Southern Beer Batter Shrimp Recipe
Fresh Shrimp Dipped in a Hearty Batter with Beer and Hot Sauce
Aug 11, 2008
It’s no secret that Southerners love fried foods, and Beer Batter Fried Shrimp is an all-time favorite especially with the guys. Fry up some shrimp. Set out some cole slaw, baked potatoes and hush puppies. You’ve got a Southern seafood feast.
Fried Beer Batter Shrimp Recipe
- 2 pounds medium shrimp (peeled with tail tips left on and deveined)
- 1 cup flour
- 1 TBS paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- 12 oz beer (one standard can or bottle – usually)
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ to ½ tsp hot sauce (your favorite – examples, Texas Pete, Tabasco, Louisiana)
Directions:
- Prepare your shrimp. Remove shells but leave the little tail piece on the end. The shrimp tails looks cute and serve as a handle of sorts. Run a knife down the back to remove the black vein. You can purchase shrimp already cleaned and ready to fry. It’s fine if they are butterflied at the store. That provides more surface for the batter.
- Mix together the flour, paprika, and salt in a medium sized bowl. Stir well.
- Add beer, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Use a whisk or fork to blend well.
- Cover the batter and let it stand on the counter for an hour or so. This helps the batter stick better to the shrimp.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or in a heavy frying pan (cast iron works well). The temperature should be medium high – around 375 degrees F.
- When the oil is hot, dredge shrimp in some extra flour (doesn’t take much) and then in the batter that has been sitting out.
- Fry several shrimp at a time but do not overcrowd. If you put in too many at a time, the temperature on the oil drops and the shrimp tastes greasy.
Other Favorite Southern Shrimp Recipes:
Beer Boiled Shrimp - If you like the idea of having a little beer flavor but don't want to spend the extra time on frying or would rather lighten up a bit, then Beer Boiled Shrimp is a great pick. Beer Boiled Shrimp is also easier if you're serving a group, since you can cook more shrimp at one time.
Classic Southern Fried Shrimp - Not sure about the beer or don't have a can in your refrigerator? Try a classic southern fried shrimp with basic ingredients. This batter is light and puffy with a mild flavor.
Easy Cajun Shrimp Gumbo - For a little flavor of New Orleans, try Cajun Shrimp Gumbo. This is an easy version - both fun to make and fun to eat.
