Beer Battered Shrimp Recipe

As I cracked open a cold one to whip up this crispy beer-battered shrimp, I found myself on a culinary adventure that brings pub vibes straight to my kitchen! 🦐🍺

Creating the ideal flavor balance brings me joy, and my recipe for beer-battered shrimp achieves that with a crispy, golden shell and tender shrimp inside. I find that using a light lager to mix with the flour produces a beautifully airy batter.

Paprika and garlic powder contribute a grounding counterpoint to the sweetness of the shrimp, and the net effect is nothing short of delicious.

Beer Battered Shrimp Recipe Ingredients

• Shrimp: High in protein, low in fat, rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides carbohydrates; creates a crispy coating.
• Beer: Adds lightness and flavor to the batter.
• Baking Powder: Leavening agent; helps batter rise for a fluffy texture.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances flavor with aromatic, savory notes.
• Paprika: Adds color and mild sweetness; rich in antioxidants.
• Cayenne Pepper: Optional; adds heat and boosts metabolism.

Beer Battered Shrimp Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beer (light lager preferred)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Vegetable oil for frying

How to Make this Beer Battered Shrimp Recipe

1. In a big bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper and mix thoroughly until everything is well amalgamated.

2. Pour the beer in gradually while whisking nonstop to produce a silky smooth batter. Allow the batter to rest for around 10 minutes.

3. At the same time, warm the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large, heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). The oil must be deep enough to fully immerse the shrimp. If you need to use a stove, use a large burner driven by a high-output gas flame. Ranch-style cooking calls for large quantities of food, so in this case, an exceptionally large and potent pot of hot oil.

4. Dry the shrimp with paper towels. It seems kind of dumb to say, because we all know that shrimp are always wet, right? But I swear this part is important. You’re taking shrimp that have been sitting in a marinade (or a brine, in this case) and then what? You’re going to slap some batter on them and fry? Oh hell no. Not without drying them first!

5. After the oil is heated, immerse each shrimp in the batter and make sure it is thoroughly covered.

6. Delicately place the beaten shrimp into the scorching oil, taking care to work in stages to prevent jamming.

7. Sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy, turning them halfway through if necessary.

8. With a slotted spoon, take the shrimp out of the oil and put them on a plate that’s lined with paper towels to soak up the leftover oil.

9. Finish frying the rest of the shrimp, keeping the oil at the same temperature.

10. Immediately serve the shrimp that have been battered and dipped in beer with your selected sauce for dipping, or just a squeeze of lemon. Then enjoy your creation.

Beer Battered Shrimp Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Mixing bowl
2. Whisk
3. Deep fryer or large, heavy pot
4. Thermometer (to measure oil temperature)
5. Paper towels
6. Plate
7. Slotted spoon

FAQ

• What type of beer should I use?A light lager is chosen because it does not compete with the flavor of the shrimp and matches its delicate taste.
• Can I use frozen shrimp?Of course, just ensure that you give them a good thaw and a drying pat before you employ them in your recipe.
• Is the cayenne pepper necessary?The cayenne pepper is not necessary and adds an optional bit of heat. You can dial it up or leave it out entirely, depending on how spicy you like your food.
• How do I know the oil is hot enough for frying?To check if the oil is hot enough, drop in a bit of batter. It should sizzle and float to the top right away.
• Can I use a different type of flour?For this recipe, all-purpose flour is the best option, but if you need to, you can try gluten-free substitute flours.
• How can I ensure my shrimp are crispy?Ensure the oil is sufficiently heated and don’t pack the pan too full; otherwise, the oil temperature may drop.
• Is there a substitute for beer?Soda club can serve as a replacement for beer, although it may change the taste a bit.

Beer Battered Shrimp Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For the all-purpose flour: substitute with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
For the beer: switch it out for club soda or sparkling water if you’re making a version without alcohol.
To substitute for baking powder, use 1/2 tsp cream of tartar mixed with 1/4 tsp baking soda.
For the garlic powder: you can use minced fresh garlic, but cut the amount down to 2 cloves.
For frying, canola oil or peanut oil are also suitable alternatives to vegetable oil.

Pro Tips

1. Chill the Beer: Make sure the beer is very cold before you add it to the batter. The cold temperature will help the batter become crispier when fried.