Crispy Shrimp Tempura

Light, airy, and perfectly golden, this crispy shrimp tempura is a classic dish that brings restaurant-quality results straight to your home kitchen. The delicate batter fries up beautifully crisp while keeping the shrimp tender and juicy inside. Whether served as an appetizer, part of a main meal, or alongside rice and vegetables, this recipe delivers authentic flavor with simple techniques.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to follow yet produces impressive results. The batter comes together quickly with pantry staples, and the cold temperature ensures a light, crunchy coating every time. It’s versatile enough for casual family dinners or special gatherings, and the shrimp fry in just minutes, making it a fast option when you want something satisfying without a long cooking time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails left on
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 large egg, cold
• 1 cup ice-cold water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 3 cups vegetable oil, for frying

For the dipping sauce:

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

Directions

1. Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Make two or three small cuts on the underside of each shrimp to prevent curling while frying.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pot or pan to 350°F (175°C).
3. In a bowl, whisk together the cold egg and ice-cold water until just combined.
4. Add the flour, cornstarch, salt, and white pepper to the bowl. Stir gently with chopsticks or a fork until a lumpy batter forms. Do not overmix.
5. Lightly dust the shrimp with a small amount of flour, shaking off any excess.
6. Dip each shrimp into the batter, allowing excess to drip off, then carefully place into the hot oil.
7. Fry in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes, turning once, until the shrimp are pale golden and crisp.
8. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
9. For the dipping sauce, combine soy sauce, water, sugar, and grated ginger in a small saucepan. Warm gently until the sugar dissolves, then remove from heat.
10. Serve the shrimp tempura immediately with the dipping sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

You can use the same batter to fry vegetables such as zucchini, sweet potatoes, carrots, or bell peppers. For extra crunch, replace 2 tablespoons of the flour with rice flour. If you prefer a slightly seasoned batter, add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder.

Storage/Reheating

Shrimp tempura is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5 to 7 minutes to restore some crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the coating soggy.

FAQs

What makes tempura batter crispy?

Using ice-cold water and avoiding overmixing keeps gluten development low, resulting in a light and crispy coating.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to make the batter just before frying, as it loses its lightness if it sits too long.

Why is my tempura greasy?

The oil may be too cool. Make sure the oil stays around 350°F (175°C) while frying.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, but fully thaw and dry them thoroughly before battering.

Do I need a thermometer for frying?

A thermometer is helpful, but you can test the oil by dropping a bit of batter in; it should sizzle and float immediately.

Can I use a different oil?

Yes, any neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or sunflower oil, works well.

How do I keep tempura warm for serving?

Place cooked shrimp on a wire rack in a warm oven (about 200°F / 95°C) for a short time.

Can I make this gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and rice flour for similar results.

Why is my batter lumpy?

Lumps are normal and desirable in tempura batter. Overmixing will reduce crispiness.

What can I serve with shrimp tempura?

It pairs well with steamed rice, salad, noodles, or as part of a larger Japanese-style meal.

Conclusion

Crispy shrimp tempura is a simple yet elegant dish that highlights the beauty of light frying and fresh ingredients. With its airy crunch and tender shrimp, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for both everyday meals and special occasions. Once you master the cold batter technique, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy homemade tempura.

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