Keeping a can of frozen orange juice concentrate in the freezer means you can make more than just orange juice. Try it in a variety of orange-flavored recipes.

If you're frying up shrimp for a party appetizer, a make-ahead batter like this is a lifesaver for keeping things together and low-stress.
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 egg
3/4 cup ice water
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Whisk together all the ingredients in a shallow bowl until smooth.
The batter can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours. Whisk well before using.
To use the batter: preheat oil to 375 degrees F in a deep fryer or large skillet. Dip the shrimp into the batter then add to the oil. Cook, turning as needed, until the coating is golden brown and the shrimp are cooked. Remove from the oil and let drain on paper toweling before serving.
Make sure the shrimp are dry before dipping in the batter otherwise the batter may not adhere properly.
Keep the oil at a consistent temperature otherwise the shrimp may turn out greasy.
Don't overcrowd the fryer or skillet. The shrimp will cook more evenly and the oil will stay at the right temperature.
Dip the shrimp into the batter just before frying to prevent them from getting soggy.
Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature.
Drain the fried shrimp on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Serve immediately.
Try serving with dipping sauces like cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or a spicy mayo.
Be very careful when working with hot oil to avoid splatters and burns.
Garnish with lemon wedges. A squeeze of lemon brightens the flavor of the shrimp and can counter any greasiness.
All-purpose flour is best in this recipe. Rice flour or cornstarch also work.
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are good choices due to their high smoke points.
The egg helps bind the batter, but you can use a commercial egg replacement or a mixture of water and oil.
Shrimp cook quickly; they're done when they turn pink and opaque, usually in about 2-3 minutes.
Yes, feel free to add spices like paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper.
The batter can be stored for up to 4 hours. Beyond that, the texture may be affected. Keep in mind it contains a raw egg so food safety could be an issue if you store it longer.
Yes, this versatile batter works well for fish, chicken, or vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms.
Add a little more ice water or milk to reach the desired consistency.
Ice water helps keep the batter light and crispy when fried.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat in the oven or air fryer.
Keeping a can of frozen orange juice concentrate in the freezer means you can make more than just orange juice. Try it in a variety of orange-flavored recipes.
A can of cream of mushroom soup can be a real dinner saver. It works great in casseroles and can turn into a sauce or gravy in a pinch.
Beer makes batters better, meat more tender, and sauces more flavorful.
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reviews & comments
June 26, 2021
I was a bit nervous about mixing all the wet together. But this batter turned out great! My water wasnt the coldest and it still worked.I deep fried until golden brown. My new go to!
June 23, 2019
Really liked it.
May 5, 2019
The mushrooms and zucchini were great.....the batter was super good and so easy. Thanks
For some reason the batter did not work along - later, I tried dipping the shrimp in the batter and then in flour-it turn out better- now I'm looking for a more spicy batter receipt.
this shrimp did not come out right we followed all instructions but it looked raw
How long did you fry the shrimp? You should fry them until the coating is golden brown, that should be long enough to cook them