There’s something undeniably comforting about enjoying a warm, crispy bite of Filipino Shrimp Fritters, known as Ukoy. Picture the moment when golden, crunchy morsels hit your lips, with the sweet and savory flavors bursting through, inviting you to savor each bite. A recent rainy Sunday, with the scent of fried food wafting through my kitchen, set the stage for a delightful culinary adventure that I just had to share.
After finding a stash of small shrimps hidden in my freezer, I was inspired to recreate this classic dish that perfectly marries the natural sweetness of grated sweet potatoes with the savory goodness of tender shrimp. It’s an easy recipe that transforms an ordinary day into an extraordinary feast, making it perfect for gatherings or simply indulging in at home.
Join me as we dive into the simple yet delicious world of Ukoy—these shrimp fritters are not only quick to prepare but are guaranteed to wow your friends and family! Let’s get cooking!
Why love Filipino Shrimp Fritters so much?
Irresistible Crunch: The crispy exterior gives way to a delightful combination of juicy shrimp and sweet potato that will keep you coming back for more.
Quick and Easy: With just a few steps, you can whip up these delicious treats without any fuss, making them perfect for a weeknight snack or last-minute gatherings.
Versatile Delight: Enjoy them as an appetizer, snack, or even as a meal paired with your favorite dipping sauce.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: These fritters are always a hit, appealing to both kids and adults alike, ensuring smiles around the table.
Feel free to serve with spiced vinegar for an extra kick that pairs perfectly!
Filipino Shrimp Fritters Ingredients
For the Batter
- Flour – ¼ cup provides structure to the fritters.
- Cornstarch – 1 cup adds that irresistible crunch and lightness.
- Water – 1 cup is your binding agent, helping to create a smooth batter.
- Ground Black Pepper – ¼ teaspoon gives a subtle kick to the flavor.
- Salt – 1-2 teaspoons enhance overall taste; adjust to your preference.
- Annatto/Achuete Powder – 1 teaspoon not only adds color but also a mild, earthy flavor.
For the Filling
- Small Shrimps – 1 cup adds savory goodness and freshness to each fritter.
- Grated Sweet Potatoes – 2 cups bring natural sweetness and a unique texture.
For Cooking
- Oil – for frying; opt for a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for best results.
For Serving
- Spiced Vinegar – delicious for dipping, adds a tangy zing that perfectly complements the fritters.
These Filipino Shrimp Fritters, or Ukoy, are sure to be a hit, whether you’re treating your family or impressing guests!
How to Make Filipino Shrimp Fritters
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together ¼ cup flour, 1 cup cornstarch, 1-2 teaspoons salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper until well-blended. This creates the foundation for a crunchy batter.
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Mix Batter: Gradually add 1 cup of water while whisking until the batter is smooth. Stir in 1 teaspoon annatto/achuete powder, ensuring the color is evenly distributed for a beautiful hue.
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Add Fillings: Gently fold in 1 cup of small shrimps and 2 cups of grated sweet potatoes. Mix lightly, letting these flavorful ingredients shine through the batter.
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Heat Oil: In a skillet or frying pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. You can test if the oil is ready by dropping a small amount of batter; it should sizzle upon contact.
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Fry Fritters: Using a small saucer, scoop about 2-3 tablespoons of the mixture and top with 2-3 shrimps. Tilt the saucer to slide the batter into the hot oil, cooking for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
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Drain and Serve: Transfer the crispy fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve these delightful Filipino Shrimp Fritters hot, accompanied by spiced vinegar for dipping.
Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Filipino Shrimp Fritters?
Get ready to create a memorable meal that beautifully complements these delightful crispy bites.
- Steamed Rice: The fluffy texture of plain or garlic rice is a comforting base, ideal for balancing the bold flavors of the fritters.
- Fresh Salad: A vibrant cucumber or mango salad adds crunch and a refreshing contrast, enhancing each bite with a burst of bright flavors.
- Lemonade: A glass of zesty lemonade offers a delightful zing that cuts through the richness and perfectly aligns with the fritters’ savory notes.
- Garlic Sauce: Drizzle warm garlic sauce over the fritters for an extra layer of flavor, adding a rich and aromatic twist to your enjoyment.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: This dipping sauce pairs wonderfully, balancing heat and sweetness, making each fritter even more irresistible.
- Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado brings a luscious texture, enhancing the overall freshness while providing a healthy addition to your meal.
- Steamed Veggies: A side of vibrant steamed broccoli or green beans complements the fritters beautifully, adding color and nutrition to the plate.
- Spiced Vinegar: Serve with more spiced vinegar for dipping; its tangy notes will elevate the flavors, ensuring a rewarding culinary experience with every bite.
- Tropical Fruit Platter: Finish with a refreshing platter of pineapple and mango for a sweet end to your meal, celebrating the tropical essence of the dish.
Filipino Shrimp Fritters Variations
Customize these delightful fritters to suit your taste buds and dietary preferences. Let your creativity shine through!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a similar texture.
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Vegetable Boost: Add 1 cup of chopped vegetables like zucchini or carrots to enhance nutrition and texture.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper into the batter for a flavorful heat.
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Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for an aromatic twist that brightens the dish.
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Cheesy Goodness: Fold in ½ cup of shredded cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, for a melty surprise inside every bite.
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Vegan Version: Replace shrimp with 1 cup of diced tofu or mushrooms. Use a plant-based egg substitute to bind the batter.
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Coconut Treat: Add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the mix for a tropical flair, especially delightful when paired with sweet dipping sauce.
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Sweet Potato Flex: Swap sweet potatoes for mashed regular potatoes or squash for a different yet delicious flavor profile.
Feel free to mix and match these variations to create the perfect version of Filipino Shrimp Fritters that you and your loved ones will adore!
Expert Tips for Filipino Shrimp Fritters
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Choose Fresh Shrimp: Use the freshest small shrimps possible; they’ll enhance the flavor and texture of your fritters dramatically.
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Grate Sweet Potatoes: Make sure to grate the sweet potatoes finely for even cooking and to ensure they blend seamlessly into your batter.
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Avoid Overcrowding: When frying, space out the fritters in the pan to prevent sogginess and ensure they cook evenly for that perfect crunch.
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Check Oil Temperature: Keep the oil hot enough (around 350°F) for crispiness; if it’s too cool, your fritters will absorb oil and become greasy.
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Dipping Sauce Pairing: Serve with spiced vinegar, as it perfectly complements the sweetness of the fritters and cuts through the richness of the fried texture.
These handy tips will help you master Filipino Shrimp Fritters and avoid common pitfalls while cooking!
How to Store and Freeze Filipino Shrimp Fritters
Room Temperature: Ideally, enjoy your Filipino Shrimp Fritters fresh and warm. However, if left out, they can stay at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350°F to regain crispiness.
Freezer: For longer storage, these fritters can be frozen for up to 2 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to an airtight freezer bag.
Reheating: To reheat from frozen, bake in the oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.
Make Ahead Options
These Filipino Shrimp Fritters are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the batter by combining the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and annatto powder up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring it’s tightly covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. For the shrimp and grated sweet potatoes, chop and mix them with the batter, and refrigerate the combined mixture until you’re ready to fry, ideally within 3 days. Then, when you’re ready to serve, simply heat your oil and cook the fritters for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. This way, you enjoy delicious, homemade Filipino Shrimp Fritters with minimal effort on busy weeknights!
Filipino Shrimp Fritters Recipe FAQs
What kind of shrimp should I use for Filipino Shrimp Fritters?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using small, fresh shrimp. They should be peeled and deveined, as this will ensure that each fritter holds onto the sweet and savory goodness of the shrimp without any unnecessary fuss.
How should I store leftover Filipino Shrimp Fritters?
You can store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain their crispy texture, I suggest reheating them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, which will help restore that delightful crunch.
Can I freeze Filipino Shrimp Fritters?
Yes, you absolutely can! To freeze them, place the cooked fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer bag. They can be stored this way for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen at 375°F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through and crispy again.
How do I prevent my fritters from being soggy?
To achieve perfectly crispy Filipino Shrimp Fritters, avoid overcrowding the pan while frying. Give each fritter enough space to cook evenly. Additionally, ensuring your oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F) is essential. You can test this by dropping in a small amount of batter; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is hot enough!
Can I make these fritters gluten-free?
Very! To make gluten-free Filipino Shrimp Fritters, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also use cornstarch as your main binding agent, which should work perfectly with your other ingredients. Just keep an eye on the consistency of the batter when mixing.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
For those with shellfish allergies, it’s essential to avoid shrimp entirely. You can experiment with the recipe by using finely chopped vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers for a vegetarian version. Just remember to adjust the seasoning and possibly the batter consistency to accommodate the different moisture levels in the veggies. Enjoy experimenting!
Filipino Shrimp Fritters Recipe FAQs
Filipino Shrimp Fritters: Crispy Bites You’ll Crave Today
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, whisk together ¼ cup flour, 1 cup cornstarch, 1-2 teaspoons salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper until well-blended.
- Gradually add 1 cup of water while whisking until the batter is smooth. Stir in 1 teaspoon annatto/achuete powder.
- Gently fold in 1 cup of small shrimps and 2 cups of grated sweet potatoes.
- In a skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until ready.
- Scoop about 2-3 tablespoons of the mixture and top with 2-3 shrimps. Slide the batter into the hot oil and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer crispy fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve hot with spiced vinegar.