Fried shrimp

Fried Shrimp: A Quick and Tasty Delight

If you're looking for a simple and quick recipe to impress your guests or just to indulge in a delicious dish, fried shrimp is the perfect choice. This recipe will not only add a touch of elegance to your plate but also an explosion of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds. It is a traditional recipe with deep roots in cuisines around the world, where shrimp have been adored for centuries due to their delicate taste and versatility.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 6-8 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 500 g fresh shrimp (you can also use frozen shrimp, but make sure they are thawed and well-drained)
- 100 g flour (wheat flour is ideal, but you can also experiment with rice flour for a lighter texture)
- Salt, to taste
- Oil for frying (approximately 500 ml, but use enough to cover the bottom of the pan)

Step 1: Preparing the shrimp
The first step in achieving perfectly fried shrimp is cleaning and washing them. Remove the shell and the intestine (each shrimp has a black thread on its back that needs to be removed). Rinse them well under cold running water to remove any impurities. Once cleaned, place them on a paper towel to dry completely. This is essential, as excess water can cause the oil to saturate and ruin your crispy texture.

Step 2: Coating the shrimp
After the shrimp are dry, place the flour in a bowl and add salt to taste. Gently mix to evenly distribute the salt in the flour. Take each shrimp and dip it in the flour, ensuring it is evenly coated. This will create a delicious crust during frying.

Step 3: Frying
Heat the oil in a deep pan or wok over medium to high heat. It is important for the oil to be well heated to achieve a crispy texture. You can check if the oil is ready by adding a small pinch of flour; if it starts to sizzle, it's time to add the shrimp.

Add the shrimp to the pan, but do not overcrowd, to allow for even frying. Fry them for about 3 minutes on each side until they turn golden and crispy. Avoid flipping them too early, as they may stick to the bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Serving
Once the shrimp are fried, remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Sprinkle a little salt on top to taste. Now it's time to enjoy these delicious shrimp! You can serve them with squeezed lemon on top for an extra touch of freshness or with a mayonnaise sauce, which will add a creamy and savory note.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve them alongside a fresh salad for a light and refreshing lunch.
- You can also add some avocado slices for a creamy and healthy touch.
- A combination of fried shrimp with a mango or chili sauce can be a real treat!

Possible variations:
If you want to explore more sophisticated options, you can add spices to the flour, such as paprika, garlic powder, or even herbs to enhance the flavor. You can also try using corn flour for an even crispier texture.

Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 300
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, make sure to thaw them completely and dry them well before frying.

2. How can I prevent the shrimp from becoming soggy?
Ensure that the oil is hot enough and do not overcrowd the pan. Allow each shrimp to have space to fry evenly.

3. What other sauces can I use?
In addition to mayonnaise, you can try a soy sauce with ginger, a sweet chili sauce, or even a tartar sauce for a fresh note.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it's time to start cooking! Fried shrimp are a fantastic choice for a quick dinner, a delicious snack, or even an appetizer at a party. I wish you much success in the kitchen and bon appétit!