Notes
This is the simplest and best batter recipe. I use it at the restaurant all the time.
Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) bottle beer (recommended: Heineken)
- 1 (2-ounce) "shot" vodka (the cheaper the better)
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus a little extra, if needed
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 clove garlic, peeled
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 pound "16/20" size shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails attached
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 4 cups vegetable oil About 20 basil leaves, stemmed, washed and dried
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
Pour the beer into a medium-size bowl and stir in the vodka. Slowly whisk in the flour and the paprika. The batter should be fairly thick, but also easy to stir. Set aside in a warm place. "Press" the garlic clove into another bowl and stir in the olive oil and shrimp. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Set aside. Pour the oil into a heavy-bottomed pot (or, alternatively, a deep-fryer). Heat the oil slowly to 370 F. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. Line a baking sheet with a kitchen towel or paper towels to drain the shrimp once they are cooked.
Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.
Arrange the basil leaves on a sheet pan. Put the pan in the oven for 2 minutes, just to wilt the basil a bit, if the basil is young and tender this step is not necessary. Wrap a basil leaf around the middle of each shrimp like a belt. When ready to serve, dip the shrimp into the batter and drop, in small batches, into the oil. Fry until crispy, turning on both sides with a slotted metal spoon. Add the lemons into the oil and fry until crispy. Drain them on the lined baking sheet and season immediately with salt. Transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately.
1 Video | Photo: Battered Shrimp Recipe

















Review This Recipe
You must be signed in to review this recipe.
or Register to Review
Newest Ratings and Reviews
Read all 7 reviews
By cjhes_3520890
Middleburg, FL
on April 22, 2012
Flag
Flag This Review?
Please provide the reason why you think this review is inappropriate.
or Cancel
Used a toothpick to secure the basil to the shrimp. Large size shrimp works great.
Loved the final outcome!
Side note---love you on Chopped.
By ualplanes_6330891
st charles, IL
on July 12, 2010
Flag
Flag This Review?
Please provide the reason why you think this review is inappropriate.
or Cancel
Love the Show and Alex's confidence in cooking! This recipe was just average. I didn't really taste the basil, but the batter was very light.
By curtinams15_111...
LORTON, VA
on July 11, 2010
Flag
Flag This Review?
Please provide the reason why you think this review is inappropriate.
or Cancel
Just saw the show this morning. Went to market to purchase the shimp/beer. All other ingredients on hand. The end results....crispy,flavorful and an enoyable treat for my family. The basil was a great choice! I must say, I really enjoy Alex's Day Off. She is on the top of my list to watch and try the recipes. Keep'em coming Alex. Im your # 1 fan...
Read all 7 reviews