batter for frying shrimp recipe

The Best batter for frying shrimp recipe

I’ve been making this batter for frying shrimp recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. My kids love helping me mix up the batter and then dipping the shrimp in it before frying.

The combination of the crispy outside and the tender inside of the shrimp is just perfect. I love that this recipe is so easy to make and can be ready in just 30 minutes.

It’s a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or for a special occasion like a holiday gathering. Plus, the health benefits of shrimp are numerous – they’re high in protein, low in fat, and rich in vitamins B12 and selenium.

We often serve this with a side of hush puppies or coleslaw to round out the meal. One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can adjust the level of heat to your liking by adding more or less cayenne pepper, and you can also customize the batter to suit your tastes by adding different herbs or spices.

Classic Batter for Fried Shrimp

4.7 from 1485 votes

This light and crispy batter creates a delicate golden coating for shrimp that fries up perfectly. It is simple to prepare with basic pantry ingredients and yields a satisfying crunch with every bite.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time20 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 250 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Batter

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
3/4 cup cold water
1 large egg
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon white pepper.
2Ensure all dry ingredients are evenly combined.
3In a separate small bowl, beat 1 large egg with 3/4 cup cold water and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil.
4Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and whisk gently until just combined; a few small lumps are fine.
5Do not overmix or the batter will become tough.
6Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
7Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature, adjusting the heat as needed.
8Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt.
9Dip each shrimp into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off, then carefully lower into the hot oil.
10Fry in batches without crowding the pot.
11Fry the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes, turning once, until the batter is puffed and golden brown.
12Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Serve immediately.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Whisk
Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
Slotted spoon
Paper towels
Candy or deep-fry thermometer

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 250 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 60mg🧂Sodium: 400mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 0g🥩Protein: 8g

📝Notes

For extra crispiness, replace 2 tablespoons of flour with rice flour. The batter works best with cold ingredients; keep the water and egg chilled until ready to use.

This batter for frying shrimp recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special dish to serve at a party. It’s easy to make, delicious, and healthy too.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it freezes – simply coat the shrimp in the batter and freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for storage. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or deep fryer until crispy.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Batter for Fried Shrimp

Q: What type of flour is best for this recipe?

Cake flour works best for this recipe because it has a finer texture that will help create a lighter, airier batter.

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp if that’s what you have on hand. Just thaw them according to package instructions before using.

Q: How do I know if my shrimp are cooked through?

The easiest way to check is by cutting into one of the shrimp – if it’s pink and firm, it’s done.

Q: Can I make this batter ahead of time?

No, it’s best to mix up the batter just before frying – it will help ensure that the shrimp stay crispy.

Q: What if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.

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