Dinner

Crispy Fried Shrimp with Tartar Sauce and Fresh Vegetable Sides Recipe

ByElara Stone December 6, 2025December 6, 2025

Introduction

Fried shrimp is a quick and delicious dish perfect for a satisfying snack or a light meal. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these shrimp are coated in a flavorful batter and fried to golden perfection. Serve them with fresh salad and tartar sauce for a delightful bite every time.

A close-up of a bowl of three golden brown breaded fried shrimp placed on a bed of mixed green lettuce leaves with curly and smooth textures. To the left of the shrimp is a bright red cherry tomato and a lemon wedge with a pale yellow color. At the front right of the shrimp is a white creamy tartar sauce with bits of herbs, slightly textured. The bowl is white with a simple design, sitting on a white marbled surface. In the background, a small black bowl with a wooden spoon inside holds more tartar sauce and a lemon slice is partially visible on the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

10 shrimps
1 egg
3 tablespoons plain flour
1 tablespoon Japanese mayonnaise
50 ml water
Oil for deep frying
Green salad leaves to serve
Cherry tomatoes
Wedges of lemon
Tartar sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the shrimp by removing the shells and deveining them.
Step 2: Score the shrimp bellies 2 to 3 times and gently snap the muscle to prevent them from curling up while frying.
Step 3: In a small bowl, mix the egg, plain flour, water, and Japanese mayonnaise to create a smooth batter.
Step 4: Coat each shrimp with the batter, then thoroughly coat them with Panko crumbs.
Step 5: Heat oil in a deep pan to around 180°C (356°F) for frying.
Step 6: Fry the shrimp in the hot oil until crispy and golden brown on both sides. Remove and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Step 7: Serve your fried shrimp with green salad leaves, cherry tomatoes, lemon wedges, and a side of tartar sauce.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture, but frozen shrimp can work if fully thawed and patted dry.
For extra crunch, double coat the shrimp by dipping them back into the batter and breadcrumbs before frying.
Substitute Japanese mayonnaise with regular mayonnaise or add a dash of Sriracha for a spicy kick.

Storage

Store any leftover fried shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

A close-up of a dish with three golden-brown fried shrimp placed on a bed of green leafy lettuce on a white bowl, with a small mound of creamy white tartar sauce speckled with herbs in front. To the left side of the bowl, there is a shiny red cherry tomato and a pale yellow lemon wedge. A woman's hand holding dark wooden chopsticks is lifting one shrimp, showing its white interior and crispy coating. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of Japanese mayonnaise?

Yes, regular mayonnaise works fine and will still help create a smooth batter. Japanese mayonnaise tends to be slightly sweeter and tangier, but the substitution won’t affect the overall dish significantly.

What oil is best for deep frying shrimp?

Use oils with a high smoke point like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. These oils can withstand high frying temperatures without burning, ensuring crispy and tasty shrimp.