Shrimp Beignets
Crispy shrimp beignets feature tender shrimp and aromatic onion inside a light, golden batter, perfect as an appetizer or snack for seafood lovers and entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the shrimp until pink and opaque; drain and set aside.
- Put the cooked shrimp through a meat grinder or chop finely.
- In a saucepan, bring water to a boil.
- Add butter, salt, celery salt, and white pepper to the boiling water; stir until butter melts.
- Remove from heat and add flour all at once; stir well to form a dough.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Grate the onion into the batter and mix thoroughly.
- Fold in the chopped shrimp.
- Refrigerate the batter for 2 hours.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter into hot oil and fry until golden brown.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs like parsley or dill into the batter. If you don't have shrimp, crab meat or diced fish can work as substitutes. Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to ensure a crispy texture. If you want a lighter version, try baking the beignets instead of frying them.
Serving Suggestions
Serve shrimp beignets hot as an appetizer or snack. They pair beautifully with a tangy dipping sauce like remoulade or a garlic aioli. Consider serving alongside a fresh salad or as part of a seafood platter for a delightful meal. Explore more seafood recipes for inspiration.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover shrimp beignets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this may make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp Beignets contains roughly 524 calories, with 14g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 845mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to fry. However, it's best to fry them fresh for the crispiest texture.
What type of shrimp should I use?
Use fresh or frozen shrimp that are peeled and deveined. Smaller shrimp are usually more tender and mix well into the batter, but larger shrimp can also be chopped finely.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
While frying gives the best texture, you can bake shrimp beignets at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Brush them lightly with oil for a golden color.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).