Fried Shrimp – These crispy, golden fried shrimp are the perfect combination of tender shrimp and a crunchy, flavorful coating. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by the sweet, juicy shrimp inside. Pairs beautifully with dipping sauces like cocktail or tartar sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make crispy fried shrimp, here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need to have on hand:
- Shrimp: Use medium to large shrimp, preferably fresh or properly thawed if frozen. You can keep the shells on for extra flavor or peel them for a more straightforward bite.
- Cornstarch: For an ultra-crisp coating, cornstarch is key. It helps create that light, golden crust.
- All-purpose flour: This is the base of your breading mix.
- Seasonings: A blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (optional), and a squeeze of lemon juice gives the shrimp amazing flavor.
- Eggs: Eggs help bind the flour and cornstarch mixture to the shrimp, ensuring an even coating.
- Buttermilk: Soaking shrimp in buttermilk before breading helps them stay juicy and tender inside.
- Oil: Vegetable oil or peanut oil works best for deep frying, as it can handle the high heat needed to get that crispy crust.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Fried Shrimp
Achieving perfectly fried shrimp isn’t difficult, but there are a few key tips that will take your dish from good to great:
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Always opt for fresh shrimp over frozen if possible. Fresh shrimp have a better texture and flavor. If you must use frozen shrimp, ensure they are properly thawed and patted dry before using.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Fryer: Fry the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause them to steam rather than fry, leading to soggy shrimp.
- Maintain the Right Temperature: Keep your oil temperature around 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too hot, the shrimp will burn on the outside before cooking through; too cool, and the shrimp will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Coat Evenly: Ensure that the shrimp are well-coated in both the dry flour mixture and the buttermilk before frying. This creates a crispy shell that’s golden and delicious.
- Rest After Frying: After frying the shrimp, place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. This helps them stay crispy and not soggy.
How to Serve Fried Shrimp
Fried shrimp can be enjoyed in many different ways. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
- Classic Shrimp Cocktail: Serve the fried shrimp alongside a tangy cocktail sauce as an appetizer.
- Shrimp Po’ Boy: Place fried shrimp in a soft roll, adding lettuce, tomatoes, and a zesty sauce to create a delicious sandwich.
- Fried Shrimp with Sides: Pair your fried shrimp with some crunchy coleslaw, crispy French fries, or a fresh garden salad for a well-rounded meal.
- Tacos: Try making shrimp tacos by filling soft corn tortillas with fried shrimp, shredded cabbage, a drizzle of creamy sauce, and fresh lime wedges.
Variations of Fried Shrimp
While the classic recipe is always a winner, there are some fun variations you can try:
- Spicy Fried Shrimp: Add extra cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to your seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
- Beer-Battered Shrimp: Use a beer batter instead of flour for a puffier, lighter coating with a unique flavor.
- Coconut Shrimp: Coat your shrimp in a mixture of breadcrumbs and shredded coconut before frying for a sweet and savory twist.
- Garlic Butter Fried Shrimp: After frying, toss the shrimp in a mixture of melted garlic butter for an extra layer of flavor.
How to Store Fried Shrimp
If you happen to have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is unlikely), here’s how to store and reheat your fried shrimp:
- Store in an Airtight Container: Place your leftover fried shrimp in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture.
- Refrigerate: Fried shrimp can be stored in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. It’s best to eat them as soon as possible for the best texture.
- Reheat: To reheat, place your fried shrimp on a wire rack in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will help restore some of the crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, frozen shrimp works fine. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before using it to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
Do I need to devein shrimp? Yes, it’s important to devein shrimp to remove the black vein along the back, as it can affect both the texture and appearance of the shrimp.
How do I make the shrimp extra crispy? Ensure you coat the shrimp thoroughly in the flour and cornstarch mixture, then fry at the correct temperature. A light dusting of cornstarch is key for achieving that extra crispy exterior.
Can I fry shrimp in a pan instead of deep frying? Yes, you can pan-fry shrimp. Heat enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan and cook the shrimp in batches. Just be sure to maintain the oil temperature to achieve a crispy crust.
What type of shrimp should I use for frying? Medium to large shrimp works best for frying. Choose shrimp with a good balance of size and tenderness.
Fried Shrimp (Crispy Crunchy)
Fried Shrimp - These crispy, golden fried shrimp are the perfect combination of tender shrimp and a crunchy, flavorful coating. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by the sweet, juicy shrimp inside. Pairs beautifully with dipping sauces like cocktail or tartar sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 cups seasoned bread crumbs
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and cleaned
- ¼ cup butter milk or regular milk
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Preheat oil to 350 degrees F.
- In a small bowl, beat the eggs and combine with buttermilk.
- Add the shrimp and coat them completely. Remove and Drain.
- Add them into the bread crumbs and press to coat well.
- Fry the shrimp in batches for about 2-4 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to a paper lined towel plate.
- Enjoy immediately with your favorite sauce dipping.
Nutrition Information
Yield
2Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 936Total Fat 25gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 16gCholesterol 677mgSodium 3937mgCarbohydrates 93gFiber 6gSugar 15gProtein 80g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
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