Shrimp Sandwich Recipe
Crispy tempura battered shrimp, lettuce & tartar sauce
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Ingredients
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Shrimp & Batter
Frying
Tartar Sauce
Sandwich Assembly
Method
Shrimp & Batter
- 1
Prepare shrimp
Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Make a few shallow diagonal slits on the underside of each shrimp (optional) to help them stay straight while frying. Season lightly with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- 2
Make batter
In a mixing bowl whisk the egg lightly. Add the cold sparkling water and keep the mixture chilled by setting the bowl in a larger bowl with ice (or add ice cubes briefly then remove them). In a separate bowl combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch and 1/2 tsp baking powder and 1/2 tsp salt. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix very gently with a few quick strokes; the batter should be lumpy and cold—do not overmix.
- 3
Dredge shrimp
Place the remaining 1/2 cup flour in a shallow dish. One by one, lightly dredge each shrimp in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the cold tempura batter to coat evenly. Transfer battered shrimp to a wire rack while you heat the oil.
Frying
- 4
Heat oil
Pour 3–4 cups neutral oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet to a depth of about 2–3 inches. Heat to 350°F (175°C). If you don't have a thermometer, test by dropping a small bit of batter—if it sizzles and rises immediately, oil is ready.
- 5
Fry shrimp
Fry the battered shrimp in small batches (3–4 at a time) to avoid lowering the oil temperature. Fry until golden and crisp, about 2–3 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked shrimp to a paper towel–lined plate or wire rack to drain. Sprinkle a pinch of salt on the shrimp while hot. Let oil return to temperature between batches.
Tartar Sauce
- 6
Make sauce
In a small bowl combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, finely minced pickle, chopped capers, 1 tbsp minced shallot, 1 tbsp chopped parsley, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Stir until smooth and refrigerate at least 10 minutes to let flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning or lemon as desired.
Sandwich Assembly
- 7
- 8
Assemble
Spread a generous layer (about 2 tbsp total) of the tartar sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Layer 2 leaves of lettuce on the sauce, then place 6 crispy tempura shrimp on top of the lettuce. Add an extra drizzle of tartar or a few drops of lemon juice and hot sauce if using. Top with the bun crown and serve immediately with lemon wedges.