
Hey, Welcome to the Outback Steakhouse Volcano Shrimp Recipe. It is a crispy fried shrimp appetizer tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and fiery at the same time.
I still remember the first time I tried Volcano Shrimp at Outback—it was one of those “one bite, and you’re hooked” moments.
If you’re anything like me, you probably dip one shrimp, then another, and suddenly the plate is empty.
Today, I’m going to show you how you can make this restaurant-style favorite right at home, easily and confidently.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: American
Category: Appetizer
History and Origin
Outback Steakhouse Volcano Shrimp is inspired by bold American flavors with a spicy kick, designed to wake up your taste buds.
It quickly became a fan-favorite appetizer thanks to its signature creamy chili sauce and perfectly crispy shrimp.
What does Outback Steakhouse Volcano Shrimp taste like?
This dish tastes creamy, sweet, tangy, and spicy all at once. You get a crunchy shrimp bite followed by a smooth sauce with chili heat that slowly builds but never overpowers.
By the way, you can also try the Outback Steakhouse Ranch Dressing Recipe.
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to start making it:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Large shrimp (peeled & deveined) | 1 lb |
| All-purpose flour | ½ cup |
| Cornstarch | ½ cup |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Paprika | ½ teaspoon |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Buttermilk | ½ cup |
| Vegetable oil | For frying |
| Mayonnaise | ½ cup |
| Sweet chili sauce | ¼ cup |
| Sriracha sauce | 1–2 tablespoons |
| Honey | 1 tablespoon |
| Rice vinegar | 1 teaspoon |
Equipment Needed
Also, gather the following equipment, as they are necessary to craft your recipe:
- Deep frying pan or heavy skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to make Outback Steakhouse Volcano Shrimp
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
I always start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better and ensures extra crispiness.
Step 2: Make the Breading
In one bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In another bowl, whisk eggs with buttermilk.
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
Dip each shrimp into the egg mixture, then dredge it in the flour mixture. Make sure every shrimp is fully coated.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
Heat oil to 350°F and fry the shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy. I place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Prepare the Volcano Sauce
In a bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Gently toss the fried shrimp in the volcano sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Recipe Card

Outback Steakhouse Volcano Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- I always start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better and ensures extra crispiness.

- In one bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In another bowl, whisk eggs with buttermilk.

- Dip each shrimp into the egg mixture, then dredge it in the flour mixture. Make sure every shrimp is fully coated.

- Heat oil to 350°F and fry the shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy. I place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

- In a bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth and creamy.

- Gently toss the fried shrimp in the volcano sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes
- I love serving Volcano Shrimp as a party appetizer with extra sauce on the side.
- You can also pair it with a fresh salad or serve it over rice for a fun main dish twist.
Nutritional Information
Below, I have listed the nutritional information of it:
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 24 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Serving Suggestions
I love serving Volcano Shrimp as a party appetizer with extra sauce on the side. You can also pair it with a fresh salad or serve it over rice for a fun main dish twist.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, reheat in an air fryer or oven to bring back the crispiness.
Pro Tips to Make Volcano Shrimp Extra Crispy
I’ve learned that small details make a big difference with this recipe. From oil temperature to how you coat the shrimp, these simple tips help you get that signature Outback-level crunch every single time.
How to Adjust the Heat Level to Your Taste
Not everyone likes the same level of spice, and that’s totally okay. I’ll show you how you can tone the sauce down for mild eaters or crank it up if you love that fiery volcano-style kick.
Best Shrimp to Use for Outback Steakhouse Volcano Shrimp
Choosing the right shrimp matters more than you might think. I’ll explain which shrimp size, freshness level, and type work best so you get juicy shrimp with a perfect crispy coating.
Volcano Shrimp Sauce Variations You Can Try
If you like experimenting in the kitchen as I do, you’ll love these sauce variations. From extra-garlicky to smoky-sweet, these twists keep the recipe exciting without losing that classic Outback flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Making Volcano Shrimp
I’ve made a few mistakes while testing this recipe, so you don’t have to. This section helps you avoid soggy shrimp, broken coating, or sauce that feels off-balance.
Can You Make Volcano Shrimp Ahead of Time?
If you’re planning a party or game night, timing is everything. Here, I break down what you can prep in advance and how to keep everything tasting fresh when it’s time to serve.
Conclusion
Making Outback Steakhouse Volcano Shrimp at home is easier than you might think, and the flavors are just as bold and addictive.
Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again for game nights or family gatherings.
With these words, we came to the end of this article. Please share this recipe with your loved ones and give it a 5-star rating at the end of the FAQs section if you enjoy it!
Happy Cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Volcano Shrimp without frying?
Yes, you can air-fry or bake the shrimp, but frying gives the most authentic Outback-style crunch.
Is Outback Steakhouse Volcano Shrimp very spicy?
It’s moderately spicy, but you can easily adjust the heat by reducing or increasing the sriracha.
What shrimp size works best for this recipe?
Large or jumbo shrimp work best because they stay juicy and hold the sauce well.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely, the volcano sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
What oil is best for frying shrimp?
I recommend vegetable or canola oil because they have a high smoke point and neutral flavor.
You will also like the Outback Steakhouse Lobster Butter Recipe.
2 thoughts on “Outback Steakhouse Volcano Shrimp Recipe”