When it comes to crispy, light, and delicious seafood, Shrimp Tempura is a standout dish that brings the flavors of Japan to your kitchen. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive appetizer at your next gathering. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll learn how to create perfectly battered shrimp that are both crunchy and flavorful. Get ready to delight your taste buds with this authentic Shrimp Tempura Recipe!

Why It Works Every Time

The magic behind a great Shrimp Tempura Recipe lies in the batter and frying technique. The batter is made from a combination of cold water, egg, and flour, which creates a light and airy texture when fried. The key is to keep the water ice-cold to maintain the crispiness of the shrimp once cooked. Additionally, frying in hot oil ensures that the shrimp cook quickly, preventing them from becoming rubbery. Follow these tips, and you’ll achieve restaurant-quality tempura right at home.

Ingredient List

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on
1 cup all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
1 large egg, cold
1 cup ice-cold water
Vegetable oil for frying
Sea salt to taste

Hardware & Gadgets

Deep frying pan or Dutch oven – for frying the shrimp
Slotted spoon – to remove the shrimp from the oil
Mixing bowl – to prepare the batter
Cooking thermometer – to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature
Paper towels – for draining excess oil

Method: Shrimp Tempura Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by ensuring your shrimp are peeled and deveined, with tails left on for a beautiful presentation. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the batter adhere better.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour with the cold egg. Gradually add in the ice-cold water, whisking until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps. The batter should be quite thin to give that delicate tempura texture.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

In your deep frying pan or Dutch oven, pour enough vegetable oil to fill about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). You can check the temperature with a cooking thermometer or drop a small bit of batter into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, it’s ready.

Step 4: Dust the Shrimp

Before dipping the shrimp into the batter, lightly dust them with a bit of flour. This step helps the batter stick better and creates a crunchier exterior.

Step 5: Fry the Shrimp

Dip each shrimp into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off. Carefully place them into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Sprinkle the fried shrimp with sea salt while they are still warm. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as Shrimp Dipping Sauce for a delightful pairing.

If You’re Out Of…

All-purpose flour: You can substitute with rice flour for a gluten-free option.
Vegetable oil: Canola oil or peanut oil also work well for frying.
Large shrimp: Use medium shrimp or even fish fillets, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
Sea salt: Any type of salt can be used, but flaky sea salt adds a nice touch.

Cook’s Notes

For an extra crispy texture, consider adding cornstarch to the batter.
Experiment with different proteins or vegetables, like sweet potatoes or green beans, for a fun twist on the classic tempura.
Keep the batter cold until you are ready to fry for the best results.

Shelf Life & Storage

Tempura is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until crispy again. However, they may lose some of their crunchiness.

Serve & Enjoy

Now that you have mastered this Shrimp Tempura Recipe, it’s time to gather your loved ones and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Whether served as a delightful appetizer or as part of a main course, these crispy shrimp will surely impress. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the satisfying crunch that comes with each bite. Happy cooking!