Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, leaving tails on
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup ice-cold water
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Ice cubes (for keeping the batter cold)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Salt (to taste)
- Dipping sauce (e.g., soy sauce mixed with a bit of rice vinegar)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Make a few shallow cuts on the belly side to prevent curling during frying.
2. Create the Batter:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, ice-cold water, egg yolk, and baking powder. Mix lightly, leaving some lumps for a crispier texture. Place ice cubes around the bowl to keep the batter cold.
3. Heat the Oil:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large, deep pan to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Use enough oil to fully submerge the shrimp.
4. Coat the Shrimp:
- Dip each shrimp into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Allow excess batter to drip off before gently placing it into the hot oil. Fry a few shrimp at a time to maintain the oil temperature.
5. Fry to Perfection:
- Fry the shrimp for 2-3 minutes until the tempura coating is golden brown and crisp. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan to maintain even frying.
6. Drain Excess Oil:
- Remove the fried shrimp with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt immediately after frying.
7. Serve Immediately:
- Tempura is best served hot and crispy. Arrange the shrimp on a serving platter and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
8. Enjoy:
- Dip the tempura shrimp into the sauce, savor the crispy exterior, and enjoy the juicy, flavorful shrimp inside.
Tips:
- For an extra crispiness, use club soda or sparkling water in the batter.
- Experiment with adding a touch of cornstarch to the flour for an even lighter texture.
- Customize the dipping sauce with grated daikon radish or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor.
Indulge in the delightful experience of making and savoring homemade Tempura Shrimp – a classic Japanese dish that’s sure to impress! 🍤✨