Panda Express Firecracker Shrimp is a limited-time entrée featuring tempura-battered shrimp wok-tossed with bell peppers, onions, and spicy chili sauce. It costs $8.00+ as a premium entrée, packs 380 calories and 22g protein per serving, and returns periodically most recently as Firecracker Steak & Shrimp, available now through October 2026.

Few Panda Express limited-time offers generate as much buzz as Firecracker Shrimp. The crispy, spicy entrée has built a loyal following since its debut, disappearing and reappearing on menus in a pattern that keeps fans checking the app every spring. In 2026, Panda Express took things further with Firecracker Steak & Shrimp, a surf-and-turf spin on the original.

What Is Panda Express Firecracker Shrimp?

Panda Express Firecracker Shrimp is crispy tempura-battered shrimp wok-tossed with diced red bell peppers and yellow onions in a spicy chili sauce. The name refers to its “explosive” heat level. It’s classified as a premium entrée, meaning it carries a $1.50 upcharge compared to standard menu items like Orange Chicken.

• Protein: Tempura-battered shrimp
• Vegetables: Red bell peppers, yellow onions
• Sauce: Spicy chili sauce with soy, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic
• Spice level: Medium-high
• Category: Premium entrée

Panda Express Firecracker Shrimp 2026: What’s New?

The biggest update for 2026 is Firecracker Steak & Shrimp, a new surf-and-turf LTO that pairs sirloin steak with the classic spicy shrimp preparation. According to Panda Express’s official Instagram, the item became available nationwide on October 2, 2026, “while supplies last.” This marks the first time Panda has combined steak and shrimp in a single Firecracker-branded dish, expanding on the original shrimp-only version that first launched in 2019.

Firecracker Steak & Shrimp vs. Original Firecracker Shrimp

Is Panda Express Firecracker Shrimp Discontinued?

Panda Express Firecracker Shrimp is not permanently discontinued it’s a recurring limited-time offer (LTO) that cycles on and off the menu. It has returned in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, typically during summer months, with a steak-and-shrimp variant launching in 2026. If it’s missing from your local menu, it simply means the current promotional window has ended.

Because LTO timing varies by region and supply, the most reliable way to confirm availability is checking directly with Panda Express rather than assuming it’s gone for good.

How Much Does Panda Express Firecracker Shrimp Cost?

Prices vary by location and will fluctuate slightly in markets with higher operating costs.

Panda Express Firecracker Shrimp Nutrition Facts

Ingredients and Allergens

Panda Express Firecracker Shrimp is made with tempura-battered shrimp, diced red bell peppers, diced yellow onions, spicy chili sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes, and a green onion garnish.

Allergen note: This dish contains wheat (tempura batter and soy sauce), soy, shellfish, sesame, and eggs. It is not gluten-free, not keto-friendly, and not low-sodium.

How Spicy Is Panda Express Firecracker Shrimp?

Firecracker Shrimp sits at a medium-high spice level spicier than Kung Pao Chicken but milder than Buldak Dynamite Sweet & Sour Chicken. The natural sweetness of the red bell peppers helps balance the heat, making it approachable for most spice-tolerant diners without tipping into overwhelming territory.

Best Ways to Order Firecracker Shrimp

• Classic Bowl: Firecracker Shrimp + Fried Rice  roughly 900 calories, 33g protein, $10.80
• Balanced Plate: Firecracker Shrimp + Grilled Teriyaki Chicken + Super Greens  roughly 785 calories, 55g protein, $12.60
• Best Value: Bigger Plate with Firecracker Shrimp + two other entrées  spreads the premium upcharge across more food, $14.40

How Does Firecracker Shrimp Compare to Other Panda Shrimp Items?

Choose Firecracker Shrimp if you want the highest protein-to-calorie ratio of Panda’s shrimp lineup with real heat. Choose Honey Walnut Shrimp if you prefer a sweeter, non-spicy option.

Panda Express Firecracker Shrimp Recipe (Easy Copycat)

Craving it but can’t find it on the menu? This simple firecracker shrimp recipe recreates the flavor at home in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ cup cornstarch (for a tempura-style crust)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
• 3 tbsp chili garlic sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• Oil for frying
• Sliced green onion, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Dip shrimp in beaten egg, then coat in cornstarch.
2. Fry shrimp in hot oil (350°F) for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy. Set aside on a paper towel.
3. In a separate pan, sauté garlic, ginger, bell pepper, and onion for 2 minutes.
4. Add chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 1 minute.
5. Toss fried shrimp in the sauce until evenly coated.
6. Garnish with green onion and serve over rice.

This is the best firecracker shrimp recipe for a weeknight dinner because it skips deep-fry batter in favor of a quick cornstarch coating, cutting prep time without sacrificing crunch.

When Does Firecracker Shrimp Come Back?

Firecracker Shrimp typically returns during summer months, between May and August, based on its historical pattern from 2019 through 2023. The 2026 edition broke from that pattern, launching as Firecracker Steak & Shrimp in March and continuing into October suggesting Panda may be extending LTO windows for newer menu variations.

How to Check If Firecracker Shrimp Is Available Near You

• Visit pandaexpress.com and enter your ZIP code to view your local menu
• Check the Panda Express app for current LTO alerts
• Call your local store directly to confirm
• Follow @PandaExpress on social media for launch announcements
• Sign up for Panda Rewards emails for early notifications

What Do Fans Say About Firecracker Shrimp?

Firecracker Shrimp consistently ranks among the most-requested returning items in Panda Express fan communities on Reddit, often rated 8/10 or higher. It regularly appears in “best LTOs of all time” roundups, and some locations report it selling out during peak lunch and dinner hours when it’s in season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Panda Express Firecracker Shrimp?
Panda Express Firecracker Shrimp is a limited-time entrée featuring tempura-battered shrimp wok-tossed with red bell peppers, yellow onions, and spicy chili sauce. It’s a premium item with a medium-high spice level.

Is Panda Express Firecracker Shrimp available now?
It’s a recurring LTO, so availability depends on timing and location. As of October 2026, the related Firecracker Steak & Shrimp item is confirmed available nationwide while supplies last.

How much does Panda Express Firecracker Shrimp cost?
As a premium entrée, it carries a $1.50 upcharge. Bowl pricing starts at $10.80, Plate at $12.60, and Bigger Plate at $14.40, with slight variation by location.

How many calories are in Panda Express Firecracker Shrimp?
A 5.6 oz serving contains 380 calories, 22g fat, 22g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 1,150mg sodium.

Is Panda Express Firecracker Shrimp spicy?
Yes, it has a medium-high spice level hotter than Kung Pao Chicken but milder than Buldak Dynamite Sweet & Sour Chicken, with bell pepper sweetness tempering the heat.

What’s the difference between Firecracker Shrimp and Firecracker Steak & Shrimp?
Firecracker Shrimp (2019–2023) is shrimp-only. Firecracker Steak & Shrimp (2026) adds sirloin steak to the same spicy sauce, bell peppers, and onions.

Is Panda Express Firecracker Shrimp gluten-free?
No. The tempura batter and soy sauce both contain wheat, and the dish also contains shellfish, sesame, and egg allergens.

What sides pair best with Firecracker Shrimp?
Fried Rice, White Rice, Chow Mein, or Super Greens all complement the dish well. Brown Rice is less ideal, as its texture clashes with the crispy tempura coating.

When does Panda Express bring back Firecracker Shrimp?
Historically during summer months (May–August), based on returns in 2019–2023. The 2026 version launched in March as Firecracker Steak & Shrimp and extended into October.

How much protein is in Panda Express Firecracker Shrimp?
A 5.6 oz serving contains 22g of protein, making it one of Panda’s higher-protein LTOs more than Honey Walnut Shrimp (13g) but less than Grilled Teriyaki Chicken (33g).