Fantail shrimp are a popular dish featuring large shrimp that are butterflied, or cut open and spread flat. These shrimp are dipped in a flavorful batter and then deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. They are often served with a tangy dipping sauce on the side, which adds an extra burst of flavour.
The dish is visually appealing because the shrimp tails are usually left on, creating a fan-like appearance. Fantail shrimp are a common item on Pu Pu platters, which are assortments of appetizers typically served in Chinese restaurants.
They are loved for their crunchy texture and delicious taste, making them a hit at parties and special gatherings.
Fantail Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound Fresh shrimp headless, unpeeled, size 15
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 3-4 cups Vegetable oil or canola oil for frying
For the Batter:
- 3/4 cup All-purpose flour plus an extra 1/4 cup, divided
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- 3/4 tsp Baking powder
- 3/4 tsp Baking soda
- 1/8 tsp White pepper
- 1/4 tsp Onion powder
- 1/8 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Vegetable oil or canola oil
- 2/3 cup Ice water
For the Sauce:
- 1 tsp Vegetable oil or canola oil
- 2 tbsp Tomato ketchup
- 2 tbsp White vinegar
- 1 tsp Soy sauce
- 1/8 tsp Sesame oil
- 1/8 tsp White pepper
- 1 tsp Cornstarch mixed with 1/3 cup water
Instructions
Butterfly the Shrimp:
- Make sure the shrimp are headless and unpeeled with the backs intact. This helps hold both sides of the butterflied shrimp together. Leave the tails on.
- Peel the shrimp, leaving only the small segment of shell that connects to the tail. You can scrape the tails to remove any liquid.
- Place the shrimp on its side with the underbelly facing you. Hold the shrimp with one hand and use the tip of a knife to split the tail shell.
- Gently push the knife into the shrimp, splitting it evenly down the middle until it reaches the outer membrane. Remove any sand tracts and rinse if needed.
- Pat the shrimp dry on both sides and lightly salt them with 1/4 teaspoon of salt (or to taste).
Make the Batter:
- In a bowl, mix 3/4 cup of flour with the cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, white pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Add the ice water and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, stirring until a smooth batter forms. Set aside for 5 minutes.
Make the Sauce:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, add 1 teaspoon of oil and the ketchup. Fry for 30 seconds on low heat until it begins to caramelize.
- Stir in the white vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, and cornstarch mixture.
- Continue stirring until the sauce simmers and thickens enough to coat a spoon. Transfer to a serving bowl and set aside.
Fry the Shrimp:
- Heat 3-4 cups of oil in a small pot to 325°F (about halfway up the pot).
- Place 1/4 cup of flour on a small plate and lightly dredge the shrimp, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the shrimp into the batter, letting any excess drip off. Adjust the amount of batter to your liking—some prefer a light coating, others heavier.
- Carefully place the shrimp into the hot oil. Fry for 1 minute on one side, then turn the shrimp over.
- Once the shrimp are golden brown on all sides, transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
Notes
- Fantail shrimp are best enjoyed hot, right after frying.
- You can prepare the shrimp ahead of time. Freeze the fried shrimp for up to 2 weeks.
- When ready to serve, refry the shrimp in oil, reheat in an air fryer, or bake in the oven at 400°F until warmed through.
- Adjust the batter thickness to your preference. Some people like a light, crispy coating, while others prefer a thicker, crunchier batter.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 kcal |
| Fat | 22g |
| Cholesterol | 153mg |
| Sodium | 600mg |
| Carbohydrates | 26g |
| Fibre | 2g |
| Sugars | 3g |
| Protein | 22g |
Can I Prepare Fantail Shrimp Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the shrimp ahead of time. After frying, you can freeze the shrimp for up to 2 weeks. When you’re ready to serve, simply refry them in oil, reheat them in an air fryer, or bake them in the oven at 400°F until warmed through.
How Can I Reheat Leftover Shrimp?
Reheat leftover shrimp by refrying them in oil, heating them in an air fryer, or baking them in the oven at 400°F until warmed through. This helps restore their crispy texture.
Can I Make a Healthier Version of Fantail Shrimp?
Yes, for a healthier version, consider using an air fryer instead of deep frying, use low-sodium soy sauce, reduce the amount of added salt, and experiment with whole wheat flour for the batter.
