Beer Batter Recipe Shrimp – Freshly Ingredients

Name: Beer Batter Recipe Shrimp – Freshly Ingredients
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 quart of high-smoke-point canola or vegetable oil for deep frying; 1 pound jumbo shrimp, deveined and deshelled; 1 cup fine-milled all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup silky cornstarch; 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning; 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 large farm-fresh egg; 1 bottle of chilled golden lager; Lemon wedges for a bright, citrusy finish

Charlotte Shapiro February 28, 2025

Servings: 4 Total Time: 30 mins

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Before diving into the delightful world of beer batter shrimp, let’s talk about what would elevate this dish. A cold dipping sauce, such as a zesty cocktail sauce or a creamy garlic aioli, complements the crispy shrimp wonderfully.

Also, consider pairing it with a light green salad or crispy coleslaw. The crunch of fresh veggies balances the crunchiness of the fried shrimp. If you’re serving a crowd, why not add some crusty bread on the side to soak up any leftover sauces?

Now, let’s get your taste buds tingling!

What is Beer Batter Shrimp?

Beer batter shrimp is a delightful dish made by dipping shrimp in a light batter made with flour, cornstarch, seasoning, and—most importantly—beer. The beer adds a unique flavor and contributes to that iconic light and crispy texture.

When cooked in hot oil, the batter fluffs up, creating a golden shell around tender shrimp.

What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?

Imagine biting into a perfectly cooked shrimp, enveloped in a crispy layer that crunches softly as you take your first bite. The batter has a slight maltiness from the beer while the spices add warmth and a hint of spice.

Each bite bursts with the fresh, briny flavor of shrimp, making it irresistible. When paired with a bright squeeze of lemon, it truly shines!

What Makes This Recipe Different from Other Beer Batter Shrimp?

This recipe stands out due to the perfect combination of textures. The blend of all-purpose flour and cornstarch creates a light, airy batter that’s not too dense.

Plus, the addition of Creole seasoning and smoked paprika adds a depth of flavor that you won’t find in just any beer batter recipe. It’s not just good—it’s memorable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 quart of high-smoke-point canola or vegetable oil for deep frying
1 pound jumbo shrimp, deveined and deshelled
1 cup fine-milled all-purpose flour
½ cup silky cornstarch
1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
1 teaspoon sea salt flakes
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 large farm-fresh egg
1 (12-ounce) bottle of chilled golden lager
Lemon wedges for a bright, citrusy finish

Each component contributes to the overall magic of the dish!

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

Start with fresh, peeled shrimp. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Drying them ensures the batter sticks and helps achieve a crispy finish.

Step 2: Prepare the Oil

In a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, pour in the canola or vegetable oil. Heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F. A thermometer is your best friend here. If you drop a bit of batter into the oil and it sizzles immediately, you’re good to go!

Step 3: Make the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, Creole seasoning, sea salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and then slowly mix in the beer until fully combined. Pour the egg and beer mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.

Step 4: Dip the Shrimp

Once your oil is hot, take each shrimp and dip it into the batter, covering it completely. Allow any excess batter to drip off before placing it gently in the oil.

Step 5: Fry the Shrimp

Fry the shrimp in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pot, as this can lower the temperature of the oil. Fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp are a beautiful golden brown and float to the top.

Step 6: Drain and Serve

Using a slotted spoon, remove the shrimp and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat the process until all shrimp are fried. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce!

Tips on Making Beer Batter Shrimp

Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh, high-quality shrimp makes a notable difference. If you’re using frozen shrimp, ensure they are completely thawed and dried.
Chill Your Beer: Cold lager allows the batter to bubble when frying, giving a better crunch.
Add Depth with Spices: Don’t shy away from adding your twist. Try including cayenne pepper for heat or Old Bay seasoning for a different flavor profile.
Keep It Moving: When frying, gently stir the shrimp for even cooking. This prevents clumping and ensures that every piece gets crispy.
Experiment with Dips: A squeeze of fresh lemon is great, but don’t hesitate to explore aiolis or spicy mayo to contrast the dish’s flavors.

How Can I Store This Beer Batter Shrimp?

Allow the shrimp to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheating in an oven will help regain some crispiness — just set it to 350°F and warm for about 10 minutes.

Substitutes for Ingredients

Canola Oil: Vegetable oil works just as well for frying. Both have high smoke points and are flavorless.
All-Purpose Flour: If you’re in a pinch, gluten-free flour can be used to achieve a gluten-free batter. Just ensure it has a fine texture.
Cornstarch: Rice flour or even potato starch can also be substituted. They will yield similar crispiness.
Golden Lager: Any light beer can do the trick. Consider using a pale ale if you’re looking for a more pronounced flavor.

Conclusion

Beer batter shrimp is pure comfort food that never fails to impress. Just one crunch will transport you to delicious memories of gatherings and laughter. Whether you’re frying them up for a casual dinner or impressing guests at a party, these shrimp take center stage every time.

With the right ingredients, a few key tips, and a bit of practice, you’ll master this dish. Take a moment to enjoy the process. After all, cooking should be fun.

Now, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and don’t forget to squeeze that lemon! Your taste buds deserve this treat.

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Beer Batter Recipe Shrimp – Freshly Ingredients

Author: Charlotte Shapiro Cuisine: American Courses: Side Dish & Snacks

Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 123 kcal

Description

Ah, beer batter shrimp. If there's ever been a dish that speaks to the heart of casual dining, this is it! Growing up, the smell of shrimp frying in the kitchen would send us kids scrambling to the dining room. It meant one thing: mom was at it again with her famous recipe.

The golden crunch, coupled with a bite of juicy shrimp, always left us hoping for more.

You might think, “What’s the big deal?” Well, let me tell you—this recipe isn’t just your run-of-the-mill fried shrimp. It's a crunchy delight that’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. And, the best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make! I've perfected this recipe over the years, and today, I’ll share not only the process but also insights that will make your shrimp an unforgettable dish.