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Batter For Fried Shrimp

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  • #17111

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.


serves/makes:
  
ready in:
  under 30 minutes
Rating: 5/5

3 reviews
2 comments

ingredients

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

directions

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.

recipe tips


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.

common recipe questions


Can I use a different type of flour?

All-purpose flour is best in this recipe. Rice flour or cornstarch also work.

What type of oil is best for frying?

Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are good choices due to their high smoke points.

Can I make the batter without egg?

The egg helps bind the batter, but you can use a commercial egg replacement or a mixture of water and oil.

How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp cook quickly; they're done when they turn pink and opaque, usually in about 2-3 minutes.

Can I add spices to the batter?

Yes, feel free to add spices like paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper.

How long can I store the batter in the refrigerator?

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.

Can I use this batter for other seafood or vegetables?

Yes, this versatile batter works well for fish, chicken, or vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms.

What can I do if the batter is too thick?

Add a little more ice water or milk to reach the desired consistency.

Is it necessary to use ice water?

Ice water helps keep the batter light and crispy when fried.

How should I store and reheat leftover fried shrimp?

Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat in the oven or air fryer.


nutrition data

20 calories, 1 grams fat, 3 grams carbohydrates, 1 grams protein per tablespoon. This recipe is low in sodium.
Show full nutritional data (including Weight Watcher's Points ®, cholesterol, sodium, vitamins, and diabetic exchanges)


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reviews & comments

  1. DunkinEclair REVIEW:

    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!

  2. Yardbirdms REVIEW:

    Really liked it.

  3. Guest Foodie REVIEW:

    The mushrooms and zucchini were great.....the batter was super good and so easy. Thanks

  4. member review
    chessupreme

    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.

  5. sxrtms

    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

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