Easy Shrimp Tempura

Easy Shrimp Tempura is a Japanese favorite known for its light, crispy batter and juicy shrimp inside. This recipe brings restaurant-quality tempura to your kitchen with minimal effort. It’s perfect as an appetizer, part of a sushi platter, or even served over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly crispy and airy texture
• Simple ingredients and quick prep
• No special equipment or deep fryer needed
• A fun and impressive dish to make at home
• Tastes just like your favorite Japanese restaurant
• Great for parties, bento boxes, or sushi night
• Can be paired with a variety of dipping sauces
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
• Easily adaptable for other seafood or vegetables

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Baking powder
• Ice-cold sparkling water or club soda
• Salt
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Optional: egg (some versions include it in the batter)

Directions

this recipe

1. Prepare the shrimp by making shallow slits along the underside to keep them from curling. Pat them dry with paper towels.
2. In a large pot or deep pan, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
3. In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Add ice-cold sparkling water and gently mix until just combined. The batter should be slightly lumpy—do not overmix.
4. Lightly coat the shrimp in dry flour, then dip each one into the tempura batter.
5. Carefully lower the battered shrimp into the hot oil. Fry in small batches to avoid crowding the pan.
6. Cook for 2–3 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
7. Serve immediately with tempura dipping sauce, soy sauce, or a spicy mayo.

Servings and timing

Servings: Makes about 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Use the same batter to fry vegetables like sweet potatoes, zucchini, or mushrooms
• Add a touch of garlic powder or paprika for a twist on the classic batter
• Try with different seafood like scallops or calamari
• Serve shrimp tempura in sushi rolls or tempura bowls
• Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version
• For extra crunch, double-dip the shrimp: once in flour, then batter, then a second light flour coat

storage/reheating

Shrimp Tempura is best enjoyed fresh for peak crispiness. If storing, place in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake in a 375°F (190°C) oven or air fryer for 5–7 minutes until hot and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the coating soggy.

FAQs

What makes tempura batter so crispy?

The secret is in the ice-cold sparkling water and minimal mixing, which keeps the batter light and prevents gluten from forming.

Can I use regular water instead of sparkling?

Yes, but sparkling water or club soda gives a lighter, crispier texture.

Do I need a deep fryer?

No. A heavy pot with 2–3 inches of oil works just as well. Use a thermometer for accuracy.

Why are the shrimp slitted before frying?

Slitting prevents the shrimp from curling, helping them fry evenly and look better on the plate.

Can I make tempura ahead of time?

Tempura is best served fresh, but you can prep the shrimp and batter ingredients ahead and combine just before frying.

Is it necessary to use cornstarch?

Cornstarch lightens the batter and helps it crisp up. You can substitute rice flour or potato starch if needed.

What oil is best for frying tempura?

Neutral oils with high smoke points like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work best.

How do I keep tempura crispy after frying?

Drain well on a wire rack and keep warm in a low oven (around 200°F or 93°C) if frying in batches.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, but thaw and pat them completely dry before battering and frying to avoid excess moisture.

What sauce goes best with shrimp tempura?

Traditional tempura dipping sauce (tentsuyu) made with soy sauce, dashi, and mirin is best. Soy sauce or spicy mayo also work well.

Conclusion

Easy Shrimp Tempura is a quick, satisfying way to bring the flavors of Japanese cuisine into your home. With a shatteringly crisp coating and tender shrimp inside, it’s perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or sushi roll addition. Once you master the batter and frying technique, you’ll want to make it again and again—no reservation needed.

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