Crispy Spanish Shrimp Fritters
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Spanish cuisine with these Crispy Spanish Shrimp Fritters, known as Tortillitas De Camarones. These tender yet crispy fritters are made with fresh scallions, vibrant parsley, and succulent small shrimp, mixed into a savory batter. Perfect as a tapas dish or a light meal, they are quick to prepare and bursting with flavor. Serve them hot with a squeeze of lemon or your favorite dipping sauce, and watch them become a crowd favorite at parties and family gatherings.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
1/2 cup (none)
large eggs
2 (beaten)
water
5 tablespoons (none)
scallion
1 bunch (finely chopped)
parsley
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
small shrimp
1/2 lb (shelled and chopped)
salt
to taste (none)
ground pepper
to taste (none)
paprika
to taste (none)
olive oil
for frying (none)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and eggs until well blended.
2
Gradually add the water, mixing until the batter is smooth and creamy.
3
Incorporate the finely chopped scallions, parsley, and chopped shrimp into the batter.
4
Season the mixture with salt, ground pepper, and paprika to taste.
5
Allow the batter to rest for at least 30 minutes; this helps enhance the flavors and texture.
6
In a large frying pan, heat a sufficient amount of olive oil over medium heat.
7
Once the oil is hot, spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the batter into the pan for each fritter. Flatten slightly with the back of the spoon to create thin cakes.
8
Cook each fritter for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy.
9
Once cooked, remove the fritters from the pan and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
10
Serve immediately, garnishing with lemon wedges or your favorite sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Spanish Shrimp Fritters?
Known as Tortillitas De Camarones, these are traditional Spanish fritters made with small shrimp, scallions, and parsley in a crispy batter.
What is the traditional name for this dish?
The traditional Spanish name for these shrimp fritters is Tortillitas De Camarones.
What type of shrimp should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of small shrimp that are shelled and chopped.
How much flour is required for the batter?
You will need 1/2 cup of flour to prepare the base of the fritter batter.
How many eggs are used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 large eggs, which should be beaten before being added to the flour.
How much water is needed to smooth out the batter?
You should gradually add 5 tablespoons of water to the flour and egg mixture.
What herbs provide the flavor in these fritters?
The fritters are flavored with 1 bunch of finely chopped scallions and 2 tablespoons of finely chopped parsley.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The batter is seasoned with salt, ground pepper, and paprika to taste.
How long should the batter rest before frying?
The batter should rest for at least 30 minutes to help enhance the flavors and improve the final texture.
What is the best oil for frying Spanish shrimp fritters?
Olive oil is recommended for frying to maintain authentic Spanish flavor.
How much batter should I use for each fritter?
Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of batter into the hot oil for each individual fritter.
How do I shape the fritters in the pan?
Flatten the batter slightly with the back of a spoon once it is in the pan to create thin cakes.
How long do the fritters need to cook?
Cook each fritter for about 3-4 minutes per side until they become golden brown and crispy.
How do I remove excess oil from the cooked fritters?
Once cooked, remove the fritters from the pan and drain them on paper towels.
What is the best way to serve these fritters?
Serve them immediately while hot, ideally garnished with lemon wedges or your choice of dipping sauce.
Are these fritters suitable for a party?
Yes, they are an excellent tapas dish or appetizer and are often a crowd favorite at parties.
Can I serve these as a light meal?
Yes, these savory fritters are perfect for either a light meal or a quick snack.
What texture should the batter have?
The batter should be mixed until it is smooth and creamy before adding the solids.
What heat setting should be used for the frying pan?
Heat the olive oil over medium heat to ensure the fritters cook evenly without burning.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 total ingredients, including the pantry staples like flour, eggs, and seasonings.
Do the shrimp need to be cooked before adding to the batter?
No, the chopped small shrimp are added raw to the batter and will cook through when the fritters are fried.
Should the water be added all at once?
No, water should be added gradually while mixing to ensure the batter remains smooth.
Is the parsley used fresh or dried?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of finely chopped parsley, which is best used fresh.
What is the purpose of the paprika?
Paprika is used to season the batter and provides a subtle depth and color characteristic of Spanish cuisine.
Can I make these fritters ahead of time?
While the batter can be prepared ahead and rested, the fritters are best served immediately after frying for maximum crispiness.
How do I know the oil is hot enough?
The oil is ready when it is shimmering; you can test it by dropping a tiny bit of batter into the pan.
What kind of flour is used?
The recipe specifies standard flour, which generally refers to all-purpose flour.
Are the scallions used whole?
No, the scallions should be finely chopped before being incorporated into the batter.
Is this a seafood dish?
Yes, it is a seafood-based appetizer featuring shrimp as the main protein.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe that is quick to prepare for family gatherings or snacks.