There’s something magical about Tempura Shrimp with Dipping Sauce. Picture this: golden, crispy shrimp that crunch delightfully as you bite into them, releasing the ocean’s briny essence. The dipping sauce, a perfect blend of savory soy and zingy citrus, dances on your taste buds like a well-rehearsed ballet.
Oh, and did I mention how it brings everyone together? Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering with friends, the laughter and chatter that accompany this dish are almost as satisfying as the flavors themselves.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Tempura shrimp is incredibly easy to prepare at home, making it perfect for beginners
- Its light batter creates an irresistible crunch that pairs beautifully with a tangy dipping sauce
- Visually stunning, the golden shrimp will impress your guests at any gathering
- You can customize the dipping sauce to suit your palate for endless variations
I still remember the first time I made Tempura Shrimp for my friends; their faces lit up with delight as they took their first bites.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Shrimp: Use large, fresh shrimp for optimal flavor; make sure they are deveined and peeled.
- Tempura Flour: This special flour gives tempura its signature lightness; don’t substitute it with regular flour.
- Cold Water: Ice-cold water helps create a crispier batter; don’t skimp on this crucial step.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances flavor; adjust according to your taste preferences.
- Vegetable Oil: For deep frying; canola or peanut oil works best due to their high smoke points.
For the Sauce:
- Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce for better control over saltiness.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and tang; bottled juice just won’t cut it here.
- Sesame Oil: A dash adds depth and nuttiness to the sauce; it’s worth having in your pantry.
- Chili Flakes (optional): Sprinkle in some heat if you enjoy a spicy kick.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Shrimp: Begin by rinsing and patting dry the shrimp thoroughly to ensure they fry up nicely without excess moisture.
Create the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine tempura flour and cold water until just mixed; be careful not to overmix, lumps are totally okay!
Heat the Oil: In a deep pan or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C); a test shrimp should sizzle when added.
Fry the Shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the batter and carefully place them in hot oil; fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
Make Your Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, lemon juice, sesame oil, and chili flakes if using; taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve Hot: Remove fried shrimp from oil and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately with dipping sauce on the side for maximum enjoyment!
Now that you’ve mastered this fantastic recipe for Tempura Shrimp with Dipping Sauce, gather your loved ones around the table and dive into this crispy delight!
You Must Know
- Tempura shrimp with dipping sauce is a delightful treat that combines crispy, light batter with tender shrimp
- The dish is perfect for parties or a cozy night in, bringing restaurant-quality flavors right to your kitchen
- A must-try for seafood lovers!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the ultimate tempura shrimp, prepare the batter first, then heat your oil while you coat the shrimp. This ensures a fresh and crispy result.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment by adding spices to the batter or swapping shrimp for vegetables like zucchini or sweet potato. Customize it according to your taste!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover tempura shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Perfecting tempura shrimp requires attention to detail and timing
- Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying to avoid sogginess
- Use ice-cold water for the batter for extra crispiness and work in small batches for even cooking
Sharing my first attempt at making tempura was hilarious, my friends couldn’t stop laughing at my flour-covered kitchen, but they adored the shrimp!
FAQ
What type of shrimp is best for tempura?
Choose large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for optimal texture and flavor in tempura.
Can I make tempura ahead of time?
Tempura is best served fresh; however, you can prepare the batter beforehand.
What dipping sauces pair well with tempura shrimp?
Try a classic soy sauce or spicy mayo for a flavorful dipping experience!
Tempura Shrimp with Dipping Sauce
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Description
Experience the enchanting crunch of Tempura Shrimp paired with a tangy dipping sauce. This dish features perfectly fried shrimp enveloped in a light, airy batter that captures the essence of the ocean. Ideal for gatherings or cozy dinners, this recipe is easy to make and sure to impress your guests with its delightful flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup tempura flour
- 1 cup ice-cold water
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry the shrimp thoroughly.
- In a bowl, mix tempura flour and ice-cold water until just combined; lumps are okay.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Dip each shrimp in the batter and fry in batches until golden brown (2-3 minutes).
- For the dipping sauce, whisk together soy sauce, lemon juice, sesame oil, and chili flakes.
- Drain fried shrimp on paper towels and serve hot with dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 shrimp (85g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 150mg