Crispy butterfly shrimp is a quick, easy to do dish that can be done in just less than 10 minutes. Plump, tender shrimp that have been deveined and butterflied. Which is a technique involves splitting the shrimp open along the back, creating a butterfly-like appearance that not only enhances its visual appeal but also allows for even cooking and maximum flavor infusion. The shrimps are battered and seasoned, fried, then served with a side of your favorite sauce. Best enjoyed as a finger food, to serve as an appetizer for parties, or partnered with some hot steaming rice or ice cold beer for a full meal. One bite, and you’re hooked!

Crispy Butterfly Shrimp Recipe

Ingredients:

300 grams large shrimps
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp ground pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
parsley for garnish (optional)

Flour seasoning:

1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1 cup bread crumbs

Directions:

1. Wash and prepare the shrimps. Gently remove the head and the shells. Keep the tail intact. Run the knife at the back of the shrimp. Devein the shrimps and open the back to resemble a butterfly. Do these steps with the rest of the shrimps.

2. Transfer the shrimps to a bowl. Sprinkle some salt, black pepper, garlic powder and paprika powder. Mix well. Add the whole eggs and mix well.

3. On a plate, place the flour, salt, garlic powder, paprika powder. Mix well. On another plate, add the breadcrumbs.Dredge each shrimp into the flour mixture and then into the breadcrumbs.

4. Heat a lot of oil in a pot. Deep fry the coated shrimps for about 3 to 5 minutes. Once golden brown and crispy, transfer the fried shrimps to a strainer or paper towel to drain excess oil.

5. Transfer the crispy butterfly shrimp to a serving plate. Serve this alongside your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy this as it is or have it with some hot rice. Yum!

What are Shrimps ?

Shrimps are small, crustacean animals that belong to the order Decapoda, which also includes crabs, lobsters, and crayfish. They are found in various aquatic environments, including freshwater and saltwater habitats. Shrimps have a long, segmented body covered by a protective exoskeleton, which they periodically shed and replace as they grow.

Shrimps have a distinct appearance with a curled abdomen and a flexible tail fan that they use for swimming. They possess ten legs, with the first pair usually adapted into pincers, or chelae, which they use for grasping and manipulating food. Shrimps come in a wide range of sizes, from tiny species measuring just a few millimeters to larger ones that can grow up to several inches in length.

Shrimps are popular in culinary preparations worldwide and are valued for their delicate flavor and tender meat. They can be cooked in various ways, such as boiling, grilling, sautéing, or used as ingredients in dishes like shrimp scampi, shrimp cocktail, or shrimp stir-fry.

Why try this dish ?

There are many ways on how you can prepare shrimps but these crispy butterfly shrimps are the real deal. These shrimps might look very tedious to prepare, but if you look at the recipe steps down below, you’ll realize youve been missing out a lot!

Fried butterfly shrimp is just a unique way of presenting deep coated fried shrimps. This dish is almost similar to a shrimp tempura but uses breadcrumbs instead of tempura batter.

I am very used to making shrimp tempura when it comes to shrimp dishes. There was one time that my niece brought a ready to cook coated shrimps at home. They were a little expensive for the serving size and taste. With that, I went astray from my usual shrimp tempura and decided to make some coated shrimps for my baby niece. I then watched a video on facebook showing how chefs slice the shrimps to make them more presentable and enjoyable. That’s where I got the idea to transform the boring shrimps into a butterfly cut before coating and frying them. My niece have never been happier! Make sure to partner this with your favorite dipping sauce.

If you wanna know how to make crispy butterfly shrimps at home, simply read and follow the easy steps below. Happy cooking!

How to Cook Crispy Butterfly Shrimps

Crispy butterfly shrimp may look delicate, but these finger foods are very easy to make. These shrimps are prepared almost similar to shrimp tempuras. If you have tried making those before, then this recipe will be easy for you.

Start the recipe by preparing the shrimps. The best shrimps to use in this recipe are the large ones. Be careful when removing the shells and the head and remember to keep the tail intact (for decoration and easy holding). Open the back of the shrimp. Devein and open them like a butterfly. It is like hitting two birds in one stone!

Then, prepare the coating. To achieve that crispy texture, the butterflied shrimp are coated in a delicate yet robust breading. The breading is often a combination of breadcrumbs or panko, seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices that complement the natural sweetness of the shrimp. This coating adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender shrimp meat, creating a satisfying balance of textures.

Once the shrimp are perfectly coated, they are usually fried until golden brown, resulting in a delightful outer layer that crackles with every bite. The frying process seals in the shrimp’s moisture, ensuring a juicy interior while providing that irresistible crispy exterior that adds an element of excitement to every mouthful.

The end result is a plateful of crispy butterfly shrimp that will leave seafood enthusiasts craving for more. The combination of the shrimp’s delicate sweetness, the aromatic seasoning, and the satisfying crunch of the coating creates a harmony of flavors that is both comforting and indulgent.

Crispy butterfly shrimp can be enjoyed on its own as an appetizer, served with a tangy cocktail sauce or a zesty aioli for dipping. It can also be a delightful addition to a main course, served alongside a fresh salad or as a tantalizing topping for pasta or rice dishes.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering, treating yourself to a special meal, or simply exploring the world of seafood cuisine, crispy butterfly shrimp is a culinary masterpiece that promises to leave a lasting impression. So, take a bite into this delightful delicacy and embark on a journey of flavors that will transport you to the shores of seafood paradise. Yum!