Crispy Melt-in-Your-Mouth Indian Shrimp Recipe
Overview
This mouthwatering, crispy shrimp dish is an irresistible fusion of light, crunchy texture and bold Indian flavors. The shrimp are delicately spiced with turmeric, fresh cilantro, and green serrano chilies, creating a burst of flavor in every bite. Coated in Cream of Rice (similar to Japanese Tempura batter), they achieve a crisp, golden exterior that melts in your mouth. Whether served as an appetizer, first course, or paired with a variety of side dishes as a main course, these shrimp are sure to impress your guests or family. Although I haven’t had the chance to taste them myself, this recipe from The Bombay Cafe sounds so delicious I just had to share it for others to enjoy before I get my turn. The preparation time is quick, but marinating the shrimp for a few hours really enhances the flavor.
Recipe Details
- Recipe Category: Asian
- Cuisine: Indian
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (excluding marinating time)
- Servings: 24 shrimp (Serves 4-6 people depending on portion size)
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Calories per serving: 16.1 kcal
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 shrimp) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 16.1 kcal |
| Fat Content | 0.1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 10.7 mg |
| Sodium | 109.9 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 2.6 g |
| Fiber | 0.3 g |
| Sugar | 0.2 g |
| Protein | 1.4 g |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh ginger | 1 1/2 tablespoons |
| Green serrano chilies | 2 – 3 chilies |
| Fresh cilantro leaves | 1/2 cup |
| Shrimp (peeled and deveined) | 24 large shrimp |
| Turmeric powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 1/2 – 3/4 teaspoon |
| Lemon wedges | 6 – 8 wedges |
| Cream of Rice | 1/3 cup (for coating) |
| Oil (for frying) | Enough to cover shrimp in the pan |
Equipment Needed
- Food processor
- Medium-sized plastic bag
- Slotted spoon
- Small deep saucepan
- Paper towels (for draining excess oil)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Begin by preparing the aromatic marinade. Place the fresh ginger, green serrano chilies, and cilantro leaves in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is finely minced. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly chopped. Once processed, transfer the mixture into a small work bowl.
Step 2: Coat the Shrimp
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl with the ginger-chili-cilantro mixture. Use a spoon or your hands to stir the mixture thoroughly, ensuring each shrimp is well-coated with the flavorful blend. Afterward, sprinkle in the turmeric powder and mix again until the shrimp are evenly covered.
Step 3: Marinate the Shrimp
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let the shrimp marinate for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the shrimp. This step is essential for creating a deeper, richer taste.
Step 4: Prepare for Frying
Once the marinating time has passed, remove the shrimp from the refrigerator. Sprinkle in the salt, and stir to combine. Allow the shrimp to rest for about 10 minutes before frying.
Step 5: Coat the Shrimp with Cream of Rice
In a medium-sized plastic bag, pour in about 1/3 of the Cream of Rice. (Be careful not to use too much at once, as the shrimp’s marinade might make the rice too moist to coat properly.) Add 6 shrimp into the bag, seal it, and shake gently to coat the shrimp evenly in the Cream of Rice. Repeat this step until all shrimp are coated, adding more Cream of Rice as needed.
Step 6: Heat the Oil
Pour enough oil into a small deep saucepan to submerge 6 shrimp at a time. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a hot enough temperature to fry the shrimp—test it by dropping a small amount of the Cream of Rice into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
Step 7: Fry the Shrimp
Carefully place 6 shrimp into the hot oil using a slotted spoon. The shrimp should sizzle as soon as they hit the oil. Fry the shrimp for about 1 minute on one side, then flip them using the slotted spoon and fry for another minute or until they are evenly golden and crispy on both sides.
Step 8: Drain the Shrimp
Once fried to perfection, remove the shrimp from the oil and transfer them onto paper towels to drain any excess oil. Repeat the frying process in batches, ensuring that the oil stays hot between each batch.
Step 9: Serve
Once all the shrimp are fried and drained, arrange them on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges to add a burst of tanginess when squeezed over the crispy shrimp. Serve immediately while the shrimp are hot and crunchy.
Tips for Perfecting Your Shrimp
- Marinate Longer for Extra Flavor: While 3 hours of marinating is the minimum recommended, you can marinate the shrimp overnight to enhance the flavor even more.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Be sure the oil is hot enough before frying. If it’s too cold, the shrimp will become greasy instead of crispy.
- Batch Frying: Fry the shrimp in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This will help maintain the oil temperature and ensure that the shrimp cook evenly and crisp up perfectly.
- Serving Suggestions: These crispy shrimp are versatile and can be paired with a variety of side dishes. Serve them with a tangy cucumber salad, a cooling yogurt dip, or basmati rice for a full meal experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This crispy melt-in-your-mouth Indian shrimp recipe is a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of Indian spices with the light, crisp texture of fried shrimp. The use of Cream of Rice for coating creates a crunchy exterior that contrasts perfectly with the tender shrimp inside, making every bite irresistible. It’s quick to prepare, doesn’t require complicated ingredients, and can be enjoyed as a quick appetizer, light dinner, or party snack. The marinating time allows the spices to infuse the shrimp, elevating the dish with rich flavors, while the crispy coating ensures that each bite is satisfying and memorable.
