Craving a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious dinner? Look no further! This beer battered shrimp recipe is your answer. Forget takeout – homemade, crispy, golden-brown shrimp are surprisingly simple to make and far more satisfying. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or a fun weekend gathering. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy-to-follow guide to achieving restaurant-quality shrimp at home. It’s one of those delicious dishes that’s surprisingly simple to pull off!
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
- 1/2 cup ice-cold beer (lager or pilsner work best)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Getting Started: Prepare the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a crispy batter. Excess moisture will result in a soggy outcome.
- Season the shrimp lightly with salt and pepper.
Making the Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
- Gradually 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.
Frying the Shrimp:
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C). Use a thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.
- Dip each shrimp into the batter, ensuring it's fully coated. Let any excess batter drip off.
- 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 greasy shrimp.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The shrimp should be opaque and pink throughout.
- Remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your beer-battered shrimp immediately with your favorite dipping sauces. Tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or even a spicy remoulade are all excellent choices. A squeeze of lemon adds a bright, fresh element. Consider serving it with homemade potato wedges or a simple salad for a complete and healthy meal.
Tips for the Best Beer Battered Shrimp:
- Ice-cold beer: The colder the beer, the crispier the batter.
- Don't overmix the batter: A few lumps are fine. Overmixing develops the gluten and will result in a tough batter.
- Fry in batches: Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature and lead to greasy shrimp.
- Use a thermometer: This ensures the oil is at the correct temperature for optimal results.
- Drain well: Allowing the shrimp to drain properly on a wire rack will prevent soggy shrimp.
Variations:
- Spicy Shrimp: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the batter.
- Garlic Shrimp: Add 1-2 cloves of minced garlic to the batter.
- Lemon Pepper Shrimp: Substitute lemon pepper seasoning for the salt and pepper.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of the shrimp and the amount of oil absorbed. However, a general estimate per serving (assuming 3-4 large shrimp) would be:
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 10-15g
This beer battered shrimp recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. It's a delicious, homemade dish that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!