Kids Yum Yum Shrimp Recipe

Prepare shrimp

Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving tails on for kids' presentation if desired. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper.

Dust shrimp

Place 1/4 cup flour in a shallow bowl or plate. Lightly coat each shrimp in flour and shake off excess — this helps the batter cling.

Make tempura batter

In a medium bowl, whisk the egg briefly. Add 3/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch and 1/2 tsp baking powder and stir to combine. Pour in 3/4 cup ice-cold sparkling water and stir once or twice until just combined; batter should be lumpy and cold. Do not overmix.

Heat oil

Pour 2 cups vegetable oil into a deep skillet or medium pot to a depth of about 1 1/2 inches. Heat over medium-high until oil reaches 350°F (175°C) — or test by dropping a small spoonful of batter: it should sizzle and rise immediately.

Fry shrimp

Working in batches (do not overcrowd), dip floured shrimp into the batter, letting excess drip off, then gently lower into hot oil. Fry 2–3 minutes until batter is crisp and pale golden and shrimp are cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper-towel–lined plate. Keep warm on a low oven (200°F / 95°C) if making multiple batches.

Finish

If desired, squeeze a little lemon over the cooked shrimp just before serving.

Oven-baked fries (preferred for kids)

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the 16 oz frozen fries on a baking sheet in a single layer. Toss with 1 tbsp oil and 1/2 tsp salt. Bake according to package directions (usually 18–25 minutes), flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.

Or air-fryer

Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place fries in the basket in a single layer and cook 10–15 minutes, shaking halfway, until crispy. Toss with salt before serving.

Mix sauce

In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp ketchup, 1 tsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp granulated sugar, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp paprika and 1/8 tsp salt. Whisk until smooth. If sauce is too thick for kids, whisk in up to 1 tsp water to reach a creamy, pourable consistency.

Adjust to taste

Taste and adjust sweetness or tang: add another 1/2 tsp sugar for sweeter, or 1/2 tsp vinegar for more tang. Chill for 10–15 minutes to let flavors meld, if time allows.

Pour 1/2 cup ketchup into a small ramekin or two small dipping cups for the kids to dip fries or shrimp. No preparation required.