Get ready for some crispy beer batter fried shrimp! This dish features juicy shrimp coated in a light and crunchy batter, making it a delicious treat for seafood lovers.
Who doesn’t love shrimp that crunches? I usually make extra just in case my friends “sample” a few before they hit the table! 😄 It’s super easy to whip up, and perfect with a side of lemon.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are perfect here, but if you can only find medium or extra-large, those work too. For a different flavor, try using fish like cod or haddock instead of shrimp!
Beer: Cold beer adds a nice flavor. If you’re avoiding alcohol, you can use sparkling water or non-alcoholic beer for a similar effect. Just make sure it’s cold for the best batter!
All-purpose flour: While all-purpose flour is standard, you could use gluten-free flour or a blend for a gluten-free option. Just ensure it’s suitable for frying!
Baking powder: This is key for making the batter light and fluffy. If you don’t have baking powder, you can substitute it with baking soda, but you might want to add a tiny splash of vinegar for lift.
How Do I Get the Batter Super Crispy?
The secret to a crispy batter lies in a few key steps! First, make sure your beer is cold and add it just before frying. This helps create that light texture you’re after.
- Don’t over-mix your batter! A few lumps are okay – this adds to the crunch.
- Make sure your oil is hot enough (350°F) before frying, which gives the batter that nice golden color quickly without soaking up too much oil.
- Fry in small batches. This keeps the oil temperature steady and ensures every shrimp gets cooked evenly.
Following these tips will help you achieve that perfect crispy coating every time!
Beer Batter Fried Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, as preferred)
For the Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika (optional, for flavor)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 3/4 cup cold beer (lager or pale ale works best)
For Cooking:
- Vegetable oil, for deep frying
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Cocktail sauce or your favorite dipping sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to fry the shrimp. In total, you’ll spend about 25 minutes whipping up this delightful dish. Perfect for a quick meal or as a fun appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Start by patting the shrimp dry using paper towels. This helps the batter stick better. Set the shrimp aside while you prepare the batter.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Combining these dry ingredients ensures your batter will be tasty!
3. Make the Batter:
Add the lightly beaten egg to the dry ingredients and stir gently to combine. Then, slowly pour in the cold beer while whisking the mixture until it is just combined. The batter should be slightly thick but able to easily coat the shrimp—no one likes clumpy shrimp!
4. Heat the Oil:
In a deep pot or deep fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer if you have one to ensure the oil is the right temperature. This is important for getting that crispy texture!
5. Coat the Shrimp:
Dip each shrimp into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off before placing it in the hot oil. Frying in small batches will help keep the temperature consistent.
6. Fry the Shrimp:
Carefully place the battered shrimp in the hot oil, frying them for about 2-3 minutes. Make sure to turn them once while they fry, so they cook evenly and come out golden brown and crispy.
7. Drain and Serve:
Once fried, use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil. This will help keep them crispy and not greasy.
8. Time to Enjoy!
Serve your delicious beer batter fried shrimp hot, alongside lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce, like cocktail sauce. They are perfect for sharing (or keeping all for yourself). Enjoy every crunchy bite!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge or under cold running water before patting them dry. This helps ensure the batter sticks properly and the shrimp cooks evenly.
What Can I Substitute for Beer in the Batter?
If you’re not using beer, sparkling water or club soda makes a great substitute! The carbonation adds a nice lightness to the batter, giving you that crispy texture you want.
How Do I Store Leftover Fried Shrimp?
Store any leftover fried shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Can I Make the Batter Ahead of Time?
It’s best to make the batter fresh, as it’s most effective right after preparation. However, you can prepare the dry ingredients ahead of time, then mix in the egg and beer just before frying to ensure maximum freshness and crispiness!