Crispy Fried Shrimp: A Classic Comfort Food Delight
A mouthwatering dish that captures the essence of comfort food in every crunchy bite, combining the delicate sweetness of shrimp with a perfectly seasoned, crispy coating.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Deep Skillet or Heavy-Bottomed Pot
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 pound Large or Jumbo Shrimp, peeled and deveined Fresh or thawed shrimp preferred.
Batter Ingredients
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour Provides structure and crispiness.
- 1/2 cup Cornstarch Enhances crispiness of the batter.
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder Helps the batter rise slightly.
- 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Paprika Adds smokiness and color.
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Adds depth to the flavor.
- 2 large Eggs Helps the batter adhere to the shrimp.
- 1/2 cup Cold Water Keeps the batter light and airy.
Oil for Frying
- 3 cups Vegetable Oil For deep frying the shrimp.
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the shrimp. Ensure they are peeled, deveined, and thoroughly dried with paper towels.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, paprika, and black pepper. Whisk until well-blended.
- In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and beat them until frothy. Gradually add the cold water while whisking.
- Slowly pour the egg mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. The batter should be thick yet pourable.
- Heat the oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Test if the oil is ready by dropping a small amount of batter into it.
- Dip each shrimp into the batter, ensuring they are fully coated. Allow excess batter to drip off before placing them in the hot oil.
- Fry the shrimp in batches for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to turn them.
- Transfer the fried shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Continue frying the remaining shrimp, ensuring the oil temperature remains consistent.
- Once all the shrimp are fried, serve them hot, garnished with fresh herbs or lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
Consider adding cayenne pepper for spice or shredded coconut for a tropical twist. Serve with various dipping sauces for added flavor.