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These crispy beer battered fried shrimp make an awesome appetizer! The dipping sauce is fresh and zesty.

beer battered fried shrimp with homemade dipping sauce on a plate with lemon slices

I last made beer battered shrimp in these tacos (back when my blog was brand new!), and I wanted to give them another try. These do not disappoint.

I used large shrimp for this. This appetizer is perfect to share – it’s rich and decadent, and after a few shrimp you’ll feel satisfied. I attempted to eat these all by myself for dinner, and I failed miserably.

The batter is super simple – just cold beer and flour. What can I say about frying in peanut oil? It’s my favorite. It has a really high smoke point and leaves food tasting delicious.

close-up of beer batter shrimp with homemade lemon mayo dipping sauce

Yes, this is the third appetizer I’ve posted in a row. Friday will be something different. I promise. 😉

plate of beer battered crisp shrimp with mayo dip on an appetizer plate

Will you try this beer battered fried shrimp appetizer?

These crispy beer battered fried shrimp make an awesome appetizer! The dipping sauce is fresh and zesty.
4 from 1 vote

Beer Battered Fried Shrimp Appetizer

An easy & delicious beer battered shrimp appetizer with a zesty lemon dipping sauce.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients 

  • 3/4 pound large shrimp
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup cold beer
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Generous pinch salt & pepper
  • Peanut oil for frying

Zesty lemon dipping sauce:

  • 1/2 cup mayo
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Zest of 1/2 lemon
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions 

  • If frozen, thaw shrimp under cool running water. Peel & devein shrimp but leave the tails on. Make sure the shrimp are thoroughly dried so the batter sticks (I used paper towel for this).
  • Meanwhile, make the dipping sauce by combining the dipping sauce ingredients. Refrigerate until needed.
  • Prepare the batter by adding the flour, garlic powder, salt & pepper, and beer to a bowl. Whisk until smooth. 
  • Line a large plate with paper towel to absorb any oil from the fried shrimp.
  • In a heavy pot, add about 1/2 inch of peanut oil. Heat on medium-high heat. To be safe, you really should use a deep fry thermometer. It should read between 350F-375F.
  • You'll want to coat the shrimp in the batter one by one, and then carefully place them into the hot oil. Work quickly, and ensure you don't overcrowd the shrimp (I ended up doing three batches). Cook for about two minutes per side (tongs make the flipping job a lot easier) or until they're cooked through and golden but not too browned. When cooked, place them on the paper towel lined plate.
  • Serve with the dipping sauce and fresh wedges of lemon if desired. These are best served hot - the batter does soften up as they cool.

Notes

  • I used this heavy, deep pot to fry these in. This is the awesome lemon zester I used.

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Hi! I’m Natasha.

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4 from 1 vote

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12 Comments

  1. Christine Pacilio says:

    4 stars
    Can’t wait to see how these come out!

    1. Natasha says:

      Let me know! 😀

  2. Jeanne says:

    Can you use a deep fryer to make them?

    1. Natasha says:

      I don’t see why not 😊

  3. Mary Jingjing Mortos Lopez says:

    I wonder when will you add the beer to the shrimp is it before the flour?

    1. Natasha says:

      Hi Mary! Sorry, the recipe was written in a confusing way. It should be fixed now. Let me know if you have any more questions! Hope you like the recipe.

  4. Elizabeth Zdradzinski says:

    Oh my goodness! Simple and delish! I love it! I am going to make this today! It is football Sunday, so it’s a good excuse to try a new recipe! And, we can drink the left over beer while watching the game! Win-win! I will also try your BBQ chicken nachos today, while I am at it.

    1. Natasha says:

      Thank you, Elizabeth!! Let me know how the recipes go 🙂 I hope you like them!!

  5. Alida | Simply Delicious says:

    YUM! These look absolutely awesome!! And your photography is so beautiful!

    1. Natasha says:

      Thanks so much!

  6. Dawn @ Girl Heart Food says:

    YES! You had me at ‘beer battered’. These look delicious, Natasha (as does those tacos). I may not be able to eat them all, like yourself, but I’d certainly give them a good go 😉 Pinned!

    1. Natasha says:

      Hehe thanks, Dawn ????