Golden Crispy Beer Battered Shrimp
This Golden Crispy Beer Battered Shrimp recipe is inspired by a culinary treasure from Clyde's restaurant in Columbia, Maryland, back in the late 1970s. The unforgettable experience of biting into a perfectly fried, flavorful shrimp, with its light and crispy coating, is one that stayed with me for decades. After much experimentation, I've recreated a version that comes close to the original. The secret lies not only in the rich beer-infused batter but also in a custom spice blend that elevates the taste to a whole new level. Serve these as a satisfying appetizer, a delightful snack, or a sumptuous meal centerpiece. Enjoy every golden bite with a squeeze of lemon and a side of cocktail sauce.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
large or jumbo fresh shrimp
1 lb (peeled and deveined)
self-rising flour
4 ounces (sifted)
shellfish spice mix
3/4 teaspoon
egg
1 (unbeaten)
unsalted butter
1 tablespoon (melted)
strong flavoured beer or ale
5 fluid ounces
oil or melted fat
for deep frying
lemon wedge
to garnish
prepared seafood cocktail sauce
optional
morton lite salt
1 tablespoon (For Shellfish Spice Mix)
salt-free lemon pepper
1 tablespoon (For Shellfish Spice Mix)
paprika
1/2 teaspoon (For Shellfish Spice Mix)
Old Bay Seasoning
1/4 teaspoon (For Shellfish Spice Mix)
onion powder
1/4 teaspoon (For Shellfish Spice Mix)
garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon (For Shellfish Spice Mix)
cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon (For Shellfish Spice Mix)
Instructions
1
Prepare the Shellfish Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine the lite salt, salt-free lemon pepper, paprika, Old Bay Seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and cornstarch. Mix well until all the spices are evenly distributed. Store any unused portion in an empty spice bottle and refrigerate to maintain maximum flavor.
2
Create the Batter: In a large bowl, sift the self-rising flour and add ¾ teaspoon of the Shellfish Spice Mix. Adjust to taste as necessary. Add the unbeaten egg, melted unsalted butter, and strong-flavored beer. Whisk together until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
3
Heat the Oil: Preheat your deep fryer or a pot with oil or melted fat to 350°F (180°C). Ensure there is enough oil to fully submerge the shrimp.
4
Coat the Shrimp: Dredge the peeled and deveined shrimp in the prepared batter, ensuring each shrimp is fully coated.
5
Fry the Shrimp: Carefully place a few battered shrimp at a time into the hot oil. Fry them for about 1-2 minutes until the batter is golden brown and the shrimp are cooked through.
6
Drain and Serve: Remove the shrimp from the oil using a slotted spoon or a frying basket and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
7
Presentation: Serve the crispy shrimp with fresh lemon wedges and, if desired, a side of prepared seafood cocktail sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Golden Crispy Beer Battered Shrimp?
It is a seafood dish featuring large or jumbo shrimp coated in a rich, beer-infused batter and a custom spice blend, then deep-fried until golden and crispy.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
The recipe is inspired by a culinary treasure from Clyde's restaurant in Columbia, Maryland, which the author experienced in the late 1970s.
What type of shrimp should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of large or jumbo fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined.
What is the secret to the flavor in this recipe?
The secret lies in the combination of a rich beer-infused batter and a custom Shellfish Spice Mix.
What ingredients are in the Shellfish Spice Mix?
The mix includes Morton lite salt, salt-free lemon pepper, paprika, Old Bay Seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and cornstarch.
How should I store the leftover Shellfish Spice Mix?
Store any unused spice mix in an empty spice bottle and refrigerate it to maintain maximum flavor.
What kind of flour is used for the batter?
The recipe specifies 4 ounces of sifted self-rising flour.
Does the egg need to be beaten before adding it to the batter?
No, the recipe instructions state to add one unbeaten egg directly into the batter mixture.
What kind of beer is recommended for the batter?
A strong-flavored beer or ale is recommended to provide a rich taste to the coating.
How much beer is required for the batter?
You will need 5 fluid ounces of strong-flavored beer or ale.
Should the butter be salted or unsalted?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of melted unsalted butter.
At what temperature should the oil be for frying?
The oil or melted fat should be preheated to 350°F (180°C).
How long do the shrimp need to fry?
The shrimp should be fried for about 1-2 minutes until the batter is golden brown and they are cooked through.
How do I ensure the batter is smooth?
Sift the self-rising flour and whisk the ingredients together until the batter is free of lumps.
What is the best way to drain the shrimp after frying?
Remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon or frying basket and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
What are the suggested garnishes for this dish?
Serve the crispy shrimp with fresh lemon wedges for a squeeze of citrus.
What dipping sauce goes well with these shrimp?
A side of prepared seafood cocktail sauce is highly recommended.
Can this recipe be served as a main meal?
Yes, it can be served as a satisfying appetizer, a snack, or a sumptuous meal centerpiece.
How much Shellfish Spice Mix goes into the batter?
Add 3/4 teaspoon of the spice mix to the batter, adjusting to taste if necessary.
Why is cornstarch included in the spice blend?
Cornstarch helps the spices adhere and contributes to the overall texture of the seasoned shrimp.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 16 ingredients listed, including the items for the spice mix and optional garnishes.
Can I use any fat for frying?
The recipe allows for either oil or melted fat suitable for deep frying.
Is Old Bay Seasoning necessary for this recipe?
Yes, it is a key component of the custom Shellfish Spice Mix that provides the authentic seafood flavor.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
While fresh is recommended, frozen shrimp can be used if they are completely thawed and patted dry before dredging.
How many shrimp should I fry at once?
Fry only a few battered shrimp at a time to avoid overcrowding the pot and lowering the oil temperature.
What historical era does this recipe pay tribute to?
It is a tribute to the culinary styles of the late 1970s.
What is the purpose of sifting the flour?
Sifting ensures the self-rising flour is light and aerated, which helps create a light and crispy coating.
Is the Shellfish Spice Mix spicy?
It is flavorful rather than hot, containing paprika and Old Bay, but you can adjust the amounts to suit your preference.
Can I make the batter in advance?
For the best results and maximum crispiness from the beer carbonation, it is best to make the batter just before frying.
Does the recipe include nutritional information?
No, the current recipe data does not provide specific calorie or macronutrient counts.