A Perfect Blend of Asian-Inspired Flavors
Transform ordinary shrimp into an extraordinary culinary experience with this irresistible deep-fried shrimp recipe. Combining the aromatic warmth of five-spice powder with a perfectly crispy coating, this dish brings restaurant-quality seafood right to your home kitchen. The secret lies in the unique seasoning blend and the ultra-crispy coating achieved through a special dredging technique.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1.4 lbs (635g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 large egg
- 5 tablespoons (40g) potato starch or cornstarch
For the Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon (5g) five-spice powder
- 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
- 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper
- 1 teaspoon (5g) garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) chicken powder or Magic Sarap
For the Garnish:
- 5 cloves garlic, minced (about 15g)
- 2 stalks green onions, finely chopped
- Chili flakes to taste
- Additional salt and white pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- Clean and devein the shrimp, leaving tails on
- Pat thoroughly dry with paper towels
- Butterfly larger shrimp for even cooking
- Season the Shrimp:
- In a large bowl, combine five-spice powder, salt, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and chicken powder
- Add shrimp and toss to coat evenly
- Let marinate for 15-20 minutes
- Prepare the Coating:
- Beat the egg in a shallow bowl
- Place potato starch or cornstarch in a separate shallow dish
- Season the starch with a pinch of salt and pepper
- Coat the Shrimp:
- Dip each marinated shrimp in beaten egg
- Dredge in seasoned starch, ensuring even coating
- Shake off excess starch
- Frying Process:
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C)
- Fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown
- Drain on paper towels
- Final Touch:
- Toss fried shrimp with minced garlic and chili flakes
- Garnish with chopped green onions
- Season with additional salt and white pepper if needed
Timing
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 4)
- Calories: 285
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 680mg
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Use shrimp that are pat completely dry for maximum crispiness
- Maintain oil temperature between 350-375°F (175-190°C)
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying
- Double-coating method: After first coating, let rest for 5 minutes and coat again for extra crunchiness
- Use a deep-fry thermometer for precise temperature control
Variations and Substitutions
- Replace five-spice with Old Bay seasoning for American-style fried shrimp
- Use rice flour instead of potato starch for different texture
- Add sesame seeds to the coating for extra crunch
- Substitute chicken powder with MSG-free seasonings
- Make it spicier by adding cayenne to the seasoning mix
Common FAQs
Q: Can I prepare these shrimp in advance?
A: Best served immediately, but can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, but thaw completely and pat very dry before using.
Q: How do I prevent the coating from falling off?
A: Ensure shrimp are dry and let the coated shrimp rest for 5 minutes before frying.
Q: Can these be air-fried?
A: Yes, air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, spraying with oil first.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Store leftover fried shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness
- Season mixture can be prepared up to 1 week ahead
- For best results, coat and fry shrimp just before serving
- Avoid microwaving as it makes the coating soggy
- Can be frozen after frying for up to 1 month, but texture may change
