Chinese Style Fried Shrimp Recipes

If you're a fan of crispy seafood dishes, then you'll definitely want to try out Chinese-style fried shrimp recipes. The combination of tender shrimp and a light, fluffy batter creates a delightful texture that's hard to resist.

But what really sets these recipes apart is the unique blend of seasonings and spices that infuse the shrimp with an irresistible flavor. You won't want to miss out on discovering the secret to achieving that perfect crispiness and flavor infusion in your own kitchen.

The Inspiration Behind the Dish

The inspiration behind this delectable fried shrimp dish lies in the fusion of culinary influences from your parents, who honed their skills in Asian restaurants in France.

The dish, rooted in Chinese culinary tradition, showcases the delicate art of frying shrimp to perfection. Begin by heating oil in a wok over medium heat, ensuring the ideal temperature for achieving a crispy exterior while maintaining a tender interior. This technique, a hallmark of Chinese cuisine, imparts a textural contrast that elevates the dish.

Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, enhancing their natural flavors before they're carefully coated and crisped in the wok. The result is a light and airy texture that captivates the palate.

This Chinese-style fried shrimp, a childhood favorite, embodies the essence of traditional cooking methods passed down through generations. Served with an array of dipping sauces such as a mayo-ketchup mix, sweet and sour sauce, or sweet chili sauce, these crispy shrimps aren't only a delicious appetizer or side dish but also a delightful culinary journey that reflects the rich heritage of your family's culinary expertise.

What Are Chinese Fried Shrimps

When it comes to Chinese fried shrimps, the cooking techniques are crucial for achieving that perfect light and crispy texture. The secret lies in using baking powder to give the batter its signature fluffiness.

In addition, serving these delectable shrimps with a variety of flavorful dipping sauces enhances the overall experience.

Cooking Techniques

For achieving the perfect light and crispy texture in Chinese fried shrimps, the batter plays a crucial role, and a secret ingredient to achieve this is baking powder. The most challenging part of this recipe is allowing the batter to rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. To ensure the best texture, dip the shrimps in flour before coating them with the batter. Once the shrimps are ready, it's time to fry them. Heat the oil until it's hot, then carefully add the coated shrimps and cook until they turn golden brown. Once cooked, place them on a cooling rack to drain any excess oil. A flavorful addition is to sprinkle them with a pinch of white pepper before serving. Below is a table detailing the cooking techniques for Chinese fried shrimps.

Flavoring Options

Enhancing the savory profile of Chinese fried shrimps can be achieved by seasoning them with a blend of salt, garlic powder, and white pepper. These classic seasonings create a flavorful and aromatic coating for the shrimp, adding depth to their natural taste.

Additionally, Chinese fried shrimps can be seasoned with a variety of other spices such as five-spice powder, Old Bay, smoked paprika, or Sichuan peppercorns. Each of these options offers a unique twist, allowing you to customize the dish to your preference.

Furthermore, serving the fried shrimps with sweet and sour sauce or a mayo-ketchup mix can provide a delightful contrast to the crispy texture. By experimenting with different seasonings and dipping options, you can create a dish that perfectly suits your flavor preferences.

Serving Suggestions

After flavoring the Chinese fried shrimps with a blend of classic seasonings, it's essential to consider the ideal serving suggestions to complement their crispy texture and savory profile.

1. Chinese fried shrimps are best served immediately after resting on a cooling rack, ensuring that their crispy exterior is preserved.
2. They can be enjoyed with various dipping sauces such as sweet and sour sauce, sweet chili sauce, or a mayo-ketchup mix, adding a burst of complementary flavors.
3. They can be served as an appetizer or as a side dish with steaming white rice, where the crispy texture of the shrimps contributes to a calculated contrast with the softness of the rice, making each bite a delightful experience.

The dish is versatile and can be enjoyed in different ways according to personal preference.

More Related Recipes

Now that you've mastered the art of Chinese-style fried shrimps, it's time to broaden your culinary horizons and explore other seafood options and vegetarian alternatives.

Consider trying your hand at salt and pepper shrimp or experimenting with a vegetarian twist on this dish using tofu or tempeh.

Other Seafood Options

Consider expanding your seafood menu by exploring similar recipes for Chinese style deep-fried squid or fish to add variety to your culinary repertoire. For a unique twist, use the same batter and frying technique for soft-shell crab or oysters. Experiment with different seafood seasonings and spices to create variations such as Sichuan peppercorn-infused fried scallops. For an intensified savory flavor, try incorporating shrimp heads or prawn heads in the frying process, similar to the benefits of deep-frying shrimp with heads still on.

Pair the crispy fried seafood with diverse dipping sauces, such as a zesty citrus aioli or a tangy mango salsa, for an exciting flavor experience. Drain on paper to remove excess oil and serve the delightful crunchy seafood hot and fresh.

For more related recipes, explore the below options:

1. Chinese style deep-fried squid or fish
2. Soft-shell crab or oysters using the same batter and frying technique
3. Sichuan peppercorn-infused fried scallops

Vegetarian Alternatives

Expand your culinary repertoire by exploring vegetarian alternatives to fried shrimp. Incorporate ingredients like tofu, tempeh, and a variety of vegetables to create unique and flavorful plant-based dishes. When seeking nutrient-dense alternatives, consider consulting an ingredient database to discover the best plant-based sources of protein, vitamins, and minerals.

To start, mix a small bowl of cornstarch, flour, and seasonings to coat the tofu or tempeh before frying, ensuring a crispy texture. Experiment with different vegetables such as sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to add depth and variety to your dish.

Additionally, explore vegetarian dipping sauces like a tangy soy-ginger or a creamy peanut sauce to elevate the flavors. For those interested in cruelty-free options, investigate plant-based seafood alternatives readily available in the market.

Lastly, consider incorporating battered and fried avocado slices or artichoke hearts for a creative and flavorful alternative to traditional fried shrimp.

Tips to Make the Best Chinese Fried Shrimps

For the best Chinese fried shrimps, ensure you completely peel the shrimp, including the tail, to prevent oil splattering during frying.

Here are some tips to help you make the best Chinese fried shrimps:

1. Refrigerate the Batter: To achieve a delightful, fluffier texture, refrigerate the batter for 30 minutes before using it. This will give your shrimps an airy, crunchy coating.
2. Dip in Flour: Before coating the shrimp with the batter, dip them in flour. This will ensure better adhesion of the batter to the shrimp, resulting in a crispier texture.
3. Proper Submersion: Ensure the shrimps are submerged in enough oil for proper frying. This will help in achieving an even, golden brown color and a delightful crunch.

To enhance the flavor, add shrimp, freshly ground black pepper, and other seasonings of your choice using an ingredient database.

Once prepared, the Chinese fried shrimps are best served hot, with a light, crispy batter that perfectly complements the juicy shrimp inside.

How to Serve

To maintain the delightful crispiness of your Chinese style fried shrimps, serve them immediately after resting on a cooling rack. This ensures that the texture remains perfectly crunchy, enhancing the overall dining experience.

As you indulge in these delectable shrimps, consider accompanying them with various dipping sauces such as sweet and sour sauce, sweet chili sauce, or a mayo-ketchup mix. This adds a burst of flavor and complements the succulence of the shrimps.

Whether you choose to serve them as an appetizer or a side dish, pairing them with steaming white rice can elevate the dish, creating a delightful interplay of textures.

The versatility of this dish allows for personalization, so feel free to experiment and discover your preferred serving style. For an extra flavor boost, consider presenting the shrimps with a side of minced garlic, green onions, and red chili pepper flakes. This not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the overall taste, making every bite a culinary delight.

Enjoy the crispy goodness while reaping the benefits of the nutrients present, such as Vitamin C, essential for your daily diet's nutritional content.

Ingredients

Using unpeeled and deveined shrimps is crucial for achieving the desired texture and flavor in this delectable fried shrimp recipe. The shrimps' shells and veins provide a rich, savory taste, while also protecting the delicate flesh during the frying process.

To recreate the authentic Chinese-style fried shrimp, gather the following essential ingredients:

1. Flour: The key element for creating the crispy batter that envelops each succulent shrimp. As you carefully add the flour to the egg and seasoning mixture, envision the satisfying crunch that will result from the perfect ratio of batter to shrimp.
2. Large egg: Acting as a binding agent, the egg brings together the flour and seasonings, creating a smooth, consistent batter that coats the shrimps evenly. As you whisk the egg into the flour mixture, imagine the luxurious and velvety texture that will embrace each bite.
3. Baking powder: This secret ingredient contributes to the light and airy texture of the batter, ensuring that each shrimp is encased in a delicate, golden crust. As you incorporate the baking powder into the flour mixture, envision the delightful fluffiness that will elevate the overall dish.

Instructions

After gathering the essential ingredients and envisioning the satisfying crunch and velvety texture that will result from the flour, egg, and seasonings, it is time to proceed with the instructions for creating the delectable Chinese-style fried shrimp. To achieve the perfect dish, follow the steps below:

Ensuring that the shrimp is peeled completely, including the tail, will prevent oil splattering during the frying process. It is essential to sprinkle salt and pepper to taste for an authentic and flavorful Chinese-style fried shrimp. By following these updated terms, you will be able to savor the delectable dish while maintaining a balanced diet of 2000 calories a day. Enjoy your culinary journey with this delightful recipe from Dotdash Meredith's Eats!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do Chinese Restaurants Make Shrimp so Tender?

To make shrimp tender, Chinese restaurants use secret ingredients, special cooking techniques, a marinating process, Chinese spices, and texture tips. They ensure tenderness by incorporating baking powder in the batter and peeling the shrimp completely.

Why Do You Put Cornstarch on Shrimp?

You put cornstarch on shrimp for a crispy texture, golden brown coating, and flavor enhancement. It acts as a thickening agent, creating a delicate crust that keeps the shrimp tender and juicy. The coating technique ensures an even fry.

Is It Better to Fry Shrimp With the Shell on or Off?

Frying shrimp with the shell on enhances flavor retention, health benefits, and presentation impact. It may require slightly longer cooking time but results in a more indulgent and flavorful experience, contributing to a delicious meal.

How to Cook Shrimp Like a Restaurant?

To cook shrimp like a restaurant, use secret ingredients and cooking techniques for flavor variations. Discover restaurant secrets and presentation tips for perfect shrimp every time. You'll master the art of restaurant-style shrimp in no time.