Crispy Shrimp Fritters With Sparkling Water

These crispy shrimp fritters get their light texture from one simple trick: very cold sparkling water. The bubbles help create an airy batter that fries up golden without feeling heavy.

Ingredients

• 400 g raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 120 g all-purpose flour
• 40 g cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 200 ml very cold sparkling water
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• 600 ml neutral oil, for frying
• Lemon wedges, for serving

How to Make Crispy Shrimp Fritters

Chill the sparkling water

Keep the sparkling water in the refrigerator until the last moment. A cold batter creates a better contrast with the hot oil and helps the fritters become crisp.

Mix the batter

In a bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Pour in the sparkling water and whisk briefly. The batter should stay slightly lumpy rather than overmixed.

Coat the shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towel. Fold them into the batter with the parsley until evenly coated.

Fry until golden

Heat the oil to 175°C. Drop spoonfuls of battered shrimp into the oil and fry for 3 to 4 minutes, turning once, until crisp and golden. Drain on a rack and serve with lemon.

Conclusion

For the best result, mix the batter only when the oil is ready. Cold sparkling water and minimal stirring are the two small details that make these shrimp fritters lighter.