How to Make Perfectly Cooked Bubble Shrimp at Home

Bubble shrimp is a fun and tasty way to enjoy shrimp with an extra crunch. The coating bubbles up when fried, giving the shrimp an airy, crispy exterior. Making this appetizer at home is easy with just a few ingredients and tools. In this article, we’ll explain step-by-step how to make bubble shrimp from start to finish.

What is Bubble Shrimp?

Bubble shrimp gets its name from the bubbly, crackly coating that forms when you fry it It’s made by coating raw shrimp in a special batter before deep frying As the batter cooks, it puffs up and bubbles around the shrimp, creating a light, crispy crust.

Underneath the crisp exterior, the shrimp inside cooks up plump and juicy. The contrast of the crunchy outside and tender shrimp is what makes this appetizer so addictive!

Benefits of Making Your Own

While you can sometimes find bubble shrimp at Asian restaurants making it at home has several advantages

• Control ingredients – Use fresh, high-quality shrimp and make your own batter to avoid preservatives.

• Customize flavors – Experiment with different seasonings in the coating like garlic powder or cayenne pepper.

• Adjust size – Buy jumbo shrimp for a more substantial appetizer.

• Save money – Far cheaper to make at home than ordering take-out.

• Entertain guests – Fun dish to serve at parties or game day. Kids love the crunchy coating.

Shopping List

To make bubble shrimp, you will need:

• Shrimp – Raw, peeled, deveined shrimp 1 lb (16-20 per lb)
• Flour – All-purpose flour helps bind the batter
• Cornstarch – Keeps the batter light and crispy
• Baking powder – Causes the bubbly reaction when fried
• Egg – Binds ingredients and adds color
• Ice water – Thins out the batter to coat the shrimp
• Oil – For frying, peanut or vegetable oil
• Salt, pepper, spices – For seasoning the batter
• Sauce – For dipping like duck sauce, sriracha mayo

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for perfect homemade bubble shrimp:

1. Prep the Shrimp

Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Devein the shrimp by cutting along the back and removing the digestive tract. Leave the tails on for presentation.

2. Make the Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and any spices you want. Make a well in the center.

Add the egg and 1/2 cup ice water. Whisk together until a smooth, thick batter forms. The batter should coat the back of a spoon fairly thickly. Add more water if too thick.

3. Coat the Shrimp

Working one at a time, dip the shrimp into the batter, turning to coat fully. Let any excess drip off, then place on a sheet pan or plate.

Repeat with remaining shrimp until all are coated in batter. Place in freezer for 15 minutes to firm up the coating.

4. Fry the Shrimp

Heat at least 2 inches of oil to 375°F in a pot or deep fryer. Working in batches, add several shrimp at a time to the hot oil.

Fry for 2-3 minutes, flipping midway until batter is puffed and golden brown. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

5. Season and Serve

Season the fried shrimp with a pinch of salt right after frying. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce while the coating is still crispy. Enjoy!

Cooking Tips

• Use a thermometer to maintain oil temp at 375°F. Too low and batter absorbs oil, too high will burn.

• Don’t overcrowd the pot when frying in batches. Space out shrimp so batter crisps.

• Let oil come back up to temp between batches for even cooking.

• Work fast when frying! Have garnishes and sauces ready since the crunchy batter softens over time.

Customize Your Bubble Shrimp

There are many ways to adapt this recipe to your tastes:

• Spicy – Add cayenne, chili powder, or red pepper flakes to the batter.

• Lemony – Add lemon zest and juice to the batter.

• Garlic lovers – Sauté minced garlic in the oil before frying.

• Herby – Stir chopped herbs like parsley, basil, or chives into the batter.

• Cajun – Add Cajun seasoning and serve with remoulade sauce.

• Coconut – For sweet coconut shrimp, use coconut flour and milk in the batter.

• Tempura style – Use chilled soda water instead of ice water for a tempura-like crunch.

Feel free to get creative and make this classic appetizer your own!

Serving Suggestions

Bubble shrimp makes a stellar starter or app. Serve it with:

• Duck sauce – The classic dip for bubble shrimp. Sweet and tangy.

• Sriracha mayo – Mix sriracha sauce into mayo for a spicy dip.

• Sweet chili sauce – Bright, ginger-infused dipping sauce.

• Ranch – Cool, herby compliment to the crunchy shrimp.

• Lemon wedges – Squeeze over shrimp for a fresh splash.

• Coleslaw – Crisp cabbage coleslaw complements the texture.

• French fries – Another crunchy, starchy side the kids will love.

With its crisp, airy coating and tender shrimp interior, this recipe for homemade bubble shrimp never disappoints. Use our detailed guide to fry up a batch of this fun finger food anytime. It makes a great meal starter or party snack served with your favorite sauce.