Ukoy Recipe - Filipino Shrimp Fritters - Foxy Folksy (2024)

BY :Bebs | Published: | Updated: | 19 Comments

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4.92 from 12 votes

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Get this easy Ukoy recipe, the Filipino crunchy shrimp fritters using sweet potato. It is a popular Filipino snack that can also be served as an appetizer or, like me, as a main dish to be eaten with rice. Make sure you do not forget the spiced vinegar for dipping!
Ukoy Recipe - Filipino Shrimp Fritters - Foxy Folksy (1)

  • What is Ukoy?
  • The secret to perfect, crunchy shrimp fritter
  • Printable Recipe
  • Ukoy Recipe - Filipino Shrimp Fritters

What is Ukoy?

Ukoy or Okoy is a Filipino dish, usually appetizer, of shrimp fritters. The small unshelled shrimp is normally accompanied by other vegetables or root crops. Most commonly used are squash, green papaya, cabbage, sweet potato, bean sprouts, and carrots. Technically anything that is in season that can be shredded and fried. It is also common to find them sold by street food vendors in local marketplaces. The typical bright orange color is achieved from achuete seeds.

I've been craving for Ukoy for like ages but I always thought that it is impossible to make them while I am here in Germany. The Ukoy I grew up with uses green papaya which is impossible to find here. Then while browsing through the net, I came across several recipes for Ukoy that use different kinds of vegetables like bean sprouts, squash, and sweet potato!

Ukoy Recipe - Filipino Shrimp Fritters - Foxy Folksy (2)

I was excited to try it of course, so next on my list to cross—the shrimp! It should be not so difficult I thought, of course, there are shrimp in Germany, but usually we only have the frozen ones. It does not matter, it could work! But then all that I was able to find in our local food stores were too big, already peeled or the heads removed! I don't know why, but I cannot picture an Ukoy with shelled and beheaded shrimps. My last hope was to go to the nearest Asian food shop (which is not really so near), so I convinced Armin that it is time to replenish our fish and soy sauce.

Ukoy Recipe - Filipino Shrimp Fritters - Foxy Folksy (3)

And look what I found! The perfect shrimp for Ukoy! Shell and head intact and also the perfect size. Yes, in this case, sizes do matter. Small shrimp will be crunchy when fried, shell and all! I cannot be happier!

Ukoy Recipe - Filipino Shrimp Fritters - Foxy Folksy (4)

The secret to perfect, crunchy shrimp fritter

It is no surprise that cornstarch adds a crunchy bite to any fried food. I also find that adding it makes the fritters stay crispy even when they turn cold.

A note about cooking Ukoy: Don't be surprised if you get a runny batter, it is supposed to be like that.

I also remembered watchingan Ukoy vendor in the 'palengke' or market (way, way back then). I was too curious and fascinated by how they make their shrimp fritters perfectly round. Their secret technique,—saucers. They use it to measure to have uniform sizes and to form them into perfectly round disks. They tip the saucer filled with the batter to the hot oil and slide it out without breaking form.

Ukoy Recipe - Filipino Shrimp Fritters - Foxy Folksy (5)

Printable Recipe

Ukoy Recipe - Filipino Shrimp Fritters - Foxy Folksy (6)

Print Review

Ukoy Recipe - Filipino Shrimp Fritters

4.92 from 12 votes

Get this easy Ukoy recipe, Filipino crunchy shrimp fritters using sweet potato. A popular Filipino snack that can also be served as an appetizer or main dish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 15 minutes mins

Total Time: 25 minutes mins

Course :Appetizer, Side Dish

Servings =8

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup flour
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 1 cup water
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1-2 teaspoons salt - adjust to your preference
  • 1 teaspoon annatto/achuete powder (can be more or less)
  • 1 cups small shrimps + some for toppings
  • 2 cups grated sweet potatoes
  • oil - for frying
  • spiced vinegar - for dipping

Instructions

  • In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt and ground pepper. Add the water and whisk together until well-blended and smooth. Stir in annatto/achuete powder to the mixture and mix well until color is evenly distributed.

  • Add 1 cup shrimps and grated sweet potato in the mixture and lightly stir to distribute.

  • Heat oil in a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.

  • Fill a small saucer evenly with about 2-3 tablespoon of the mixture and add 2-3 more shrimps on top. Gently tilt the saucer to slide the mixture into the hot oil and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown.

  • Transfer the deep-fried ukoy in a plate lined with paper towel to absorb the excess oil.

  • Serve while still hot with spiced vinegar.

Nutrition

Calories: 119kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 4gFat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 727mgPotassium: 124mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 4715IUVitamin C: 1.5mgCalcium: 33mgIron: 0.8mg

Have you tried this recipe?Mention @foxyfolksy or tag #FoxyFolksyRecipes!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    What do you think?

  1. Jeanne Amba says

    Ukoy Recipe - Filipino Shrimp Fritters - Foxy Folksy (19)
    The best! My husband who is a picky eater looovvvveeed it!

    Reply

  2. Sam says

    Ukoy Recipe - Filipino Shrimp Fritters - Foxy Folksy (20)
    I don’t think most non Filipinos would even try these unshelled shrimp fritters. I have, but I’m a Pinoy. I would substitute raw shelled/peeled tail off & deveined shrimp/prawns.

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      If the shrimp are small enough they will turn out crunchy with the shells on and fried! I do hope they try it to see it for themselves 😉.

      Reply

    • Alvin says

      Ukoy Recipe - Filipino Shrimp Fritters - Foxy Folksy (21)
      Shrimp heads and shells releases flavour to this dish, you can simply put the shrimp aside to peel it.

      Reply

      • Bebs says

        I totally agree...I can't imagine ukoy with shelled shrimp, it just won't be the same. But that is me 🙂

        Reply

  3. Joseph says

    are shells still on shrimps

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      Yes, keep them on and they add a crunch when fried😉.

      Reply

  4. Ruth says

    Ukoy Recipe - Filipino Shrimp Fritters - Foxy Folksy (22)
    Delicious, thank you very much !

    Reply

  5. Deborah Mickow says

    Ukoy Recipe - Filipino Shrimp Fritters - Foxy Folksy (23)
    Yum, Yum & YUM!!!!! Delicious!! Thank you xoxo

    Reply

  6. Wing says

    Ukoy Recipe - Filipino Shrimp Fritters - Foxy Folksy (24)
    Love it

    Reply

  7. Melinette says

    What happens if i put egg? Some recipes have them?

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      You can, but normally adding eggs to the batter will make them softer once fried and not as crispy.

      Reply

  8. Jorman says

    Ukoy Recipe - Filipino Shrimp Fritters - Foxy Folksy (25)
    You could also make it with veggies or small fishes. but no matter how you cook them, they're sure to be delicious!

    Reply

  9. Ray says

    Well presented, simple, and easy to follow. Am a new fan, will check your other recipes.

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      Glad you like our recipe, Ray!

      Reply

  10. Rica Dela Rosa Derosier says

    I love cook and trying new thing , but my kids whenever I start cooking they make fun of in a nice. Because everytime my recipe is Rica's recipes. Bebs ,Your the best .

    Reply

  11. Douglas Cole says

    Ukoy Recipe - Filipino Shrimp Fritters - Foxy Folksy (26)
    Ukoy are delicious with peeled shrimp! A clove or two of garlic, chopped scallions, a little corn, so many things can be added.

    Reply

  12. Dennis says

    As a Filipino also living in Germany, it can be quite frustrating not to be able to get fresh seafood. I'm not sure if it's just me or do shrimps here taste different?

    I am dying to try this once I find the right shrimps. I am not a fan of frying, so did it spatter a lot?

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      I can totally relate to your frustrations! I do hope you find the 'right' shrimps and to answer your question... NO, it did not splatter at all! 🙂

      Reply

Ukoy Recipe - Filipino Shrimp Fritters - Foxy Folksy (2024)

FAQs

What is the English of ukoy? ›

ukoy [ú. kuy.] : merman (n.); shrimp fritter (n.); prowl (v.); slink (v.); sneak (v.); stalk (v.)

What is Okoy made of? ›

Okoy or ukoy, are Filipino crispy deep-fried fritters made with glutinous rice batter, unshelled small shrimp, and various vegetables, including calabaza, sweet potato, cassava, mung bean sprouts, scallions and julienned carrots, onions, and green papaya.

What is nasi in english? ›

Nasi = rice, goreng = fried. Nasi sudah menjadi bubur, de rijst is al rijstepap geworden. Nasi sudah menjadi bubur, the rice has already turned into rice pudding.

What is Le Platane in English? ›

Translation of platane – French-English dictionary

plane [noun] a type of tree with broad leaves.

What are the benefits of Okoy? ›

As for the micronutrients, Okoy is a source of several vitamins including Vitamin A, B-6, B-12, E, K1, and various B-complex vitamins like Thiamin, Riboflavin, and Niacin. It is also rich in essential minerals such as Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Iron, Copper, and Zinc among others.

How many calories does Okoy have? ›

Read More
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
220Calories
9gFat
28gCarbs
6gProtein

What is the history of ukoy? ›

What is the origin of ukoy? Believed to have originated in the province of Laguna, Philippines, okoy or ukoy is a simple yet very tasty Filipino dish and appetizer made from deep fried battered baby shrimp. The shell of the shrimp is left unpeeled as it enhances the flavor and crispiness of okoy.

How many calories are in Okoy? ›

Read More
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
220Calories
9gFat
28gCarbs
6gProtein

What is the English name for Potol AR? ›

Pointed gourd is provincially known as পটল (potol) in both of these Bengali-speaking regions. It is a vital summer vegetable in Bangladesh and in West Bengal. It is cultivated and consumed in every part of Bangladesh and West Bengal.

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