Imagine a dish that combines the crispy, golden perfection of perfectly fried shrimp with a tantalizing sweet and spicy Caribbean-inspired sauce that will transport you straight to a tropical paradise. This Fried Shrimp with Spicy Guava Sauce is not just a recipe; it's a culinary adventure that promises to elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a restaurant-quality dish that's surprisingly easy to prepare and packed with bold, vibrant flavors that will leave everyone craving more!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Caribbean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Oil for frying
- 1/2 cup guava paste
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the shrimp. Ensure that the shrimp are peeled and deveined. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy coating.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour with 1 teaspoon of paprika. This will add flavor and color to the shrimp. Mix well to ensure the paprika is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- In a deep frying pan or skillet, pour enough oil for frying, about 1-2 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping a small amount of the flour mixture into it; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
- While the oil is heating, prepare the spicy guava sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine 1/2 cup of guava paste, 1 tablespoon of hot sauce, and 1 tablespoon of lime juice. Stir the mixture until smooth and heated through. Adjust the hot sauce according to your spice preference.
- Once the oil is hot, take each shrimp and dredge it in the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Shake off any excess flour before placing the shrimp in the hot oil.
- Carefully add the coated shrimp to the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Once all the shrimp are fried, serve them hot with the spicy guava sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious Fried Shrimp with Spicy Guava Sauce!
Tips
- Pat your shrimp completely dry before coating to ensure a crispy, even breading that sticks perfectly.
- Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for consistent, golden-brown results.
- Fry shrimp in small batches to prevent overcrowding and maintain oil temperature.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cayenne or garlic powder to your flour mixture.
- The guava sauce can be made ahead of time and gently reheated, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best taste and texture.
- Let the fried shrimp rest on a paper towel for a minute to absorb excess oil and maintain crispiness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 180mg
