Crispy Golden Butterfly Shrimp

By DishFrames
0
0/5 (0)

Make restaurant-quality crispy butterfly shrimp at home that stay crunchy even after cooling. The secret is a precise triple-coating of starch, egg wash, and golden breadcrumbs.

↓ The ingredients ↓ The steps

Golden butterfly shrimp is a beloved favorite at family gatherings and festive celebrations like the Chinese New Year. By carefully butterflying the shrimp and applying a secure triple-layer coating, you lock in the natural juices while creating an irresistibly crunchy exterior that appeals to kids and adults alike.

Crispy golden butterfly shrimp arranged in a circle with a bowl of tomato ketchup for dippingcite: 1
Crispy golden butterfly shrimp arranged in a circle with a bowl of tomato ketchup for dippingcite: 1
Prep20 mins
Cook10 mins
Total30 mins
Yield4 servings
DifficultyEasy
Calories380 kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 1Butterfly the shrimp
    A hand holding a knife to butterfly cut the back of a raw shrimp on a wooden cutting board.

    Make a lengthwise cut along the back of the shrimp without cutting all the way through, then gently press it open and flatten it with the flat side of a knife so it stays straight.

    Tip: Be careful not to slice all the way through the shrimp meat when making the back cut.
  2. 2Coat with starch and egg wash
    A pair of butterfly shrimp being coated in starch and dipped in egg wash inside a white container.

    Coat the butterfly-cut shrimp thoroughly in starch to seal in the moisture, then dip them completely into an egg wash to help the final breadcrumb layer adhere securely.

    Tip: Shake off any excess starch before dipping into the egg wash to ensure an even coating.
  3. 3Apply golden breadcrumbs
    A breaded shrimp being lifted from a tray filled with yellow golden breadcrumbs.

    Press the starch and egg-washed shrimp firmly into golden breadcrumbs, ensuring every part of the shrimp is completely and evenly covered with a tight crumb layer.

    Tip: Press down gently with your fingers to compact the breadcrumbs so they do not fall off during frying.
  4. 4Deep-fry until crispy
    Breaded shrimp frying in hot oil until golden brown and crispy.

    Lower the breaded shrimp into oil heated to a medium-low temperature and deep-fry until they turn an even golden brown and float to the surface. Drain on paper towels before serving.

    Tip: Maintain a moderate oil temperature so the exterior becomes crispy before the shrimp overcooks inside.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator
1-2 days
Store in an airtight container once fully cooled, though texture will soften.
Reheating
5 min
Reheat in an air fryer at 180°C for 3 to 4 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving.

Burn It Off

Brisk Walking
~75 minutes at a steady pace (~5 km/h).
House Cleaning
~90 minutes of active chores around the home.
Leisurely Cycling
~60 minutes at a relaxed pace (~15 km/h).

Frequently Asked Questions

Breadcrumbs usually fall off if the starch layer is too thick or uneven, preventing the egg wash from sticking, or if the crumbs were not pressed down firmly enough onto the shrimp before frying.
A six-tenths oil temperature means the oil is moderately hot. You can test it by dipping a wooden chopstick or breadcrumb into the oil; if gentle bubbles immediately form around it without violent sputtering, it is ready.
Yes, standard breadcrumbs work, but golden panko or golden breadcrumbs provide a significantly lighter, crispier texture and a vibrant color.
No ratings yet

How would you rate this recipe?