Shrimps are versatile, flavourful and readily available throughout the year. Battered shrimp is a popular appetizer and also, makes for an elegant and eye-catching presentation. There are different types of batter, but this simple coating is seasoned with spice, eggless and alcohol-free. Prepping the shrimps takes some time, but once ready, they require only a few minutes to cook. Accompanied with an easy cocktail sauce, incredibly delicious. A hint of heat and sweet from the sauce, with the light and airy outer crust, followed by the succulent shrimp is a party in the mouth.
The shrimps I prefer are Diamond Harvest from Costco. Individually frozen, chemical-free, they are large, already deveined, easy to peel with the tail-on. They thaw quickly in water and can be prepped in no time. Moreover, if seasoned and cooked right, they are utterly delicious, meaty and taste like lobster. Finally, priced right and I always have a bag of these shrimps in my freezer for busy nights or whenever I want to cook up a fast protein dish.
The shrimps I prefer are Diamond Harvest from Costco. Individually frozen, chemical-free, they are large, already deveined, easy to peel with the tail-on. They thaw quickly in water and can be prepped in no time. Moreover, if seasoned and cooked right, they are utterly delicious, meaty and taste like lobster. Finally, priced right and I always have a bag of these shrimps in my freezer for busy nights or whenever I want to cook up a fast protein dish.
Easy Battered Shrimps
(Serves 4)
Ingredients:
20 large shrimps
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon chilli powder + extra to sprinkle on the shrimps
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon old bay seasoning (optional)
1/8 teaspoon pepper powder + extra to sprinkle on the shrimps
1/2 cup ice cold water
salt
oil for deep frying
Method:
Clean, devein and shell shrimps leaving the last segment along with the tail. Wash, pat dry, season with salt, chilli and pepper powders. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, sift the all-purpose flour, cornstarch and baking powder. Mix in the spice powders, salt and gradually add the ice cold water until well combined.
Heat oil for deep frying.
When oil is hot enough, it will start to shimmer. Gently holding the tail coat each shrimp with batter, lift and drain off excess before sliding into the oil. Fry four at a time and after a couple of minutes, turn with a slotted spoon to brown the other side. When crisp and golden brown, remove and place on thick, absorbent paper towels.
Serve hot with cocktail sauce.
Cocktail Sauce
Ingredients:
3/4 cup ketchup
2 teaspoons chilli sauce
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
1 to 2 teaspoons lemon juice
Method:
Mix the above cocktail ingredients. Stir and serve with fried shrimps.
(Serves 4)
Ingredients:
20 large shrimps
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon chilli powder + extra to sprinkle on the shrimps
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon old bay seasoning (optional)
1/8 teaspoon pepper powder + extra to sprinkle on the shrimps
1/2 cup ice cold water
salt
oil for deep frying
Method:
Clean, devein and shell shrimps leaving the last segment along with the tail. Wash, pat dry, season with salt, chilli and pepper powders. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, sift the all-purpose flour, cornstarch and baking powder. Mix in the spice powders, salt and gradually add the ice cold water until well combined.
Heat oil for deep frying.
When oil is hot enough, it will start to shimmer. Gently holding the tail coat each shrimp with batter, lift and drain off excess before sliding into the oil. Fry four at a time and after a couple of minutes, turn with a slotted spoon to brown the other side. When crisp and golden brown, remove and place on thick, absorbent paper towels.
Serve hot with cocktail sauce.
Cocktail Sauce
Ingredients:
3/4 cup ketchup
2 teaspoons chilli sauce
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
1 to 2 teaspoons lemon juice
Method:
Mix the above cocktail ingredients. Stir and serve with fried shrimps.