How to Fry Pre-Battered Shrimp

Pre-battered shrimp require little prep work and facilitate deep-frying with convenience.

Deep-frying pre-battered shrimp requires a slight modification to the standard deep-frying technique. Ideally, deep-fried foods should cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit; but, since pre-battered shrimp is kept frozen until cooked, the heat must increase by approximately 15 degrees Fahrenheit to compensate for the drop in temperature that results from the introduction of cold food. Do not thaw frozen battered shrimp before frying, otherwise the ice crystals in the batter will melt and saturate it with moisture.

Things You'll Need

• Peanut oil
• Candy thermometer
• Tongs or slotted spoon
• Paper towels

Instructions

1. Fill the deep fryer with peanut oil until it reaches the fill line and set the heat to 365 degrees Fahrenheit. Alternatively, fill a heavy-bottomed, 12-qt. saucepan half full of peanut oil, attach a candy thermometer and heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 365 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Place the shrimp in the deep fryer baskets immediately upon removal from the freezer and drop them in the oil. Do not overcrowd the basket. Add the shrimp to the saucepan immediately after removal from the freezer.

3. Line a plate with paper towels. Fry the shrimp until golden brown, approximately four minutes. Remove the shrimp using a slotted spoon or tongs and place on the paper towels to drain. Battered, deep-fried shrimp float when cooked through.

References

• "The Professional Chef 8th Edition"; The Culinary Institute of America; 2006
• Deep-Frying: Deep-Frying Tips and Techniques