Shrimp and Sweet Potato Fritters Recipe
If you love a dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors with a delightful crunch, you’re going to adore this Shrimp and Sweet Potato Fritters Recipe. These fritters are crispy on the outside, tender inside, and bursting with the subtle sweetness of fresh sweet potatoes paired with succulent shrimp. The blend of spices and fresh herbs adds a vibrant kick that feels both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a light meal, they bring a fabulous pop of color and texture to any table, making them an instant favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, straightforward ingredients that work in harmony to create a vibrant and flavorful dish. Each component contributes its own unique taste, texture, or color, making these fritters truly memorable and easy to whip up on any weeknight.
- 1 medium sweet potato: Grated to bring natural sweetness and a tender bite to the fritters.
- 8 ounces raw shrimp: Peeled, deveined, and finely chopped for a wonderfully fresh seafood flavor.
- 2 green onions: Sliced thinly to add a slight crunch and mild oniony aroma.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced to infuse the fritters with rich, savory depth.
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro: Chopped for a fresh, herbal note that brightens every bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin: Offers warm, earthy undertones that complement the sweet potato perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds subtle smoky complexity and beautiful color.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): Kicks up the heat just a notch for those who like a little spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle peppery bite that balances the sweetness.
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour: Binds the fritters together for a perfect pan-fried texture.
- 1 large egg: Helps hold the ingredients in place and adds richness.
- 2 tablespoons milk or water: Lightens the batter slightly for a delicate finish.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil: Used for frying to get that irresistible crispy exterior.
How to Make Shrimp and Sweet Potato Fritters Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potato and Shrimp
Begin by peeling and grating the sweet potato using a box grater. It’s important to pat the grated sweet potato dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture—this ensures your fritters get nice and crispy. Then add the chopped shrimp to the bowl. The shrimp should be finely chopped so it mixes well and cooks quickly, creating tender bites throughout the fritter.
Step 2: Add Fresh Aromatics and Spices
Next, toss in the green onions, minced garlic, cilantro, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper if you’re using it, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything gently to combine, allowing these ingredients to infuse the mixture with lively flavors and beautiful colors.
Step 3: Make the Batter
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, egg, and milk until smooth. Pour this batter into the sweet potato and shrimp mix, then stir until everything is evenly coated. This step is key for binding the fritters, so the mixture holds together during frying but doesn’t become too dense.
Step 4: Fry the Fritters
Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Using about two tablespoons of the mixture for each fritter, carefully scoop it into the hot oil and flatten it slightly. Fry each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and crispy, and the shrimp is fully cooked. Be sure to let the fritters drain on paper towels after frying to remove excess oil and keep them wonderfully crisp.
How to Serve Shrimp and Sweet Potato Fritters Recipe
Garnishes
A simple squeeze of fresh lime over the top instantly elevates these fritters with a bright, citrusy zing. Alternatively, a dollop of yogurt-based dipping sauce with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro offers a cool, creamy contrast that complements the spices beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve these fritters alongside a crisp green salad or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad to add some crunch and freshness. For heartier options, pair them with coconut rice or a light vegetable stir-fry to bring some balance to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Stack two or three fritters and place a spoonful of avocado crema or a tangy salsa on top for a small appetizer tower. You can also turn them into sliders by placing them on mini buns with a swipe of spicy mayo and crunchy slaw—delicious fun for parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the fritters cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, making them perfect for quick lunches or snacks.
Freezing
These fritters freeze beautifully if you want to prep in advance. Lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to one month without losing their texture or flavor.
Reheating
The best way to reheat leftover fritters is in the oven or an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This method keeps them crispy, unlike microwaving, which tends to make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works just fine as long as it’s fully thawed and patted dry before chopping. Removing excess moisture will help keep the fritters from becoming soggy.
Are these fritters gluten-free?
The classic Shrimp and Sweet Potato Fritters Recipe calls for all-purpose flour, but for a gluten-free version, you can substitute almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend with great results.
Can I bake the fritters instead of frying?
While frying gives the crispiest exterior, you can bake the fritters at 400°F (200°C) on a greased baking sheet for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crunchy but still delicious.
What can I serve with these fritters?
These fritters are versatile—think fresh salads, creamy dipping sauces, or even some steamed vegetables. They also shine as part of a bigger spread for gatherings.
How spicy are the fritters?
The level of spice depends on whether you add the cayenne pepper. It adds a gentle heat that balances the sweetness nicely, but you can leave it out for a milder version that everyone will enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Shrimp and Sweet Potato Fritters Recipe, you’ll see why it’s a go-to favorite for so many people. It’s a wonderful dish that’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing. Whether for a snack, appetizer, or light meal, these fritters will bring joy and deliciousness to your kitchen and your table. So why wait? Grab those sweet potatoes and shrimp and get frying—you’re in for a real treat!
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Shrimp and Sweet Potato Fritters Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Delicious and crispy Shrimp and Sweet Potato Fritters made with shredded sweet potato, fresh shrimp, and fragrant spices. Perfect as a flavorful appetizer or light meal, these fritters are pan-fried to golden perfection and served warm with optional lime or yogurt dipping sauce. Gluten-free options available with alternative flours.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium sweet potato (about 1 cup shredded)
- 8 ounces raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Batter and Cooking
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk or water
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare Sweet Potato: Peel and grate the sweet potato using a box grater and place it in a large bowl. Pat the grated sweet potato dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture to prevent soggy fritters.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the chopped shrimp, green onions, garlic, cilantro, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper to the bowl with the sweet potato. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Make Batter: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, egg, and milk (or water) until smooth. Pour this batter into the sweet potato and shrimp mixture and mix thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated and combined.
- Heat Oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking, suitable for frying the fritters.
- Cook Fritters: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture per fritter into the hot oil, flattening each slightly with the back of the spoon. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side or until the fritters are golden brown and the shrimp is fully cooked through.
- Drain Excess Oil: Transfer the cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, keeping them crisp.
- Serve Warm: Serve the fritters warm, optionally garnished with a squeeze of fresh lime or accompanied by a yogurt-based dipping sauce for extra flavor.
Notes
- Serve with a squeeze of lime or a yogurt-based dipping sauce for added brightness and creaminess.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
- These fritters reheat well in the oven or air fryer, making them convenient for leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Fusion
