Master the Art of Frying Butterfly Shrimp with These Expert Tips

Who doesn’t love a crispy and delicious treat? And what better way to satisfy your cravings than with some perfectly fried butterfly shrimp. This seafood delicacy is a popular appetizer or main dish, commonly found on menus in seafood restaurants and even at home gatherings. But if you’ve always been intimidated by the frying process, fear not! In this article, we will guide you through the steps on how to fry butterfly shrimp, so you can enjoy this crunchy and flavorful dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. So let’s dive in and learn how to perfect those golden-brown crusts and juicy shrimps!

Butterfly shrimp is a popular dish that is loved by seafood enthusiasts all over the world. This delicious appetizer, also known as “butterfly prawns” or “prawn poppers,” consists of deep-fried shrimp coated in a crispy batter. The outer layer is light and crispy, while the inside remains tender and juicy, making it a perfect snack or party food option. In this guide, we will show you how to fry butterfly shrimp in a few simple steps, so you can enjoy this mouthwatering dish at home.

What is Butterfly Shrimp?

Butterfly shrimp refers to a cooking method where the shell and tail of the shrimp are removed, and the body is cut horizontally from the belly side to create two halves connected by the tip of the tail. This process results in a butterfly-like appearance of the shrimp, hence the name.

This technique allows for easy removal of the vein along the back of the shrimp, making it more visually appealing and easier to eat. It also helps to flatten out the shrimp, creating more surface area for breading and ensuring that it cooks evenly.

Choosing and Preparing Shrimp for Frying

The key to making delicious butterfly shrimp lies in using fresh and high-quality ingredients. When selecting your shrimp, make sure they are fresh by checking for a firm texture and mild odor. Avoid any with black spots or signs of discoloration.

You can also opt for frozen shrimp if fresh ones are not available. Just make sure to defrost them properly before using them in this recipe.

Once you have your fresh or thawed shrimp ready, start by removing their heads. Then peel off the shells using your fingers or kitchen shears, leaving only the tail unpeeled. Next, use a sharp knife to make an incision along one side of the shrimp, starting from the head end, all the way to the tail. Gently open up the shrimp and remove any visible veins using a small knife or toothpick.

Ingredients for Frying Butterfly Shrimp

– 1 pound (16 ounces) of medium to large shrimp, deveined and butterflied
– 1 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup of cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon of baking powder
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon of onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of paprika (can be substituted with cayenne pepper or chili powder for a spicier version)
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 1 egg
– 1 cup of cold water
– Oil for deep frying

Instructions for Frying Butterfly Shrimp

Step 1: In a large bowl, mix together your dry ingredients – flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (or other spices), salt, and pepper.

Step 2: In a separate bowl, beat one egg and add it to the flour mixture. Mix well until it becomes a thick paste.

Step 3: Slowly pour in the cold water while stirring continuously until you have a smooth and thin batter. The consistency should be similar to that of pancake batter.

Step 4: Heat enough oil in a deep pot or fryer to fully submerge your shrimp (around 375°F).

Step 5: Take each butterfly shrimp and dip it into the batter until it is fully coated. Shake off any excess batter before carefully placing it into the hot oil.

Step 6: Fry each batch for about two minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove them from the hot oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 7: Serve your crispy butterfly shrimp with your choice of dipping sauce, such as cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or aioli. Alternatively, you can also enjoy them plain with a squeeze of lemon juice.

Tips for Perfectly Fried Butterfly Shrimp

– Use fresh or high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
– Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the shrimp to prevent them from being greasy.
– Do not overcrowd the pot or fryer when cooking the shrimp. Fry in small batches to ensure that they cook evenly and maintain their crispiness.
– For a healthier alternative, you can bake your butterfly shrimp in a preheated oven at 400°F for 12-15 minutes instead of deep-frying them.
– Experiment with different spices and seasonings in your batter to create unique flavors.
– Leftover butterfly shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through.

Variations on Fried Butterfly Shrimp

While the classic recipe

What is Butterfly Shrimp?

Butterfly shrimp is a delicious and popular dish often served as an appetizer or main course. It consists of peeled and deveined shrimp that have been butterflied, coated in batter, and deep-fried until golden brown. The result is a crispy, flavorful treat that can be enjoyed on its own or with dipping sauces such as cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or garlic aioli.

Butterfly shrimp can be found on the menus of various restaurants and eateries worldwide, but it can also be easily made at home. In this article, we will take you through the steps of how to fry butterfly shrimp like a pro.

Choosing the Right Shrimp

Before you start cooking, it’s crucial to choose the right type of shrimp for your butterfly dish. The best option for frying is medium to large-sized shrimp (21/25), deveined with the tail on. This size ensures that the shrimp will cook evenly and not shrink too much during frying.

It’s also essential to choose good-quality shrimp that has been properly stored and does not have an unpleasant odor. Fresh or frozen shrimp both work well for frying, but if using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

Preparing the Shrimp

Now that you have your ingredients ready let’s get started on preparing the shrimp for frying. Start by peeling off the shell and legs from each shrimp while leaving the tail intact. Next, use a sharp knife to make a shallow cut along the back of each shrimp from head to tail. Do not cut all the way through; instead, open up the incision so that it resembles a butterfly shape.

Once all your shrimps are butterflied, rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This step ensures that the batter will adhere to the shrimp properly and prevents the oil from splattering while frying.

Making the Batter

The batter used for butterfly shrimp plays a significant role in achieving that perfect crispy texture. For a classic and simple batter, you will need flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, and any desired seasonings such as garlic powder or cayenne pepper.

In a bowl, mix together all the dry ingredients before adding cold water gradually. The consistency of the batter should be thick enough to coat the shrimp but not too runny. Keep in mind that adding cold water to your batter is essential to achieve a light and crispy texture.

Frying the Butterfly Shrimp

To fry butterfly shrimp successfully, you will need a deep-fryer or a deep pot filled with oil heated to 375°F. Make sure not to overcrowd the fryer or pot and give enough space for each shrimp to cook evenly without touching each other. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to carefully drop each shrimp into the hot oil.

Cook for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown, flipping once halfway through using tongs. Once done, remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Serving Suggestions

Butterfly shrimp can be served as an appetizer with different dipping sauces for added flavors or as a main course dish paired with rice, vegetables, or salad. For an extra touch of presentation and flavor, sprinkle some chopped parsley or green onions on top of your fried butterfly shrimp before serving.

You can also experiment with different seasonings and batters such as adding lemon juice or Cajun spices for a unique twist on this classic dish.

Tips for Perfectly Fried Butterfly Shrimp

– Make sure your shrimps are completely deveined and dry for better batter adherence.
– Keep an eye on the temperature of the oil and make sure it stays around 375°F for perfect crispy shrimp.
– Do not overcrowd the fryer or pot as it will bring down the temperature and result in soggy shrimp.
– Do not overcook the shrimp as they can become tough and rubbery. Pay attention to the color; when they turn a golden brown, they are ready to be removed from oil.
– If you want your butterfly shrimp to have a thicker coating, dip them in the batter twice before frying.
– Allow the fried shrimp to drain on paper towels for a minute before serving to remove any excess oil.

Conclusion

Frying butterfly shrimp is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this popular dish. By following these steps and tips, you can easily create crispy, flavorful butterfly shrimp at home. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and dipping sauces to find your perfect combination. Your guests will surely be impressed with your freshly fried butterfly shrimp dish!

Q: What is the best type of oil for frying butterfly shrimp?
A: The best type of oil for frying butterfly shrimp is an oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or canola oil.

Q: Do I need to thaw frozen butterfly shrimp before frying?
A: Yes, it is recommended to thaw frozen butterfly shrimp before frying. This will ensure that the shrimp cooks evenly and prevents excess moisture from causing splattering.

Q: How long should I fry butterfly shrimp for?
A: It typically takes 2-3 minutes for butterfly shrimp to cook through when fried. The exact time may vary depending on the size of the shrimp and the temperature of the oil.

Q: Can I add seasonings or breading to my butterfly shrimp before frying?
A: Yes, you can definitely add seasonings or breading to your butterfly shrimp before frying. Just make sure to coat them evenly and shake off any excess before frying.

Q: How do I prevent my butterflied shrimp from curling up while frying?
A: To prevent your butterflied shrimp from curling up while frying, place them in a single layer and press down gently with a spatula. This will help keep them flat and prevent uneven cooking.

Q: What should I do if my butterfly shrimp turn out overly greasy after frying?
A: If your butterfly shrimp turn out overly greasy after frying, try adjusting the temperature of the oil. If the oil is too hot, it can cause excess grease. You can also place the cooked shrimp on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.

In conclusion, frying butterfly shrimp is a simple yet delicious cooking technique that can elevate any seafood dish. By following the steps outlined in this guide, one can easily achieve perfectly crispy and flavorful shrimp every time. It is important to use fresh and high-quality ingredients, as well as to pay attention to the cooking process and temperatures. Additionally, experimenting with different batters and seasonings can add variety and enhance the overall taste of the dish. Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative and try different serving suggestions such as adding them to pasta or salads. With these tips in mind, anyone can master the art of frying butterfly shrimp and impress their family and friends with a delicious seafood dish. Happy frying!