Are you craving a delicious, crispy, and satisfying meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This beer battered shrimp recipe is your answer. It's the perfect blend of easy homemade cooking and restaurant-quality taste, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer for gatherings. Get ready to dive into a world of flavor with this simple yet impressive dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ice-cold beer (lager or pilsner work best)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving extra crispy batter. Excess moisture will make the batter soggy.
Prepare the Batter:
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
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Slowly whisk in the ice-cold beer until a smooth batter forms. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay. The batter should be thick but pourable.
Fry the Shrimp:
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Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure accurate temperature—this is key to perfectly cooked shrimp.
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Dip each shrimp into the batter, ensuring it's fully coated.
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Carefully place the battered shrimp into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy shrimp.
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Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are golden brown and cooked through. The shrimp should be opaque and pink.
Serve & Enjoy:
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Remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
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Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or a spicy mayo.
Tips for the Best Beer Battered Shrimp:
- Ice-cold beer is essential: The coldness of the beer helps create a lighter, crispier batter.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough batter.
- Fry in batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Use a thermometer: Monitoring the oil temperature is crucial for achieving perfectly cooked and crispy shrimp.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste: Feel free to add other spices to the batter, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper for a little heat.
Variations:
- Spicy Shrimp: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the batter for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Shrimp: Add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic to the batter for a flavorful twist.
- Lemon Pepper Shrimp: Season the shrimp with lemon pepper seasoning before battering.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on a 3-ounce serving of shrimp and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This delicious beer battered shrimp recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. It's a simple recipe that delivers big on flavor, making it a perfect choice for a casual weeknight dinner or a more impressive gathering. Enjoy!