Description
Tempura Shrimp is a classic Japanese dish featuring fresh shrimp dipped in a light, airy batter and deep-fried to golden perfection. Renowned for its delicate, crispy texture, this appetizer is both elegant and delicious, making it a favorite in Japanese cuisine.
Ingredients
- Shrimp: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Tempura Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, chilled
- 1 cup ice-cold sparkling water
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Vegetable oil: for deep frying
Instructions
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Prepare the Shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails intact. Make shallow cuts on the underside of each shrimp to prevent curling during frying. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
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Make the Batter: In a bowl, lightly beat the chilled egg. Add the ice-cold sparkling water and mix gently. Sift in the all-purpose flour and baking powder, stirring briefly to combine. The batter should be slightly lumpy; overmixing can lead to a dense coating.
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Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep pot or fryer, filling it to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
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Fry the Shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off. Carefully place the battered shrimp into the hot oil, frying a few at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry until the shrimp are golden and crispy, approximately 2-3 minutes per batch.
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Drain and Serve: Remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with a side of tempura dipping sauce or a sprinkle of sea salt.
Notes
Batter Consistency: Maintaining an ice-cold batter is crucial for achieving the signature light and crispy tempura texture. Consider placing the batter bowl over another bowl filled with ice to keep it cold during preparation.
Oil Temperature: Using a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature ensures consistent frying results. If the oil is too hot, the batter may burn; if too cool, the shrimp can become greasy.
Serving Suggestions: Tempura shrimp pairs well with a simple dipping sauce made from dashi, soy sauce, and mirin. Additionally, serving with grated daikon radish adds a refreshing contrast to the fried shrimp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 shrimp
- Calories: 238
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 567mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 173mg
Keywords: Tempura Shrimp, Japanese Appetizer, Deep-Fried Shrimp, Crispy Tempura, Ebi Tempura