Hey there, seafood lovers! Today I’m gonna dive deep into fantail shrimp – that irresistible dish you’ve probably spotted at Chinese restaurants or on those classic Pu Pu platters. As someone who’s been cooking Asian cuisine for years, I’m excited to share everything you need to know about this mouth-watering appetizer.
What Exactly is Fantail Shrimp?
Simply put fantail shrimp is a preparation method where shrimp is
- Butterflied (split down the middle)
- Breaded
- Deep-fried until golden brown
- Served with the tail on for that signature fan-like appearance
The magic lies in that butterfly cut – it’s what gives the shrimp its distinctive fan shape that makes it look so darn fancy on your plate!
The Art of Butterflying
Here’s how we create that beautiful fantail effect:
- Start with headless shrimp, shells on (except for the tail)
- Place shrimp on its side, belly facing you
- Split the tail shell with a sharp knife
- Cut down the middle of the shrimp (but don’t go all the way through!)
- Open it up like a book to create that fan shape
Pro tip Make sure you don’t cut completely through the back – that outer membrane needs to stay intact to hold both sides together!
Best Shrimp Varieties to Use
Not all shrimp are created equal! Here are your best bets:
- White Shrimp: My personal fave for its mild, sweet flavor
- Brown Shrimp: Slightly stronger taste, nice firm texture
- Pink Shrimp: Super sweet and delicate
- Tiger Shrimp: Those big boys that make impressive presentations
The Perfect Batter Recipe
Here’s my tried-and-true batter recipe:
Base Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 3/4 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/8 tsp white pepper
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder
- 2/3 cup ice-cold water
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Listen up! Here’s what I’ve learned from making countless batches:
- Temperature Matters: Keep that oil at 325°F (167°C) – too hot and you’ll burn the outside before the inside cooks
- Don’t Overcrowd: Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature
- Drainage is Key: Use paper towels to absorb excess oil
- Timing is Everything: About 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown
Serving Suggestions
Fantail shrimp ain’t complete without some killer dipping sauces! Here are some crowd favorites:
- Sweet & Sour Sauce
- Cocktail Sauce
- Tartar Sauce
- Sweet Chili Sauce
- Garlic Aioli
Making it Healthier
Look, I know we all try to eat healthy these days. Here’s how you can make fantail shrimp a bit better for ya:
- Bake instead of fry (375°F for 12-15 minutes)
- Use panko breadcrumbs for lighter coating
- Try air-frying (360°F for 8-10 minutes)
- Serve with lighter dipping sauces
- Add a side of fresh veggies
Storage and Reheating
Made too much? No worries! Here’s what you need to know:
Storage:
- Fridge: Up to 3 days in airtight container
- Freezer: Up to 2 weeks when properly wrapped
Reheating Methods:
- Oven: 400°F for 5-7 minutes
- Air Fryer: 350°F for 3-4 minutes
- Avoid microwave (unless you like soggy shrimp!)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Trust me, I’ve made these mistakes so you don’t have to:
- Using tiny shrimp (go big or go home!)
- Cutting all the way through when butterflying
- Not patting shrimp dry before battering
- Skipping the flour dredge before batter
- Using old oil for frying
Fun Fact!
Fantail shrimp was a super popular dish in those old-school Polynesian-Chinese restaurants back in the day. It was always the star of the Pu Pu platter, sitting pretty next to the egg rolls and spare ribs!
Final Thoughts
Fantail shrimp might seem fancy-pants, but it’s totally doable at home. With some practice and these tips, you’ll be making restaurant-quality fantail shrimp that’ll wow your friends and family.
Remember, cooking should be fun! Don’t stress if your first batch isn’t perfect – mine sure wasn’t! Just keep at it, and before you know it, you’ll be a fantail shrimp pro.
Got questions about fantail shrimp? Drop ’em in the comments below! I’d love to help you nail this classic dish.
Happy cooking, everyone!
Shrimp Toast Recipe Instructions
If you’re going the traditional route and using pork fat, add the pork fat to a food processor and process until smooth.
Divide the mixture among 4 slices of sandwich bread, spreading it evenly out to the ends.
Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, and lightly press the sesame seeds into the shrimp mixture.
Cut each slice into quarters on a diagonal to create little triangles.
In a large nonstick or cast iron skillet, heat ⅛ inch of oil until shimmering. Fry the triangles in the skillet, shrimp-side down first, until golden––about 2-3 minutes.
Use a spatula to carefully turn them over, and fry the other side for about 1 minute.
Transfer to paper towels to drain. Serve immediately!
Why I Don’t Cut Off My Crusts
Another note––many cooks making shrimp toast choose to cut the crusts off the bread, but I am pretty against this. It’s a waste of bread! I also find that the crust provides a good edge to hold the filling onto the bread itself.
If you really want to cut the crusts off though, just do it before you spread on the shrimp mixture, and whizz them up in a food processor to make breadcrumbs. You can then store them in the freezer and pull them out anytime you need to make meatballs, meatloaf, or any other dish in need of some breadcrumb lovin’.
These shrimp toasts make for an excellent party appetizer with beer or cocktails. Definitely New Year’s Eve party appetizer material. This recipe makes 16 little triangle toasts, but you can double or triple the recipe for a larger party!
Fried Fantail Shrimp – RiehlFood.com
FAQ
How is fantail shrimp different?
Fantail shrimp is shrimp coated in batter and fried. The shrimp is butterflied, which means it is cut down the middle to create a “fan” effect.
What is the best tasting shrimp?
Pink shrimp are some of the tastiest shrimp you can find, mild and sweet without the distinctive ammonia taste some of the brown and white shrimp have. Just don’t expect a vibrantly hued patch of shrimp at the market—pink shrimp can range from white to gray in color.
What is fried fantail shrimp?
DISTINCTIVE QUALITIES: Fantail Fried Shrimp are some of our best-selling seafood products on the market. These jumbo fantail shrimp are butterflied, drenched in a homemade hand spiced batter, then flash-frozen for ultimate freshness. These fantail fried shrimp are ready to cook straight from the freezer.