Red Lobster Crispy Dragon Shrimp — Price & Calories 2026
Price: $13.49 | 1010 Calories
Red Lobster Crispy Dragon Shrimp
The Crispy Dragon Shrimp at Red Lobster exists in two formats — a starter on the Starters Menu and a large sharing platter on the Hot Platters Menu. This page covers the Starters version at $13.49 and 1,010 calories — the individual appetizer portion, not the group platter.
That distinction matters. The starter is designed for one person as a first course. The Hot Platter at $48.99 and 4,010 calories is built for three to four people sharing. Both use the same crispy fried shrimp in the same sweet and spicy Dragon sauce — but they are served in completely different contexts and at completely different price points.
Why Crispy Dragon Shrimp Stands Out
The combination of a crispy fried exterior with a bold, spicy-sweet sauce creates a flavor and texture experience similar to popular Asian-inspired appetizers, which has helped this dish gain popularity among diners looking for something different from traditional seafood preparations.
This starter is also featured in a larger platter format on the Red Lobster Hot Platters menu, where it is scaled up for sharing among larger groups, making the starter portion an excellent way to sample the flavor before ordering the full platter for a group.
What Makes Dragon Sauce Different from Every Other Sauce at Red Lobster
The Dragon sauce is the reason this dish generates consistent search volume and consistent reorders.
Red Lobster’s menu has garlic butter preparations, lemon herb preparations, Cajun preparations, and cocktail sauce. None of them work the way Dragon sauce works — sweet and spicy simultaneously, sticky enough to cling to the crispy breading without making it soggy, bold enough to be noticed from across the table when the plate arrives.
The sauce is a sweet chili preparation with moderate heat that builds gradually. It is not a mild garnish. It is also not an intense burn. It sits between the two — consistently interesting without becoming overwhelming, which is the reason most guests who order it once tend to reorder it.
Nutrition Table (Per Serving)
| Dish | Calories | Total Fat (g) | Saturated Fat (g) | Cholesterol (mg) | Sodium (mg) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) | Sugar (g) | Fiber (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Crispy Dragon Shrimp |
1010 |
70 |
9 |
95 |
1,940 |
90 |
45 |
22 |
2 |
The 22g of sugar in the starter reflects the sweet chili Dragon sauce — the sauce contributes the majority of both the sugar and the carbohydrate count in this dish.
The 1,940mg of sodium is high for a single starter. Guests monitoring sodium intake should factor this into the overall meal plan, particularly if pairing this starter with a high-sodium entrée.
Crispy Dragon Shrimp as a Shrimp Your Way Selection
Crispy Dragon Shrimp is also available as a selection within the Shrimp Your Way format both in the Choose 2, Choose 3, and Choose 4 formats at their respective prices.
In the Shrimp Your Way context, the Dragon Shrimp selection carries approximately 250 calories per selection significantly less than the 1,010 calorie starter reflecting the smaller individual portion size within the multi-choice format.
Guests who want Dragon Shrimp as part of a meal rather than as a standalone starter may find the Shrimp Your Way format provides a more integrated dining experience at a competitive price.
Allergen Information
Contains: Shellfish (Shrimp), Wheat (Breading — direct gluten source), Soy (Dragon Sauce, Frying Oil), Eggs (Breading Batter), Sulfites (Sauce)
This item is not suitable for individuals with shellfish allergies, gluten intolerance, celiac disease, soy sensitivity, or egg allergies.
Cross-contamination with other allergens is possible in Red Lobster’s shared kitchen environment. Guests with food allergies should inform their server before placing an order.
Gluten Information
Red Lobster Crispy Dragon Shrimp is not gluten-free.
The wheat-based breading used on the shrimp is a direct source of gluten. The Dragon sauce may also contain soy sauce, which is an additional potential gluten source depending on the specific product used.
No gluten-free version of this dish is available at Red Lobster restaurant locations.
Availability
Red Lobster Crispy Dragon Shrimp Starter is available on the Starters Menu at participating Red Lobster locations.
The item is also available for takeout and curbside pickup through the Red Lobster website or app.
Delivery availability through platforms such as DoorDash varies by location. For official ordering, visit redlobster.com.