Crispy and delicious, lightly battered fried shrimp is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a main course. The light batter allows the natural flavors of the shrimp to shine through, while providing a satisfying crunch with every bite. Perfect for a quick and easy meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples, but you may need to ensure you have fresh shrimp on hand. If you don't usually keep vegetable oil for frying, make sure to pick some up at the supermarket. The cold water is essential for creating a light and crispy batter, so don't skip this step.

Ingredients For Lightly Battered Fried Shrimp
All-purpose flour: This is the base of the batter, providing structure and a light coating for the shrimp.
Cold water: Helps create a light and airy batter, essential for a crispy texture.
Egg: Acts as a binding agent, helping the batter adhere to the shrimp.
Shrimp: The star of the dish, make sure they are peeled and deveined for the best results.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the shrimp and the batter.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the seasoning.
Vegetable oil: Used for frying, it ensures the shrimp cook evenly and achieve a golden brown color.
Technique Tip for Lightly Battered Shrimp
To achieve a crispier texture on your fried shrimp, ensure that the batter is ice-cold before dipping the shrimp. You can even place the bowl of batter over a larger bowl filled with ice to maintain its temperature. This contrast between the cold batter and the hot oil will create a light, crispy coating.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
all-purpose flour - Substitute with rice flour: Rice flour provides a lighter, crispier texture, which is ideal for a light batter.
cold water - Substitute with club soda: Club soda adds extra lightness and airiness to the batter due to its carbonation.
large egg - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk can help bind the batter and add a slight tangy flavor, while keeping the batter light.
shrimp - Substitute with calamari rings: Calamari rings offer a similar texture and can be easily battered and fried.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a depth of flavor and a touch of umami to the batter.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile that can be more subtle.
vegetable oil - Substitute with peanut oil: Peanut oil has a high smoke point and adds a slightly nutty flavor, making it excellent for frying.
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How to Store or Freeze This Dish
- Allow the fried shrimp to cool completely at room temperature. This prevents condensation, which can make the batter soggy.
- Place the cooled shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This ensures they don't stick together.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the shrimp are frozen solid. This step is crucial for maintaining the texture of the batter.
- Once frozen, transfer the shrimp to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the bag or container with the date to keep track of freshness.
- Store the shrimp in the freezer for up to 2 months. For best results, use within the first month to enjoy optimal flavor and texture.
- When ready to reheat, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the frozen shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the shrimp for 10-12 minutes, or until they are heated through and the batter is crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat them in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Serve the reheated shrimp immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the leftover fried shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.
Use an air fryer set to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the basket. Heat for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are warmed through and crispy.
For a quick microwave method, place the shrimp on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel. Cover with another paper towel and microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Note that this method may not retain the crispiness as well as other methods.
Best Tools for Lightly Battered Shrimp
Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine the flour, cold water, and egg into a smooth batter.
Whisk: A utensil used to blend the flour, cold water, and egg together until smooth.
Frying pan: A shallow pan used to heat the vegetable oil and fry the shrimp.
Tongs: A tool used to carefully place the battered shrimp into the hot oil and turn them while frying.
Paper towels: Used to drain excess oil from the fried shrimp after cooking.
Plate: A flat dish used to hold the shrimp after they have been fried and drained.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the correct amounts of flour and water for the batter.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the salt and black pepper for seasoning the shrimp.

Fried Shrimp (Lightly battered)
Ingredients
Batter
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Cold water
- 1 large Egg
- 1 lb Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 cups Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- 1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cold water, and egg until smooth.
- 2. Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper.
- 3. Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
- 4. Dip each shrimp into the batter, then carefully place into the hot oil.
- 5. Fry the shrimp until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- 6. Remove the shrimp from the oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- 7. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Dish
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