Shrimp Tempura

Prep: 40 min Cuisine: Japanese

Crispy, golden shrimp tempura features light batter with a delicate crunch, perfect as an appetizer or main dish for seafood lovers and those craving Japanese-inspired flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 1/4 c. cornstarch
  • 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
  • 1 c. club soda
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 tsp. salt

Instructions

  1. Blend cornstarch, all-purpose flour, club soda, egg white, and salt, then refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  2. Heat 3 inches of oil in a deep pot or 2 inches if using a frypan.
  3. Test the oil with a drop of batter; when it goes to the bottom and pops back up light brown, the oil is hot enough.
  4. Dip cleaned, shelled shrimp into the batter and fry until golden and cooked through.

Tips & Substitutions

For the best tempura batter, make sure your club soda is very cold. This helps create a light and crispy texture. If you're out of cornstarch, you can substitute with potato starch or rice flour for a similar result. Keep the batter chunky for optimal crunch. Don't overcrowd the frying pan; this can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy shrimp.

Serving Suggestions

Serve shrimp tempura with a side of soy sauce or a dipping sauce made from ponzu for an added zing. Pairing it with a light salad or steamed vegetables enhances the meal. For a complete dining experience, consider serving it alongside Dot'S Spanish Omelet(Breakfast Or Brunch) for a delightful fusion of flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover tempura shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them rubbery.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Shrimp Tempura contains roughly 345 calories, with 3g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 535mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).

345 kcal 17% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.7g 5% DV
Total Fat 1.1g 1% DV
Carbs 78.6g 29% DV
Fiber 1g 3% DV
Sugar 0g

Electrolytes

Sodium 535mg 23% DV
Potassium 99.2mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 38.7mg 13% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 9.5mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0.1mg
Calcium 38.6mg 3% DV
Iron 1.3mg 7% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before dipping them in the batter. This helps the batter adhere better and ensures a crispy result.

What type of oil is best for frying tempura?

Neutral oils with high smoke points, like vegetable oil or canola oil, are ideal for frying tempura. Avoid olive oil as it can impart unwanted flavors and has a lower smoke point.

How can I make tempura batter gluten-free?

To make gluten-free tempura batter, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or rice flour. Ensure that your cornstarch is also certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.

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).

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