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Home » Recipes » 30 Minute Meals

Gluten Free Shrimp Tempura (Dairy Free & Egg Free)

thriving gluten free recipes

by Thriving Gluten Free Published: Jul 16, 2025 · Modified: Apr 12, 2026 · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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If you're craving that crispy, airy crunch of traditional shrimp tempura but need to keep it gluten free, you're in the right place. This gluten free shrimp tempura recipe delivers all the light, golden perfection of the classic Japanese dish without any gluten, dairy or eggs. This recipe makes for an irresistible appetizer or main course!

Crispy gluten free shrimp tempura on a plate with dipping sauce, dairy free and egg free Japanese style fried shrimp

Why You'll Love This Gluten Free Tempura Recipe

  • Crispy and Light: Thanks to a smart combo of gluten free flours and cold water.
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes!
  • Perfect for Everyone: Allergy-friendly and tastes just like the original

Let's get ready to learn how to make the best gluten free fried shrimp at home!

Ingredients You'll Need to Make the Tempura Batter

  • Gluten-Free All Purpose Flour
  • Tapioca Flour, cornstarch or arrowroot works well also!
  • Baking Powder
  • Garlic Powder
  • Salt
  • Water
  • Neutral Oil for Frying like avocado oil

Looking for more gluten free shrimp recipes or healthy Asian-inspired meals? I think you'll love this Shrimp Stir Fry with Gluten Free Ramen Noodles and this Easy Lemon Risotto with Shrimp

Inside view of gluten free shrimp tempura showing juicy shrimp and airy crispy coating

Instructions

Prep the Shrimp. Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels. Lightly season with salt and pepper, then dust with a tablespoon of cornstarch. This helps the gluten free batter stick better and results in a crispier coating.

Make the Tempura Batter. In a medium bowl, mix your gluten free flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder and salt. Gently stir in the cold water. The batter should be slightly lumpy- don't overmix! A cold, lumpy batter creates the crispiest results.

Heat the Oil. In a deep pot or fryer, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying; too cool and the batter absorbs oil, too hot and it burns quickly.

Fry the Shrimp. Dip each shrimp into the batter and gently place into the hot oil. Fry in batches- don't overcrowd. Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Tips for Perfect Gluten Free Tempura Shrimp

Use Very Cold Batter

Cold batter hitting hot oil creates steam, which gives you that airy crunch.

Don't Crowd the Pan

Overcrowding lowers oil temperature and makes soggy tempura.

Serve Immediately

Tempura is best fresh. It's not meant to sit!

What to Serve With Gluten Free Shrimp Tempura

This crispy shrimp is incredibly versatile:

  • Over jasmine rice
  • In lettuce wraps or tacos
  • On top of gluten free ramen
  • As an appetizer platter with vegetables

You can also make gluten free vegetable tempura using zucchini, sweet potato slices, broccoli, or green beans with the same batter.

Love this batter? Try it with Chicken!

This same gluten free tempura batter is what makes my Gluten Free Sweet and Sour Chicken so incredibly crispy. If you're looking for a sweet and sour chicken recipe with that perfect crunchy coating, you have to check this one out next!

Have you tried this recipe? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me on Instagram at @thrivingglutenfree so I can see how it turned out.

Let's eat!

gluten free shrimp tempura recipe
Thriving Gluten Free

Gluten Free Shrimp Tempura

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This gluten free shrimp tempura recipe delivers all the light perfection of the classic Japanese dish without any gluten, dairy or eggs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 206
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Gluten Free 1:1 Flour
  • 1 cup Cornstarch or Tapioca Flour
  • 1 tablespoon Baking Powder
  • 2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1½ cups Cold Water
  • Oil for Frying

Equipment

  • Deep Pan

Method
 

  1. Prep the Shrimp. Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels. Lightly season with salt and pepper, then dust with a tablespoon of cornstarch. This helps the gluten free batter stick better and results in a crispier coating.
  2. Make the Tempura Batter. In a medium bowl, mix your gluten free flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder and salt. Gently stir in the cold water. The batter should be slightly lumpy don't overmix! A cold, lumpy batter creates the crispiest results.
  3. Heat the Oil. In a deep pot or fryer, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying; too cool and the batter absorbs oil, too hot and it burns quickly.
  4. Fry the Shrimp. Dip each shrimp into the batter and gently place into the hot oil. Fry in batches- don't overcrowd. Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Nutrition

Calories: 206kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 3gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.003gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gSodium: 905mgPotassium: 25mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin C: 0.02mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

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thriving gluten free recipes for those with celiac disease and gluten intolerance

Hi, I'm Debby! The recipe creator, mom and blogger behind Thriving Gluten Free. Our oldest daughter was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2011, so we've been navigating gluten-free living ever since. I love to share our favorite recipes, products and tips to help make your gluten-free life easy, healthy and delicious!

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