Shrimp Chips, also known as prawn chips or prawn crackers, are a light and crispy, savory snack. You only need 3 ingredients and about 10 seconds to cook a batch, and they’re totally customizable!.
Shrimp chips, also known as prawn crackers or prawn chips, are a beloved snack in many Asian cuisines. Their light, crispy texture and briny shrimp flavor make them hard to resist. While you can certainly buy pre-made shrimp chips at many Asian grocers, making them at home is surprisingly easy. Plus, homemade shrimp chips taste far superior, since they are freshly fried just before serving.
This step-by-step guide will teach you everything you need to know to make perfect shrimp chips at home. I’ll cover how to prepare the dough, properly dry the chips, and then fry them up into the ideal crispy snack Read on to become a shrimp chip pro!
What Are Shrimp Chips?
Shrimp chips consist of a dough made from a mixture of powdered shrimp, starch, and seasonings. The dough is steamed or boiled, then sliced thin and dried completely until very hard and crisp. These dried chips are then dropped into hot oil to puff up instantly into light, crispy crackers
The starch used is typically tapioca starch though potato starch can also be used. The shrimp provides a subtle briny seafood flavor. But despite their name, shrimp chips don’t taste overtly like shrimp. The flavor is delicate, allowing you to season and sauce the chips as desired.
In Chinese, shrimp chips are called 虾片 (xia pian) or 虾片 (ha ba). In Vietnamese, they are called bánh phồng tôm. And in Thailand, they are called kapiap.
No matter what you call them, homemade shrimp chips beat store-bought every time!
Tips for Making Perfect Shrimp Chips
Follow these tips for shrimp chip success:
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Choose the right shrimp. Use raw, peeled shrimp if possible. If using frozen, thaw thoroughly first.
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Blend well. Puree the shrimp into a very smooth paste for best results.
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Knead thoroughly. The dough should be pliable, not sticky. Knead for several minutes.
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Steam or boil. Fully cook the dough before drying. This helps it puff up when fried.
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Dry completely. 2-3 days of air drying yields the crispiest chips.
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Fry in small batches. Don’t overcrowd the oil. Fry in batches for even cooking.
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Fry at proper temperature. Ideal is 350-375°F. Hotter oil browns too quickly.
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Work quickly. Cook chips just until puffed up, about 5-10 seconds.
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Cool and store properly. Let chips cool before storing in an airtight container.
Ingredients Needed to Make Shrimp Chips
Shrimp chips only require a few simple ingredients:
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Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
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Water
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Tapioca starch (or potato starch)
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Salt
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Sugar
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Ginger
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Garlic powder (optional)
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Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, etc.)
For exact ingredient quantities, check the recipe at the end. Tapioca starch is easily found at Asian markets or online.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Follow my detailed instructions below to make perfect shrimp chips at home:
Prepare the Shrimp
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Peel and devein 1 cup of raw shrimp. Cut into smaller pieces for easier blending.
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If using frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge then drain well. Pat dry with paper towels.
Make the Dough
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In a blender, puree the shrimp with water, salt, sugar, ginger, and garlic powder until completely smooth.
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Transfer shrimp puree to a bowl. Gradually mix in tapioca starch, kneading until a smooth dough forms. Dough should be pliable, not sticky.
Cook the Dough
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Divide dough into 6 equal pieces. Roll each into a 10 x 3 inch log.
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Steam the logs for 1 hour, or boil for 30-35 minutes, until thoroughly cooked through.
Dry the Chips
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Let logs cool completely. Refrigerate overnight.
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When firm, slice logs very thin, about 2 mm thick.
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Arrange slices on a rack in direct sun. Dry 2-3 days until hard and crisp.
Fry the Chips
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In a wok or pan, heat 1 inch oil to 350°F.
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Fry chips in small batches just until puffed, about 5-10 seconds.
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Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt.
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Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy within 1 week for max crispness.
And that’s it! With just a few inexpensive ingredients and a little time, you can now make restaurant-quality shrimp chips at home. Customize them with different seasonings or dipping sauces. Enjoy this fun Asian snack!
Flavor Variations for Shrimp Chips
Plain shrimp chips are delicious enough on their own. But you can also customize them with different seasonings, sauces, and flavors. Here are some tasty ideas:
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Salt – Just a sprinkle of salt is all they need. Sea salt or kosher salt adds nice flavor.
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Five spice powder – This blend of spices commonly used in Chinese cooking adds warmth.
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Chili powder – For a bit of heat, toss the fried chips with a dash of chili powder.
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Lemon pepper – The bright acidity of lemon pairs nicely with the briny shrimp chips.
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Furikake – Try Japanese dried seasoning mix furikake, which contains seaweed, sesame, and dried fish.
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Za’atar – This Middle Eastern spice mix with thyme, oregano, and sesame seeds also complements the chips well.
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Dipping sauces – Sweet chili sauce, plum sauce, soy sauce, hoisin, sriracha, and more make flavorful dippers.
Get creative with your own spice blends and sauce pairings! Part of the fun of shrimp chips is customizing each batch.
Serving Suggestions for Shrimp Chips
Shrimp chips make a fantastic snack on their own. But they also pair well with many foods and drinks. Here are some serving ideas:
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Feature them as an appetizer at your next Asian-themed dinner party.
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Prepare them alongside other dim sum favorites like potstickers and egg rolls.
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Fold crumbled shrimp chips into fresh summer rolls for added crunch.
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Use them as a crunchy topping for noodle bowls and stir fries.
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Serve as a pre-dinner snack with tropical cocktails like mai tais or Singapore slings.
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Bring them along for movie night or game day for a crunchy, salty snack.
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Pack them in lunches or road trip snack bags for an anytime treat.
However you enjoy them, homemade shrimp chips are sure to be a crunchy hit!
Storing Shrimp Chips
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Dried, uncooked shrimp chips will stay fresh for up to 6 months if kept in an airtight container in a cool, dry spot.
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Fried shrimp chips are best consumed within 1 week to maintain peak crispness and flavor. Store in an airtight container.
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To re-crisp stale shrimp chips, bake at 250°F for 5-10 minutes.
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Unfried and fried chips can be frozen for longer term storage. Thaw before frying or serving.
With proper storage, you can keep shrimp chips on hand to fry up whenever a craving strikes!
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I serve with shrimp chips?
Shrimp chips pair well with Asian-inspired dipping sauces, seafood dishes, noodle soups, spring rolls, cocktails, and more. Get creative with seasonings and sauce pairings!
Do I need fresh shrimp to make them?
You can use fresh or thawed, frozen shrimp. The key is to drain thoroughly and pat very dry before blending.
Can I use rice flour instead of tapioca starch?
Tapioca starch is recommended for the puffiest, crispiest texture. Rice flour may absorb too much moisture.
How long do the uncooked chips last?
Properly dried, uncooked shrimp chips will stay fresh for up to 6 months stored in an airtight container.
Why do my chips come out chewy, not crispy?
Chips that are not dried thoroughly before frying will be chewy. Ensure they are dried completely hard and crisp before frying.
Enjoy Homemade Shrimp Chips Anytime
Crispy on the outside, airy and light on the inside, shrimp chips are an irresistible snack. With the instructions in this guide, you can easily achieve restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen. Adjust the flavors to suit your tastes, and impress friends an
What To Serve With Prawn Crackers
When people celebrate the Chinese New Year, they love this snack. It’s also a great snack in general! Here are some ways to serve prawn crackers:
Easy Shrimp Chips Recipe
I like to try new foods all the time, and these Shrimp Chips are the newest and best thing I’ve eaten. These are made with just three ingredients and ten seconds of cooking time per batch. They’re crispy, salty, and light.
Like potato chips are super popular here in the United States, shrimp chips are popular in southeast Asia. It seems that a lot of people like them because you can now find them on the menus of many Chinese and Vietnamese restaurants across the country.
Because they’re so quick and easy to make at home, you can eat shrimp chips whenever you want, whether you want a salty snack or a fun starter before an Asian meal. We like to sprinkle them with some dried chili or dip them in sweet chili sauce!.
