Recipe: Prawns in Old Speckled Hen Tempura Batter

These tasty little morsels will leave you wanting more. They make for a perfect starter or a tasty canapé at any festive dinner party.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• For the batter
• 75g cornflour
• 75g plain flour
• 1 free-range egg, lightly beaten
• 188ml Old Speckled Hen
• vegetable oil, for deep-frying
• 50g plain flour
• 1.5kg uncooked king prawns, shells and central veins removed, but tails left attached
• Mayonnaise to serve

Method

For the batter, sift the cornflour and flour together into a medium bowl.

Make a well in the centre and add the egg and Old Speckled Hen and whisk from the centre outwards, until just combined (it is okay if the batter is a little lumpy). Allow the batter to stand for a few minutes in a cool place.

Heat the oil in a deep heavy-bottomed pan until a breadcrumb sizzles and turns brown when dropped into it. (CAUTION: hot oil can be dangerous. Do not leave unattended.)

Place the flour onto a plate and dredge the prawns into it to cover well. Dip the prawns into the batter and carefully add to the hot oil to deep-fry in batches for 2-3 minutes, or until crisp and golden.

Carefully remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper.

Serve with mayonnaise.