Shrimp Tempura Recipe

Introduction

Shrimp Tempura is a beloved dish in Japanese cuisine, known for its light, crispy batter and perfectly cooked shrimp. This delicious, crunchy appetizer is often served with a dipping sauce and makes for an irresistible snack or entrée. The tempura batter is key to achieving the perfect texture, allowing the shrimp to stay tender while the coating becomes golden brown and crispy. The shrimp is usually deep-fried to perfection, making it a favorite at sushi bars and Asian-inspired restaurants around the world.

Though tempura may seem like a dish best left to the professionals, it’s actually quite simple to make at home. Whether you’re preparing it as a quick snack, a part of a larger meal, or for a special occasion, shrimp tempura is a dish that never disappoints. With the right ingredients and a few helpful tips, you can create tempura that rivals your favorite restaurant.

In this recipe, we’ll take you through the steps of preparing shrimp tempura from scratch, including tips for making the perfect batter, frying the shrimp to perfection, and serving your dish. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or a beginner, this guide will ensure you make shrimp tempura that’s crispy, flavorful, and absolutely delicious.

Why You’ll Love Shrimp Tempura

• Crispy Texture: The light, airy batter ensures the shrimp is perfectly crisp on the outside while staying juicy and tender on the inside.
• Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Shrimp tempura delivers shrimp cooked just right—tender, moist, and sweet—encased in a crispy shell.
• Easy to Make at Home: Making shrimp tempura at home is surprisingly easy, and with just a few ingredients, you can have restaurant-quality tempura right in your kitchen.
• Customizable: Although shrimp is the classic choice, you can experiment with other seafood or vegetables like zucchini, sweet potatoes, and bell peppers to make your own variety of tempura.
• Quick and Versatile: Shrimp tempura cooks in just a few minutes, making it a great dish for a quick snack, lunch, or dinner. It can also be served as part of a sushi platter or paired with a bowl of rice.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: Makes 4 servings (about 12-16 shrimp, depending on size)
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving (depending on shrimp size and batter thickness).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 18-22g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Protein: 20-25g
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Sugar: 1-2g

Ingredients

For the Shrimp Tempura:

• 1 lb large shrimp (about 12-16 shrimp), peeled and deveined, tails on (optional)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting the shrimp)
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 cup cold sparkling water or cold ice water (for a light, airy batter)
• Vegetable oil for frying (canola, sunflower, or peanut oil works well)

For the Tempura Dipping Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
• 1/4 cup dashi stock (or chicken stock as a substitute)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp

Start by preparing the shrimp. Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails intact (optional, but they make the shrimp easier to handle during frying). Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This is a crucial step, as too much moisture will interfere with the batter’s ability to stick to the shrimp and cause the oil to splatter during frying.

Once the shrimp are prepped, lightly dust them with a small amount of flour. This helps the batter adhere to the shrimp and results in a better texture after frying. Set the shrimp aside.

2. Make the Tempura Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. These ingredients make up the base of your tempura batter, which is what gives the shrimp its light and crispy texture.

Add the beaten egg to the dry ingredients and gently mix. Next, slowly add the cold sparkling water or ice water to the bowl, stirring just enough to combine the ingredients. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as you want to keep it as light and airy as possible. It’s okay if the batter is a bit lumpy—this will help create a crispy texture once fried.

It’s important to use cold water for the batter, as the cold temperature will help create a crispier coating when frying. Sparkling water is a great option because the carbonation adds extra air to the batter, making it even lighter.

3. Heat the Oil

In a deep frying pan or a wok, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. To test the oil’s temperature, drop a small amount of batter into the oil. If it sizzles immediately and rises to the surface, the oil is hot enough for frying. The ideal frying temperature is around 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too cool, the batter will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If the oil is too hot, the tempura will burn quickly before the shrimp are fully cooked.

4. Fry the Shrimp

Once the oil is hot enough, it’s time to fry the shrimp. Dip each shrimp into the tempura batter, allowing any excess batter to drip off. Gently lower the battered shrimp into the hot oil, one at a time. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary to avoid lowering the oil temperature too much.

Fry the shrimp for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Turn the shrimp over halfway through cooking to ensure even frying on both sides. The shrimp should cook quickly due to the hot oil and the thin batter. Be careful not to overcook them, as this will make the shrimp tough.

Once the shrimp are golden and crispy, remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

5. Make the Tempura Dipping Sauce

While the shrimp are frying, prepare the dipping sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, mirin, dashi stock, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the sauce comes to a simmer. You can also add a small amount of grated fresh ginger to the sauce for an extra burst of flavor, although this is optional.

Once the sauce is heated through, remove it from the heat and set it aside. The dipping sauce is traditionally served at room temperature or slightly warm.

6. Serve the Shrimp Tempura

Once all the shrimp are fried, transfer them to a serving platter. Serve immediately while they are still hot and crispy. The tempura shrimp should be eaten right away to enjoy their crunchy texture at its best.

Serve the shrimp with a small bowl of tempura dipping sauce on the side. You can also garnish the plate with some finely chopped green onions or shredded daikon radish for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.

Tips for Perfect Shrimp Tempura

• Use Cold Water: The key to a light and crispy tempura batter is using very cold water. Cold sparkling water works best, but you can also use ice water for similar results.
• Do Not Overmix the Batter: A few lumps in the batter are completely fine. Overmixing will activate the gluten in the flour, making the batter chewy rather than crispy.
• Fry in Small Batches: To avoid overcrowding the pan, fry the shrimp in small batches. This will help the shrimp cook evenly and achieve that golden, crispy texture.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep a close eye on the oil temperature, as it can fluctuate when adding the shrimp. You want to maintain a temperature of around 350°F (175°C). If the oil gets too hot, the batter may burn; if it’s too cool, the shrimp may absorb too much oil.
• Prep in Advance: You can prep the shrimp and batter ahead of time, but it’s best to fry the shrimp just before serving. This ensures they stay crispy and fresh.

Variations of Shrimp Tempura

• Vegetable Tempura: You can also use the tempura batter to fry vegetables such as sweet potatoes, zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers. These vegetables make great accompaniments or can be served as a main dish alongside the shrimp.
• Tempura Rolls: For a sushi-inspired twist, try using shrimp tempura as a filling for sushi rolls. Tempura shrimp pairs perfectly with avocado, cucumber, and rice wrapped in nori.
• Spicy Shrimp Tempura: Add a little extra heat to your shrimp tempura by seasoning the shrimp with a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or dipping the shrimp in a spicy mayo sauce (made with mayonnaise and Sriracha).
• Tempura Fish: While shrimp is the most common choice for tempura, you can also use white fish fillets (such as cod or halibut) for a different flavor and texture.

Storage and Shelf Life

Shrimp tempura is best enjoyed immediately after it’s made, as the batter tends to lose its crispiness over time. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To reheat, place the shrimp on a baking sheet and bake them in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10-12 minutes until they are heated through and crispy again.

It’s not recommended to freeze shrimp tempura, as the batter will not retain its crispy texture after thawing and reheating.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Shrimp Tempura

Shrimp tempura can be served with a variety of side dishes to complement its flavors. Here are some great pairings:

• Steamed Rice: A bowl of warm, fluffy white rice or jasmine rice is the perfect accompaniment to balance the rich, crispy shrimp.
• Miso Soup: A light miso soup adds an authentic Japanese touch to your meal and helps cleanse the palate between bites.
• Japanese Pickles: Serve your shrimp tempura with a side of pickled vegetables, such as pickled daikon radish or cucumber, to add a refreshing contrast to the rich tempura.
• Sushi: Shrimp tempura pairs wonderfully with sushi rolls, especially tempura rolls or those featuring fresh fish and avocado.

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Conclusion

Shrimp tempura is a classic dish that’s easy to make at home and always impresses. The combination of succulent shrimp and a light, crispy batter creates a dish that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, making a quick meal, or treating yourself to a delicious snack, shrimp tempura is sure to be a hit. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy this crispy delight whenever you want, paired with your favorite dipping sauce or sides. Try this recipe and bring the crispy goodness of shrimp tempura into your kitchen today!