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The batter is best if it has rested for about 20 or 30 minutes, (or longer) so prepare the batter first, then let it rest while you prepare the shrimp.
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2
Use a good quality beer or ale, that you wouldn't mind drinking, for the batter.
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3
These directions are for using a stand mixer, such as a KitchenAid, but if you don't have a mixer, it is just as easy to mix this up by hand with mixing spoons or a sturdy whisk.
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In mixer bowl, add egg and beat slightly on low (stir speed) using the paddle attachment.
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Add beer and olive oil.
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Increase speed to medium speed (3-4) until well blended.
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Turn off mixer.
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Add flour, baking powder, salt and seasonings to liquid mixture.
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Mix on low (stir speed) until combined.
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Turn off mixer and scrape down sides of bowl with a silicone or rubber spatula.
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Increase to medium speed (3-4) and mix for 20-30 seconds.
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Batter should be slightly thicker than basic pancake batter, but not too thick.
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If too thin, add more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
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If too thick, add more beer or some milk, a tablespoon at a time.
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Set batter aside.
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16
If using frozen shrimp, a quick and easy way to thaw is to place shrimp into a clean bowl in the sink.
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Fill bowl with cold water, then adjust faucet so cold water just trickles into the bowl, letting overflow go down the drain.
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18
Takes about 10-15 minutes for shrimp to be ready to peel.
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Peel and devein shrimp, leaving tails on.
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Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
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Heat oil to 370 degrees F. in a deep fryer, or in a sturdy pot filled with at least 2-1/2 inches of oil.
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Line a baking sheet with a couple layers of paper towels.
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Set near fryer or pot to drain shrimp.
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When oil has come to temperature, fry shrimp in batches.
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Each batch is done in less than 2 minutes.
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Holding tail, dunk each shrimp, one at a time, into batter until well coated.
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Immediately place into oil.
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28
Shrimp should immediately rise to the top and sizzle at the surface of the oil.
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If they have not risen to the top, the oil has not come to the correct temperature.
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30
Do not crowd the fryer or pot.
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Using metal tongs or a metal slotted spoon, flip shrimp to brown both sides.
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Remove shrimp from oil when they are golden in color.
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Drain on paper towels.
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Continue frying in batches until all shrimp are fried.
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35
Lightly sprinkle shrimp with kosher salt, if desired.
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Serve immediately, with your favorite cocktail sauce.
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37
An instructional video from YouTube on peeling and deveining shrimp: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rrzcUuO2Mc.
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38
Alaskan Brewing Company's Winter Ale is an excellent ale for this recipe: http://www.alaskanbeer.com/winter.html.
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39
A wonderful Recipe Zaar Communities thread by Lorraine of AZ with helpful info about shrimp; such as buying, sizing and preparation, and also more shrimp recipes: http://www.recipezaar.com/bb/viewtopic.zsp?t=227754.
