Variation
Vegetable Tempura: Use sliced sweet potato, zucchini, or bell peppers with the same batter.
Appetizer · Main Dish · Seafood · Japanese
Shrimp Tempura With Spicy Mayo Dipping Sauce
Master the art of authentic shrimp tempura with a lacy, shatteringly crisp batter and a creamy, kicky dipping sauce.
Prep
25 min
Cook
15 min
Difficulty
Medium
Serves
4
Preparation
Get these tasks done before you start cooking.
Shrimp Prep
- 1
Score the Shrimp
Make 3 to 4 shallow slits on the belly side of each shrimp. Press the shrimp down firmly on the cutting board until you feel the tendons snap.
Tip: This prevents curling and gives you the iconic straight tempura shape.
- 2
Dry and Dust
Pat shrimp very dry with paper towels. Lightly dust each shrimp with a thin coating of flour, shaking off any excess.
Sauce Prep
- 1
Mix Mayo
Whisk mayonnaise, sriracha, sesame oil, and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth.
How to Make Shrimp Tempura With Spicy Mayo Dipping Sauce
Total time: 40 min · Yields 4 servings
- 1
Heat the Oil
Fill a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer with enough oil to reach 3 inches deep. Heat over medium-high until it reaches 180°C (350°F). Test by dropping a bit of batter; it should sink slightly then immediately sizzle to the top.
- 2
Mix the Batter
In a chilled bowl, lightly beat the cold egg. Add the ice-cold sparkling water. Add the sifted flour and salt all at once. Use chopsticks to stir with a stabbing motion for only 10-15 seconds. Leave some lumps in the batter.
- 3
Coat the Shrimp
Hold a dusted shrimp by the tail and dip it into the cold batter, ensuring it is fully coated up to the tail.
- 4
Fry Until Golden
Carefully lower the shrimp into the hot oil. Fry 3-4 at a time to avoid crowding. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the batter is pale golden and very crisp. Use a spider or slotted spoon to remove.
- 5
Drain and Finish
Place the fried shrimp on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate. For extra crunch, drizzle tiny drops of extra batter over the shrimp while they are in the oil to create tenkasu flakes.
Chef's Tips
- Keep your batter cold. If the batter warms up, it will absorb more oil and become greasy.
- Do not overmix the batter. Gluten development is the enemy of a crispy tempura shell.
- Use sparkling water for extra aeration and a lighter crunch.
- Flick extra batter into the oil while frying to create lacy crispies that attach to the shrimp.
What to Serve with Shrimp Tempura With Spicy Mayo Dipping Sauce
The garlic butter sauce is the star — pick sides that soak it up or balance the richness.
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice
- Add to a bowl of hot udon or soba noodles
- Garnish with a wedge of lemon
Recipe Variations
Once you've mastered the base recipe, try these popular twists.
Variation
Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for rice flour.
Storage & Reheating
Tempura is best served immediately. If you must reheat, use an oven at 200°C for 3-5 minutes. Never microwave.
Further reading
Frequently asked questions
Why is my shrimp tempura not crispy?
The primary reasons are room-temperature batter or overmixing. Use ice-cold liquids and leave lumps in the flour to ensure a shatteringly crisp texture.
How do you make shrimp tempura straight?
You must break the tendons on the belly side. Make small horizontal incisions and gently press the shrimp flat until it stays elongated.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but they must be completely thawed and thoroughly patted dry. Any excess moisture will make the batter soggy.
What is the best oil for frying tempura?
Neutral oils with high smoke points like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are ideal. Some traditional recipes add a splash of toasted sesame oil for aroma.
Can I make the batter in advance?
No. The batter must be made right before frying. If it sits, the bubbles in the sparkling water dissipate and the flour hydrates too much.
You might also love
Browse all recipes
Lunch · Dinner · Main Course
Miso-Glazed Roasted Salmon Donburi
35 min4
Lunch · Dinner · Noodles
Chilled Sesame Cucumber Soba
15 min4.8
Dinner · Seafood · Rice Bowls
Miso-Glazed Salmon Donburi
27 min4.8
Lunch · Noodles · Vegetarian
Aburi Tofu and Pickled Shiso Soba Bowl
35 min4.8
Dinner · Lunch · Seafood
Ginger Miso Glazed Salmon Donburi
30 min4.9
Dinner · Rice Bowls
Miso-Glazed Pork Belly Donburi
1 h 5 min4.8
Explore more from TastyFood
Looking for something different? Browse by category.