Shrimp Snack from Swensons features tender, golden-battered shrimp served hot with crispy fries, delivering a delightful contrast of juicy seafood and crunchy sides.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Fry baskets
- Tongs
- Sheet pans
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Slotted spoon
- Baking trays
- Paper towels
- Heat lamp or warming tray
- Food thermometer
- Serving trays
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cold club soda
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 lb (450g) frozen French fries
Ensure the shrimp you use are fresh and fully peeled and deveined for the best texture and flavor in your shrimp snack. Using cold club soda in the batter helps create a light and crispy coating when fried. Proper measurement of spices like garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper is crucial to replicating the authentic seasoning taste. Vegetable oil should be heated to the right temperature to achieve golden-battered shrimp that are crispy outside yet juicy inside. Your Shrimp Snack from Swensons copycat menu will shine with perfectly seasoned, crispy shrimp paired with crispy fries for a delightful seafood experience.
Instructions
- Preheat deep fryer to 350°F (175°C); set heat lamp or warming tray to keep food warm.
- Prepare baking trays lined with paper towels for draining.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Add cold club soda to dry mixture; whisk until smooth batter forms.
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
- Dip shrimp into batter, coating evenly.
- Place shrimp in fryer baskets without overcrowding.
- Fry shrimp in hot oil for 2–3 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through; use tongs to remove.
- Drain fried shrimp on prepared baking trays.
- Fry frozen French fries in batches per package directions until crispy; use slotted spoon to remove and drain.
- Keep fries and shrimp warm under heat lamp or warming tray until serving.
- Arrange fried shrimp and fries on serving trays. Serve hot.
Substitution
Shrimp Snack from Swensons copycat menu offers a crispy and flavorful rendition of golden-battered shrimp paired with crunchy fries. If you don't have cornstarch, you can substitute it with rice flour or potato starch for a similar crisp texture. Using cold club soda is key to achieving a light and airy batter; sparkling water can be used if club soda is unavailable. When frying, maintain the oil temperature around 350degF (175degC) to ensure shrimp cook evenly without becoming greasy. You can keep the shrimp warm using a heat lamp or warming tray while preparing the fries for optimal serving temperature.
Tips
Ensure your shrimp is completely dry before battering; excess moisture can cause the batter to slip off during frying. Maintain the deep fryer temperature consistently at 350degF (175degC) to achieve a crispy, golden crust without greasiness. Avoid overcrowding the fry baskets, as this lowers the oil temperature and leads to soggy shrimp and fries. Use a food thermometer to confirm shrimp reach an internal temperature of 145degF (63degC) for safe consumption and keep your fried items warm under a heat lamp to preserve their texture before serving.
Nutritions
Shrimp Snack from Swensons provides a protein-rich seafood option with about 24 grams of protein per 1-pound serving of shrimp, supporting muscle health and satiety. The batter includes flour and cornstarch, contributing carbohydrates primarily for energy, while deep frying adds significant fat content, particularly from vegetable oil, increasing calorie density. The paired French fries offer additional carbohydrates and fats, with a typical 1-pound portion containing around 50 grams of carbs and 22 grams of fat, mainly from frying oil. Your meal balances protein and energy but should be enjoyed in moderation due to its fried nature and higher calorie content.
Storage
Store leftover fried shrimp and fries in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. To preserve the crispy texture, separate the shrimp and fries from any moisture by placing paper towels inside the storage containers. When reheating, use a convection oven or air fryer to restore crunch without overcooking; your food will taste as close to fresh as possible.
Variation or Alternatives
You can vary the shrimp coating by substituting cold sparkling water for the club soda to achieve a lighter, crispier batter texture. Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or Old Bay seasoning to the flour mix for a spicier, more savory flavor profile. Instead of deep frying, consider oven-baking the shrimp on a greased baking tray at 400degF (200degC) for 12-15 minutes to reduce oil use while maintaining a crunchy exterior. Swap frozen fries for hand-cut sweet potato fries to introduce a natural sweetness complementing the savory shrimp.
Allergies
Shrimp Snack from Swensons contains shellfish, a common allergen that can cause severe reactions in sensitive individuals. The batter includes wheat flour, which has gluten and may trigger allergies or intolerances for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Your safety is important, so avoid this dish if you have shrimp or wheat allergies.
Why this recipe?
Shrimp Snack from Swensons restaurant offers a crispy, flavorful bite that balances perfectly seasoned shrimp with a light, crunchy coating. Its unique blend of spices enhances the natural sweetness of shrimp, making it a popular choice among seafood lovers. You can recreate this delicious snack at home to enjoy the same satisfying taste while customizing the seasoning to your preference. Crafting a copycat version also allows for a fresher, more cost-effective alternative to the restaurant favorite.