Shrimp Karaage is a delightful dish consisting of raw shrimp coated with seasoned flour and deep-fried to perfection. This boldly spiced dish serves as an excellent appetizer to accompany chilled drinks or as a delicious dinner entrée when paired with steamed rice and miso soup.
Karaage, deeply rooted in Japanese food culture, is beloved by people of all ages, from children to adults. While chicken is the most renowned version of Karaage, this versatile cooking method can be applied to various meats, seafood, and even vegetables. Essentially, Karaage is a technique of deep-frying without a thick batter, setting it apart from other fried foods like Tempura and Katsu. The Karaage process typically involves marinating or seasoning the main ingredient, then coating it with potato starch or flour before deep-frying. This method creates a crispy, thin outer layer while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful. The seasoning varies depending on the main ingredient, ranging from soy sauce-based marinades to simple salt and pepper combinations.
Shrimp Karaage here stands out with its unique flavor profile. Unlike other Karaage varieties, it incorporates bolder spices such as garlic powder and allspice, which complement the natural sweetness of the shrimp beautifully. Although Shrimp Karaage may not be as common as its chicken counterpart, it’s equally delicious and offers a delightful change of pace. One of the joys of home cooking is the freedom to adjust seasonings to your liking.
Whether you’re having a party, preparing a family dinner, or just craving a tasty snack, Shrimp Karaage is a delicious but easy dish to make. Hope you give it a try!
Shrimp Karaage
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Ingredients
Karaage Seasonings
- 2 Tbsp flour
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch or potato starch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp sugar
- 2 tsp chicken bouillon powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/8 tsp allspice
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
Instructions
- Clean shrimp and pat dry with paper towels. Sprinkle sake over shrimp, and let sit for 10 minutes. Remove excess moisture. Start heating deep-frying oil over medium heat.
- Combine all the ingredients for Karaage seasonings in a medium bowl. Coat shrimp with the seasonings.
- Deep-fry shrimp in the oil (at 350°F or 180°C) for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, turning once or twice. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.