Crispy Fried Shrimp
Golden, crunchy shrimp fried to perfection with a light cornmeal batter. A quick and satisfying dish that's perfect as an appetizer or main course.
Story
These crispy fried shrimp are incredibly easy to make and turn out perfectly crunchy every time. The combination of cornstarch and cornmeal creates that irresistible golden coating.
Ingredients
large raw shrimp, peeled with tails intact
300g
cornstarch
1/2 cup
fine cornmeal
1/4 cup
egg
1 large
salt
1/2 teaspoon
vegetable oil for deep frying
about 2 cups
Instructions
1
Prep the shrimp
Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat completely dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispy coating, so make sure they're very dry.
2
Make the batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, cornmeal, and salt. Add the egg and stir until you have a smooth, slightly thick batter that coats the back of a spoon.
3
Coat the shrimp
Toss the dried shrimp into the batter. Stir until each shrimp is evenly coated. Let them sit for about 5 minutes so the coating adheres.
4
Heat the oil
Pour oil into a deep pan or wok until it's about 2 inches deep. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). A piece of batter should sizzle immediately when dropped in.
5
Fry until golden
Carefully add the shrimp in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Fry for 2-3 minutes, flipping once, until they're deep golden brown and crispy. Don't overcrowd the pan.
6
Drain and serve
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels. Serve immediately while hot and crispy, with your favorite dipping sauce.
