Beer Battered Shrimp – These perfectly fried shrimp in a golden beer batter – it’s a dish that’s both crispy and succulent, with a deep flavor that only beer can bring out, perfect for a quick snack, party appetizer, or main course alongside fries or a fresh salad.
Why Beer Battered Shrimp?
Beer batter is a game-changer when it comes to frying seafood. The carbonation in beer adds lightness to the batter, resulting in a crispy, airy texture without being too greasy. The subtle maltiness of beer enhances the natural sweetness of shrimp, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Plus, using shrimp is perfect for this dish because it cooks quickly and retains its juicy tenderness even after frying.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Beer Battered Shrimp
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can result in a dense batter. Gently whisk the ingredients together until just combined for a fluffier, airier result.
Use Cold Beer: Cold beer helps create a lighter, crispier batter. The carbonation in cold beer reacts with the baking powder to form bubbles, making the shrimp crispy without being dense.
Keep the Oil Hot: Consistently monitor the oil temperature. If it’s too low, the shrimp will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If too high, the batter may burn before the shrimp cooks through.
Choose the Right Beer: Light beers like lagers or pale ales are perfect because they won’t overpower the shrimp’s delicate flavor. For a richer taste, you can experiment with a slightly darker beer, like an amber ale.
Delicious Variations
- Spicy Beer Battered Shrimp: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the batter for an extra kick.
- Coconut Beer Battered Shrimp: Mix some shredded coconut into the batter for a tropical twist. The coconut adds a sweet, nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the savory beer batter.
- Tempura-Style Shrimp: For a lighter version, you can skip the egg and use rice flour instead of all-purpose flour for a crispier, tempura-like texture.
- Gluten-Free Battered Shrimp: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend and choose a gluten-free beer. You’ll still achieve a crispy, delicious coating.
How to Serve Beer Battered Shrimp
It can be the star of any meal or appetizer spread. Here are a few serving ideas:
Seafood Platter: Combine the shrimp with other fried seafood like calamari, fish fillets, and crab cakes for a decadent seafood feast.
As an Appetizer: Serve shrimp alongside dipping sauces like cocktail sauce, sriracha mayo, or sweet chili sauce.
As a Main Dish: Pair it with crispy French fries, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad for a satisfying meal.
Shrimp Tacos: For a fun twist, add beer battered shrimp to soft tortillas with shredded cabbage, avocado, and a drizzle of lime crema.
How to Store Leftover Beer Battered Shrimp
While beer battered shrimp is best served fresh, you can store leftovers if needed:
- Refrigeration: Place leftover shrimp in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb any moisture. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the shrimp in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes to revive some of the crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it makes the shrimp soggy.
Recipe FAQs
What’s the best beer for beer battered shrimp?
- A light, crisp beer like a lager or pale ale works best because it won’t overpower the shrimp’s flavor. Avoid using dark beers, as their strong, malty flavor might dominate the dish.
Can I make beer battered shrimp without beer?
- Yes, if you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can substitute the beer with sparkling water or club soda. The carbonation is key to getting the batter light and airy.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
- Absolutely! If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry to prevent excess moisture from interfering with the batter.
Why is my batter falling off the shrimp?
- This can happen if the shrimp is too wet or if the oil temperature is too low. Pat the shrimp dry before dredging and battering, and ensure the oil is at the right temperature (350°F).
Beer Battered Shrimp (Crispy)
Beer Battered Shrimp - These perfectly fried shrimp in a golden beer batter - it's a dish that’s both crispy and succulent, with a deep flavor that only beer can bring out, perfect for a quick snack, party appetizer, or main course alongside fries or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces shrimp (16/20 size), peeled, deveined
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt
- ⅔ cup cornstarch
- 1 lime (zest only)
- ⅔ cup cake flour
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 cup cold light beer
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ tablespoon paprika
- 2 cups neutral oil (canola, peanut, or rice bran oil)
Instructions
- Prep the Shrimp: Start by patting the shrimp dry and seasoning them with kosher salt and lime zest. Pop them in the fridge while you prepare the batter.
- Make the Batter: In a bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and a bit more salt.
- Slowly pour in the cold beer, stirring until the batter comes together. It should be similar to heavy cream in consistency—don't worry about a few lumps!
- Heat the Oil: Heat about an inch of neutral oil in a frying pan to 350°F.
- Fry the Shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the batter, letting any excess drip off. Fry them in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning with tongs, until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temp of 145°F.
- Drain and Serve: Place the fried shrimp on a wire rack or paper towel-lined tray to drain. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and serve them hot!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 398Total Fat 15gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 101gCholesterol 239mgSodium 1505mgCarbohydrates 45gFiber 2gSugar 1gProtein 29g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the crunch and flavor of homemade beer battered shrimp. With a few key techniques and the right beer, you can whip up this restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, your friends and family are sure to love the golden, crispy goodness of this seafood delight.
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