Better Than The Buffet Battered Chinese Fried Shrimp
Better Than The Buffet Battered Chinese Fried Shrimp is a New England Chinese restaurant favorite. The simple and flavorful batter uses only 6-ingredients and will give you the perfect crunchy yet fluffy bite. The flavorful breading compliments the succulent sweetness of the jumbo shrimp.
Part of the fun of having a family all your own one day is starting new traditions of your very own. My favorite tradition that Anthony and I have began over the years has got to be cooking our own homemade Chinese food every year on New Year’s Eve. We’ve added new and different recipes over the years and everything always turns our spectacular. Special shoutout to our Homemade Crab Rangoons! 😉
For New Year’s Eve to ring in 2021, I used my classic batter that I make Chinese chicken fingers with to batter some succulent jumbo shrimp. The shrimp may have turned out even more delicious than the chicken fingers. The best part of this recipe has got to be how quickly it comes together. The batter comes together in a matter of minutes and shrimp is such a quick protein to cook.
Shrimp can be a tad pricey depending on size and the season that you’re looking for it in. However, the ingredients used in the batter for these are things that are readily available at any grocery store and they are things that I always have on hand in the kitchen or pantry. Because this is such a great and very quick meal, this is ideal for a busy weeknight dinner or perfect for hosting or bringing a dish to a party.
The batter for this recipe makes the most fluffy Chinese Fried Shrimp. And yet, it lends the shrimp the perfect little crunch. I like to make these in bulk because they heat up just as delicious the next day for leftovers.
Fried shrimp is always delicious and refreshing. There’s something that makes you feel less guilty (well, slightly anyhow) about eating something that’s been fried yet tastes so fresh and healthy in the middle. This is a Chinese restaurant staple appetizer that will be a very happy and welcomed addition to any dinner or party menu.
How do I peel the tail off of the shrimp?
Whether or not you remove the tail is totally your call. The extra crispiness from the tail when you fry shrimp is never a bad thing. However, if you desire your shrimp without the tail, just pinch the tail where it meets the body and gently pull. The shrimp should just slide right away from the tail. You could also use kitchen shears, if preferred.
What should I serve on the side of my Better Than The Buffet Battered Chinese Fried Shrimp?
Personally, I enjoy fried shrimp as is and don’t necessarily need anything extra with them. However, there are lots of ways that you can enjoy this delicious appetizer staple. You can try:
- Chinese hot mustard (my favorite)
- Duck sauce or sweet and sour sauce
- Soy sauce
- Sriracha
- Ketchup
- Coleslaw
- Cocktail sauce
- Sweet chili sauce
- Garlic chili pepper sauce
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or dill for some added extra flavor
- Serve with lemon slices on the side
What can I do with my leftover Chinese Fried Shrimp?
As previously mentioned, these reheat like a dream. Pop them in the microwave or the oven for a few minutes and they will taste as hot and fresh as if you had just taken them out of the frying oil. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
I love repurposing leftovers into new and different meals. These would be excellent chopped up in a quick Chinese fried rice or noodle dish.
You could give this fried shrimp a complete makeover and add a whole different element to Quick Kielbasa and Shrimp Skillet Gumbo Rice. Fried shrimp leftovers would also take Classic Chicken and Shrimp Pad Thai to a completely new level.
Other New Year’s Eve Recipes That I Love
- Better Than The Buffet Orange Chicken With Broccoli is a restaurant quality dinner that you can make right at home. The fried chicken paired with the broccoli, garlic, ginger and Orange Sauce make this an easy meal that you will want to add to your dinner rotation.
- Very Easy Thai Cashew Chicken is simple, easy and quick. This recipe is garlicky, gingery and has a delicious depth of flavor. The sweet and salty sauce and toasted nuttiness of the cashews will make this meal a family favorite.
- Thai Peanut Chicken With Broccoli is spicy, salty and sweet. This quick and easy dinner comes together in under 30 minutes. And this gingery, garlicky, creamy dinner will become an instant classic.
- Better Than The Buffet Chinese Pepper Chicken is a buffet staple. So simple yet so complex, this is an easy recipe that has so much depth of flavor. The pepper sauce is so rich and tasty that you won’t believe it comes together with only five ingredients.
Instructions
In a medium mixing bowl, add self rising flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder and whole milk. Whisk until fully combined. The batter will resemble a thick cake batter. Peel the tails off of the shrimp. Heat a large skillet on medium heat with vegetable oil.
Add pieces of shrimp to the batter and allow the excess batter to drip off. Add to the vegetable oil immediately. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate and add a sprinkle of salt while the shrimp is hot.
How are you and your family planning on ringing in the New Year this year? Any special plans? What’s your favorite Chinese food to indulge in for the holiday? Let me know in the comments below. I love hearing from you. Per usual, thank you so very much for supporting the Spice and Sugar Mama blog. I wish you and your loved ones all of the health, happiness and good fortune as we enter another new year!
Better Than The Buffet Battered Chinese Fried Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1½ Cups self rising flour
- ¼ Cup cornstarch
- 1½ Teaspoons salt
- ¾ Teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ Teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 Cups whole milk
- 16 Ounces jumbo shrimp
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, add self rising flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder and whole milk. Whisk until fully combined. The batter will resemble a thick cake batter.
- Peel the tails off of the shrimp. Heat a large skillet on medium heat with vegetable oil.
- Add pieces of shrimp to the batter and allow the excess batter to drip off. Add to the vegetable oil immediately. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until cooked through and golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate and add a sprinkle of salt while the shrimp is hot.
This shrimp recipe is delicious! Thank you for sharing.
There’s nothing better than a delicious fried shrimp. Glad you enjoyed the recipe 🙂