Shrimp Tempura

For a shrimp tempura recipe that would produce sweet, fresh-tasting shrimp covered in a light, crisp coating, we chose the largest available shrimp, since it’s easy to overcook small ones. Finding that a high temperature gave us greaseless tempura, we deep-fried the shrimp in a large Dutch oven in 400-degree oil. For our tempura batter recipe, we substituted cornstarch for flour, which contributed to lightness, and we substituted a surprise ingredient—vodka—for water, finding that alcohol mixed with flour didn’t produce toughening gluten and burned off during cooking, leaving no traces of alcohol flavor.

Do not omit the vodka; it is critical for a crisp coating. For safety, use a Dutch oven with a capacity of at least 5 quarts. Be sure to begin mixing the batter when the oil reaches 385 degrees (the final temperature should reach 400 degrees). It is important to maintain a high oil temperature throughout cooking. If you are unable to find colossal shrimp (8-12 per pound), jumbo (16-20) or extra-large (21-25) may be substituted. Fry smaller shrimp in three batches, reducing the cooking time to 1½ to 2 minutes per batch.

2 quarts vegetable oil
1 1/2 pounds colossal shrimp (U12), peeled and deveined
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 cup vodka
1 large egg
1 cup seltzer water

Adjust oven rack to upper-middle position and heat oven to 200 degrees. Line plate with triple layer of paper towels. In Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat to 385 degrees, 18 to 22 minutes.

While oil heats, make 2 shallow cuts about 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart on underside of each shrimp. Whisk flour and cornstarch together in large bowl. Whisk vodka and egg together in second large bowl. Whisk seltzer water into egg mixture.

When oil reaches 385 degrees, pour liquid mixture into bowl with flour mixture and whisk gently until just combined (it is okay if small lumps remain). Submerge half of shrimp in batter. Using tongs, remove shrimp from batter one at a time, allowing excess batter to drip back into bowl, and carefully place in oil (temperature should now be at 400 degrees). Fry, stirring with chopstick or wooden skewer to prevent sticking, until light brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer shrimp to paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle with salt to taste. Once paper towels absorb excess oil, place shrimp on wire rack set in rimmed baking sheet and place in oven.

Return oil to 400 degrees, about 4 minutes, and repeat with remaining shrimp. Serve immediately with ginger-soy dipping sauce.

Ginger-Soy Dipping Sauce
Mirin is a Japanese rice wine that has a salty-sweet flavor and can be found in the international aisle with other Asian ingredients.

1/4 cup soy sauce
1 scallion, chopped fine
3 tablespoons mirin
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1 garlic clove, minced

Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl.