How to Create Crispy Baked Shrimp Tempura: A Delicious Recipe in Simple English
Who doesn’t love crispy shrimp tempura? Its crunchy texture and delicious flavor make it an irresistible treat. Traditionally, shrimp tempura is deep-fried, but for those who prefer a healthier option, you can bake it instead! Baked shrimp tempura is just as crispy and tasty but avoids the heavy oil associated with frying. In this blog article, I’ll walk you through a simple method to make crispy baked shrimp tempura at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we start, gather the following ingredients:
– Shrimp (large or jumbo): Around 12 pieces. Make sure it’s peeled and deveined, with tails left on for easy handling.
– All-purpose flour: 1/2 cup
– Cornstarch: 1/4 cup
– Ice-cold water: 1/2 cup (cold water helps create crispier tempura batter).
– Egg: 1 large egg (optional, for extra crispiness).
– Breadcrumbs (panko): 1 cup (panko is key for that crunchy texture).
– Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
– Vegetable oil spray: For greasing your baking sheet and the shrimp.
– Optional seasonings: A sprinkle of garlic powder or cayenne pepper for flavoring.
Now that you have everything ready, let’s dive into the cooking steps!
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by cleaning your shrimp thoroughly. Make sure they’re peeled and deveined, but leave the tails on since the tails act as a handle while eating. Pat the shrimp dry with a kitchen towel. Dry shrimp ensure the batter sticks better when coating them.
Step 2: Prepare the Tempura Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Slowly add in the ice-cold water while stirring gently. If you want extra crispiness, whisk an egg into the batter. Remember not to overmix; the batter should be light and a little lumpy. Overmixing can ruin the texture and make it dense.
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
Prepare your breadcrumbs in a separate shallow plate. Dip each piece of shrimp into the tempura batter, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Then, roll the shrimp in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly so the crumbs stick well. The panko adds that signature crunch when baked!
Tip: If you want even more texture, you can season your panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, a pinch of paprika, or cayenne pepper before coating the shrimp.
Step 4: Arrange Shrimp on a Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil, then lightly spray it with vegetable oil. Place the coated shrimp on the sheet in a single layer so they don’t overlap. Leave some space between each piece for even baking.
Once all the shrimp are arranged, lightly spray the tops with vegetable oil. This step ensures they’ll crisp up while baking without being greasy like deep-fried tempura.
Step 5: Bake the Shrimp
Place the baking sheet in the middle rack of the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp turn golden brown and crispy. Halfway through the cooking time (around the 5-6 minute mark), flip the shrimp using tongs to ensure both sides become equally crunchy.
Keep an eye on the shrimp as baking times may vary depending on your oven. Overbaking can dry them out, so take them out as soon as they’re cooked.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the shrimp from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Arrange them on a plate and serve with your favorite dipping sauces. Some popular options include soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or a simple lemon aioli. You can also pair them with steamed rice, noodles, or a fresh salad for a more complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Baked Shrimp Tempura
- Use fresh shrimp: Fresh seafood always tastes better, so try to use fresh shrimp for the best results.
- Keep the batter cold: The ice-cold water helps create the light, crisp texture of tempura. You can also keep the batter bowl on a bed of ice while working.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Giving shrimp enough space ensures they bake evenly and don’t turn soggy.
- Customize the seasoning: Feel free to get creative with spices to make the flavor match your preferences.
Why Choose Baked Over Fried Tempura?
Baking shrimp tempura is a fantastic alternative for anyone watching their oil consumption or trying to eat a bit healthier. Deep frying uses large amounts of oil and can add unnecessary calories, while baking eliminates excess grease without compromising the crunch. It’s also easier to clean up since you won’t have to deal with messy oil spills.
Even better, baking is less intimidating for beginners. So if you’ve been hesitant to make tempura because deep frying seems complicated, this baked version is perfect for you!
Conclusion
Crispy baked shrimp tempura is an excellent dish that’s simple to make and satisfying to eat. With this healthier version, you can enjoy the same delicious crunch and flavor without the guilt of deep frying. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to be a winner.
So, why not give it a try? Grab some shrimp and start baking your crispy shrimp tempura today. You’ll be amazed by how delicious it turns out!
