1 cup sifted flour
1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 cup cold water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 pounds fresh shrimp

Peel shell from shrimp, leaving last section and tail intact. Cut slit through center back without severing either end; remove black line. Dry shrimp thoroughly.

Combine flour, sugar, salt, egg, water and vegetable oil; beat well. Dip prepared shrimp into batter. Fry in deep hot fat (375 degrees F) until golden brown. Drain shrimp on white paper toweling. Serve immediately with cocktail sauce or tartar sauce.