, and red chili flakes.
4. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.

Step 4 | Toss and Serve

1. Add the fried shrimp to the saucepan and gently toss until each piece is well-coated in the sauce.
2. Serve the shrimp over a bed of jasmine rice. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a sprinkle of extra chili flakes for an added kick.

Customizable Ingredients and Variations

1. Add Veggies: Toss in stir-fried broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers for more nutrition.
2. Tropical Twist: Use coconut rice instead of jasmine rice for a hint of sweetness.
3. Extra Crunch: Top with crushed peanuts or cashews.
4. Different Proteins: Try chicken tenders, fish, or even fried tofu instead of shrimp.

Special Recipe Notes

• Double Coating: For extra crispy shrimp, dip them in the egg and flour mixture twice before frying.
• Adjust Heat: Reduce chili flakes or use a milder hot sauce for less spice.
• Thinner Sauce: Add a tablespoon of water if the sauce is too thick.

Recipe Customizations and Additions

Add Veggies: Toss in some stir-fried broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers for a boost of nutrition and color.
Tropical Twist: Swap out jasmine rice for coconut rice to add a touch of sweetness that complements the dish.
Extra Crunch: Top your shrimp with crushed peanuts or cashews for an extra crunchy texture and flavor.
Different Proteins: Switch things up by using chicken tenders, fish, or fried tofu instead of shrimp for a new take on the recipe.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

1. Fresh Salad: Serve with a crisp side salad to balance out the rich flavors of the shrimp.
2. Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter, low-carb option, serve the shrimp in lettuce wraps instead of rice.
3. Noodles: Swap the rice for cooked noodles like rice noodles or spaghetti for a delicious twist on the classic.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
2. Freeze: Freeze fried shrimp (without sauce) for up to a month.
3. Reheat: Use an oven or air fryer to reheat and keep the shrimp crispy.

Dragon Shrimp Red Lobster Recipe FAQs

1. How Spicy is the Dragon Shrimp Recipe?

The spice level is completely customizable! As originally created, it has a moderate heat from chili powder and red pepper flakes. On a spice scale of 1-10, it sits around a 5-6. Want it milder? Simply reduce or eliminate the chili powder and red pepper flakes. Craving more heat? Add extra chili flakes, a splash of hot sauce, or include some diced jalapeños in the sauce.

2. What’s the Secret to Getting Perfect Crispy Shrimp?

• Always start with completely dry shrimp
• Use a 50/50 mix of flour and cornstarch for coating
• Maintain oil temperature between 350-375°F
• Don’t overcrowd the pan – fry in batches
• Use a deep-fry or candy thermometer to check oil temperature
• Pat shrimp dry with paper towels before coating

3. How Do I Choose the Best Shrimp for This Recipe?

• Fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp
• Medium to large size works best (16-20 count)
• Wild-caught preferred over farm-raised
• Avoid pre-cooked shrimp
• Check for firm texture and clean smell
• Peeled and deveined saves prep time

4. Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

• Mix dry spices in advance
• Prepare sauce up to 24 hours before
• Chop garnishes early in the day
• Coat shrimp just before cooking for maximum crispiness
• Store components separately in refrigerator

5. What Are the Best Sauce Variations?

• Replace buffalo sauce with sweet chili sauce
• Add mango puree for tropical flavor
• Use sriracha for extra heat
• Incorporate pineapple juice for sweetness
• Try teriyaki sauce for a different profile
• Add ginger for extra depth

6. How Do I Prevent Rubbery Shrimp?

• Cook shrimp just until they turn pink
• Total cooking time is about 2-3 minutes
• Look for slight curl and opaque color
• Remove from heat immediately when done
• Shrimp continue cooking slightly after removal from heat

Conclusion

The Dragon Shrimp Red Lobster recipe is a simple and tasty way to bring restaurant-style flavors to your home. With crispy shrimp and a sweet, spicy sauce, this dish is sure to become one of your favorites. It’s quick to make and perfect for any night of the week.

You can follow the recipe as it is or change it up to fit your taste. I really hope you give it a try and enjoy every bite! Please share your cooking experience with us, and don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more yummy recipes.