Crispy Spanish Shrimp Fritters

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup (240ml) sparkling water 1 cup (240ml) sparkling water
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 1g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Let it marinate for 15 minutes.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Gradually add the sparkling water while whisking until a smooth batter forms.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot to 350°F (180°C).
4. 4.
   Dip each marinated shrimp into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off, and carefully place them into the hot oil.
5. 5.
   Fry the shrimp in batches for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. 6.
   Serve the Crispy Spanish Shrimp Fritters hot with aioli or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Shrimp — Ensure the shrimp are peeled and deveined before marinating them. Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
• Sparkling water — The carbonation in sparkling water helps create a lighter and crispier batter. Make sure the sparkling water is cold for optimal results.
• Vegetable oil — Use a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or sunflower oil, for frying the fritters.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the batter.
• Serve the fritters immediately after frying to maintain their crispiness.
• If you prefer a thicker batter, gradually add less sparkling water until the desired consistency is achieved.
• Experiment with different dipping sauces, such as spicy mayo or a tangy tomato salsa, to enhance the flavor of the fritters.
• If you don't have sparkling water, you can substitute it with cold beer for a slightly different flavor profile.

Serving advice

Serve the Crispy Spanish Shrimp Fritters as a tapas dish or appetizer. Arrange them on a platter with a side of aioli or fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the fritters. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Crispy Spanish Shrimp Fritters on a rustic wooden serving board or a colorful ceramic plate. Sprinkle some paprika or smoked paprika over the fritters for an attractive touch. Serve them alongside a small bowl of aioli or lemon wedges for an inviting presentation.