Shrimp Fritters are an afternoon street snack from Philippines and a popular appetizer in many American restaurants.
What are Shrimp Fritters?
It consists of shrimp, vegetables in a batter, deep fried. That simple and very tasty.
Origin
‘Ukoy’ or ‘Okoy’ or ‘Shrimp Fritters’, a native Filipino food served as an afternoon snack. Small shrimp (usually with head and shell) mixed in batter and fried until crispy. The other ingredients that go in the batter are mung bean sprouts and julienned sweet potato. Butternut squash or grated cassava are also used as a substitute.
Shrimp Fritters are usually served with a spicy vinegar dip made with the local vinegar, garlic, chili peppers, ground pepper and salt. This dipping sauce balances out the oiliness of the dish.
My first encounter
As a foodie, I love exploring different cuisines and watch a lot of food shows. With these encounters, I get to know different food combinations and techniques, which I try incorporating.
On one such recent encounter, I got to try ‘Shrimp fritters’ and was bowled over by it’s freshness, simplicity and flavor! It motivated me to understand it’s origin, actual recipe and its modified version.
And here I am, writing this post about a recipe that I loved eating as well as making it ☺️
Other Fritter recipes: Bread Pakora, Vegetable Bullets
About the recipe
I tried replicating the recipe of Shrimp fritters that I ate and it came out pretty well.
There is a little bit of prepping before you start frying! I added, small peeled and cleaned shrimps with garlic, chopped scallions, jalapeños, green chilis, cilantro, eggs, buttermilk and all purpose flour. Some recipes also add cornflour along with all purpose flour. A few recipes use chickpea flour (or as we call ‘besan’ in Hindi) instead. But I used all-purpose flour.
Once the batter is ready, drop the batter in hot oil using a spoon. You will have your fritter ready in minutes.
Instead of the traditional vinegar dipping sauce, going the unconventional route, I served these fritters with a fresh tomato-onion-cilantro salsa. Oh boy! it was truly exceptional ??
A perfect snack for those relaxing afternoons or evenings.
If you like the recipe or make Shrimp Fritters, please be sure to leave a comment. Above all, I love hearing from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe and decide to post, please be sure to tag me on Instagram or Facebook!
Shrimp Fritters
Ingredients
- 3/4 cups Small shrimp peeled and cleaned. Chop if required.
- 1/2 cup Scallions or green onion. You can use spring onions as well. Finely sliced.
- 1 jalapeno pepper deseeded and chopped
- 1-2 Green chili deseeded and chopped
- 1/2 cup butter milk
- 2 tbsp Cilantro chopped
- 1 whole egg beaten
- 1 tsp garlic paste or 2 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp Red chilli powder
- 1 cup All purpose flour
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper freshly ground
- Salt to taste
- oil for frying
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine shrimp, garlic, jalapeños, green chilis. Keep it aside.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg and keep it aside.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder and red chili powder in another medium bowl.
- For the buttermilk: In a small bowl take 1 1/2 tsp of yogurt and beat to get a smooth paste. Add water to get a liquid consistency. Add salt and mix.
- Whisk beaten egg and enough of the buttermilk in the flour mixture above. The batter should be thick and not runny (adjust the amount accordingly). Season with salt and pepper.
- Fold the shrimp mixture into the batter
- Heat enough oil for frying in a frying pan.
- Drop the fritters into the oil in batches using a small scoop or spoon, about 1 tablespoon each.
- Cook until golden brown (about 5 minutes) and remove. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve with your choice of dipping sauce. I had mine with tomato-onion-cilantro salsa dip. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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