Love the crispy, golden-brown shrimp served at your favorite Chinese takeout? This Fantail Shrimp Recipe delivers the perfect crunch while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Whether you’re a fan of deep-fried seafood or looking for a healthier alternative like air-fried fantail shrimp, this step-by-step guide has you covered.
Fantail shrimp, often found in Pu Pu platters at Chinese restaurants, is a dish where shrimp is butterflied and coated in a light, crispy batter before being deep-fried to golden perfection. This method enhances the crunch-to-shrimp ratio and makes it ideal for dipping in your favorite sauces.
To make sure you get the crispiest coating possible, we’ll share expert frying techniques, alternative cooking methods, and the best dipping sauces to serve alongside.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
History or Fun Facts About the Fantail Shrimp
Origin of the Recipe
Fantail shrimp originated in Chinese-American cuisine, where it became a popular appetizer in Pu Pu platters. The concept of butterflying shrimp and deep-frying it traces back to traditional Cantonese cooking techniques used to maximize surface area for crispiness.
Fun Facts
- The term “fantail” comes from the way the shrimp is butterflied and fanned out before frying.
- Chinese restaurants often use soda water or beer batter for an extra airy and crisp texture.
- In some regions, fantail shrimp is served with a sweet and sour sauce, bang bang sauce, or a spicy mustard dip.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Extra Crispy Texture – The butterflied shape allows for maximum crunch!
- Easy to Make – No advanced skills needed.
- Quick Preparation – Done in less than 30 minutes.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for parties, family dinners, or an appetizer.
- Customizable – Try different batters, seasonings, or dipping sauces.
- Kid-Friendly – Even picky eaters will love these crispy shrimp.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound of large shrimp, deveined and peeled, with tails left on.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 cup ice-cold soda water (or beer for extra crispiness)
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Optional Add-Ins:
- Gluten-Free Alternative: Use rice flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Spicy Variation: Add cayenne pepper to the batter.
- Air Fryer Option: Use a light spritz of oil instead of deep frying.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
- Peel and devein shrimp, leaving the tail intact.
- Butterfly the shrimp by slicing down the back, stopping before cutting through.
Step 2: Make the Batter
- In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Slowly whisk in ice-cold soda water to create a smooth batter.
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
- Dip each shrimp into the batter, shaking off excess.
- Coat with panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
- Heat vegetable oil to 330°F (165°C).
- Fry the shrimp in small batches for 2-3 minutes until they achieve a golden brown color.
- Drain on a paper towel and season with extra salt.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Serve with sweet chili sauce, bang bang sauce, or tartar sauce.
Expert Tips
Enhancing Flavors
- Marinate the shrimp in garlic, lemon juice, or light soy sauce before coating for extra depth of flavor.
- A pinch of white pepper or five-spice powder can enhance the batter’s taste.
Texture Improvement
- Use ice-cold soda water or beer in the batter for an ultra-light, crispy coating.
- Double-dipping in batter and panko ensures a thicker, crunchier crust.
- Let the breaded shrimp rest in the fridge for 10 minutes before frying for better adhesion.
Cooking Secrets
- Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and avoid sogginess.
- Use peanut or canola oil for frying since they have a high smoke point.
- If baking, place shrimp on a wire rack over a baking sheet to keep them crispy.
Equipment Recommendations
- Deep-fry thermometer to maintain consistent frying temperature.
- Wire rack for draining excess oil instead of paper towels, which can cause sogginess.
- Tongs or a slotted spoon for safely handling shrimp while frying.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
1. Overmixing the Batter
- Mistake: Creates a dense, chewy coating.
- Fix: Mix gently until just combined.
2. Frying at the Wrong Temperature
- Mistake: Too low = greasy shrimp; too high = burnt outside, raw inside.
- Fix: Maintain 330°F (165°C) using a thermometer.
3. Using Warm Batter
- Mistake: Causes a soggy crust.
- Fix: Use ice-cold soda water for an airy, crispy texture.
Recipe Variations
Dietary Swaps
- Vegan Option: Use a plant-based egg substitute and a gluten-free batter made with rice flour.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour for cornstarch or rice flour.
- Low-Carb: Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds as a crispy coating instead of breadcrumbs.
Flavor Twists
- Add a touch of lemon zest or cayenne pepper to the batter for an extra kick.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds into the coating for a nutty flavor.
- Try a tempura-style batter for a lighter, Japanese-inspired variation.
Different Cooking Methods
- Air Fryer: Lightly spray the shrimp with oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes.
- Baking: Bake on a wire rack at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Grilling: Marinate in soy sauce and grill for a smoky, charred effect.
Regional Styles
- Chinese Cantonese Style: Uses a delicate tempura-like batter and is served with sweet chili sauce.
- Southern Fried Shrimp: Uses buttermilk for marinating before dredging in seasoned flour.
- Japanese Ebi Fry: Features panko-coated shrimp served with tonkatsu sauce.
Serving Ideas
- Serve over steamed rice, crispy lettuce, or in a shrimp taco.
- Pair with Asian-style coleslaw or stir-fried vegetables.
Side Dish Pairings
Classic Pairings
- Steamed White Rice – A simple and traditional side.
- Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls – Complements the crispy texture of the shrimp.
Healthy Options
- Steamed or Sautéed Vegetables – Lightly seasoned broccoli, snow peas, or bok choy.
- Quinoa or Brown Rice – A fiber-rich alternative to white rice.
Quick & Easy Sides
- Garlic Butter Noodles – Quick and delicious.
- Crispy Wonton Chips – Adds a fun crunch.
Beverage Recommendations
- Green Tea or Jasmine Tea – Cleanses the palate.
- White Wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) – Enhances seafood flavors.
Dipping Sauces or Condiments
- Sweet Chili Sauce – Classic pairing with Asian fried shrimp.
- Bang Bang Sauce – A creamy, slightly spicy dip.
- Tartar Sauce – For a tangy contrast.
Meal Prep & Time-Saving Tips
Prepping Ingredients Ahead of Time
- Butterfly and devein shrimp the night before.
- Mix dry ingredients for batter in advance to save time.
Batch Cooking
- Prepare extra shrimp and freeze pre-breaded shrimp for quick meals.
Using Kitchen Gadgets
- Air Fryer: Healthier frying option.
- Food Processor: Quick batter mixing.
Organizing Cooking Steps
- Set up a breading station to streamline coating the shrimp.
- Heat oil while preparing shrimp to save time.
Make-Ahead Options
- Bread shrimp and freeze on a tray before frying for a quick meal.
Storage
Refrigeration
- Keep any leftovers in a sealed container and refrigerate for up to three days.
Freezing Instructions
- Freeze uncooked, breaded shrimp on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag.
- Cook directly from frozen; add an extra 2 minutes to frying time.
Best Storage Containers
- Glass or BPA-free plastic containers keep shrimp fresh without absorbing odors.
Reheating Tips
- Oven Method: Warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
- Air Fryer Method: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Avoiding Sogginess or Drying Out
- Do not microwave; it makes shrimp rubbery.
- Reheat on a wire rack to keep them crispy.
How to Serve
- On a serving platter with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.
- With lemon wedges to add brightness.
- In a bento box or as part of a seafood platter.
FAQs
What is fantail shrimp?
Fantail shrimp refers to butterflied shrimp that are breaded and deep-fried, often served in Chinese-American cuisine.
How do you butterfly shrimp for frying?
Use a sharp knife to slice along the back of the shrimp, leaving the tail intact, and gently spread it open.
What sauces pair well with fried shrimp?
Some great dipping sauces include sweet chili sauce, tartar sauce, honey mustard, and bang bang sauce.
Can fantail shrimp be made in an air fryer?
Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Is fantail shrimp the same as butterfly shrimp?
Yes, both refer to shrimp that have been split and flattened before cooking.
Is fantail shrimp healthy?
It depends on the cooking method. Air frying or baking makes it a healthier option compared to deep frying.
How do Chinese restaurants make shrimp so tender?
They often use a baking soda marinade to enhance tenderness.
Optional Feature: Nutritional Breakdown
Below is a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving.
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
Conclusion
This Fantail Shrimp Recipe brings restaurant-quality crispy shrimp right to your home kitchen. Whether deep-fried, baked, or air-fried, this dish delivers a crunchy, flavorful bite with every piece. By following our expert tips and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll achieve perfectly golden shrimp every time.
Fantail shrimp is a versatile appetizer or main course, perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even an indulgent snack. Pair it with your favorite dipping sauces and side dishes to create a complete meal.
Have you tried this recipe? We’d love to hear from you! Share your experience in the comments, let us know your favorite dipping sauces, or tag us on social media with your creations.
For more other recipes, check out:
- Egg Roll Wrapper Goat Cheese Jalapeño recipe
- Passion Fruit Ice Cream
- Chocolate Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe
- Shrimp Scampi with Pasta
Enhancing Flavors
- Season the shrimp with garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne before frying.
- Enhance the flavor with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Texture Improvement
- For an extra crispy crust, double-dip in batter and panko breadcrumbs.
- Rest battered shrimp in the fridge for 10 minutes before frying.
Equipment Recommendations
- Digital Thermometer: Ensures oil stays at 330°F (165°C).
- Spider Strainer: Helps safely remove shrimp from hot oil.
Don’t forget to Follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram!
Fantail Shrimp
Equipment
- Deep-fry thermometer
- Mixing bowls
- Wire rack
- Tongs
- Air fryer (optional)
- Baking sheet (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined (tail-on)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 cup ice-cold soda water or beer for extra crispiness
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp – Peel and devein shrimp, leaving the tail intact. Butterfly the shrimp by slicing down the back, stopping before cutting through.
- Make the Batter – In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and paprika. Slowly whisk in ice-cold soda water to create a smooth batter.
- Coat the Shrimp – Dip each shrimp into the batter, shaking off excess. Coat with panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Fry the Shrimp – Heat vegetable oil to 330°F (165°C). Cook the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes until they turn golden brown.
- Serve & Enjoy – Drain on a paper towel and season with extra salt. Serve with dipping sauces of your choice.