Fried Shrimp – Crispy Golden Treat

Fried shrimp is the perfect combination of crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. Coated in a seasoned batter, each shrimp is fried to perfection, making it a delicious appetizer or main dish. Paired with a zesty dipping sauce or served alongside your favorite sides, it is sure to impress at any gathering or weeknight dinner.

What Makes This Fried Shrimp Recipe So Special?

This fried shrimp recipe is a no-fail method for making crispy, golden shrimp every time. With a seasoned flour coating and a light batter, it ensures that the shrimp are packed with flavor without being overly greasy. This is a simple yet mouthwatering dish that can be enjoyed by everyone, whether you’re a seafood connoisseur or just getting started in the world of shrimp recipes.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Fried Shrimp

To make this crispy fried shrimp, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Shrimp: Choose large or jumbo shrimp that have been peeled and deveined. You can leave the tails on for a more rustic, handheld style, or remove them for a more refined presentation.
• Flour: All-purpose flour is key for a crunchy coating. You can also mix in a little cornstarch to give the shrimp extra crispiness.
• Cornstarch: This ingredient helps the batter become crispier and adds a delicate texture.
• Eggs: For binding the coating to the shrimp.
• Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are the best choice as they create a light and airy crisp texture. You can also use regular breadcrumbs if you prefer.
• Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper for a touch of heat and depth of flavor.
• Buttermilk: Adds a tangy flavor and helps tenderize the shrimp. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use milk with a splash of lemon juice as a substitute.
• Vegetable Oil: For frying the shrimp. Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Fried Shrimp

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying shrimp, avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry them in batches to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.

Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will give the best results, but frozen shrimp can work well too – just be sure to thaw them and pat them dry before cooking.

Oil Temperature Matters: The oil temperature is crucial to getting crispy fried shrimp. If the oil is too hot, the shrimp may burn before cooking through. If the oil is too cool, they’ll absorb too much oil and become greasy.

Double Coat for Extra Crispiness: For an even crispier shrimp, you can double coat them. After dipping in the egg wash, you can dip them back into the seasoned flour and breadcrumbs for a second layer of crunch.

Variations of Fried Shrimp

Fried shrimp can easily be adapted to suit your tastes. Here are a few delicious variations:

Spicy Fried Shrimp: Add extra cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chili powder to the batter for a spicy kick. You can also toss the fried shrimp in a spicy glaze or sauce like buffalo sauce.

Garlic Butter Fried Shrimp: After frying, toss the shrimp in a mixture of melted butter, minced garlic, and fresh parsley for a rich and flavorful finish.

Coconut Fried Shrimp: Replace the panko breadcrumbs with shredded coconut for a tropical twist on this crispy classic.

Beer-Battered Shrimp: For a heavier batter, add beer to the egg mixture. This will create a thicker and fluffier batter with a slight beer flavor.

How to Serve Fried Shrimp

Fried shrimp can be served in many ways:

• As an Appetizer: Serve fried shrimp with cocktail sauce or a tangy dipping sauce as a starter to your meal.
• As a Main Course: Serve fried shrimp alongside a fresh salad, coleslaw, or a side of French fries for a classic seafood platter.
• Tacos: Use fried shrimp as the filling for delicious shrimp tacos. Add shredded cabbage, avocado, and a creamy chipotle sauce for a fun and flavorful meal.
• On a Sandwich: Place fried shrimp on a soft bun with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce to make a crispy shrimp sandwich.

How to Store Leftover Fried Shrimp

Leftover fried shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, for the crispiest shrimp, it’s best to eat them fresh. If you need to store them, reheat in a hot oven (400°F) or a toaster oven for about 10 minutes to bring back the crunch.

Recipe FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! You can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them properly and pat them dry to avoid soggy shrimp.

2. What oil is best for frying shrimp?

Neutral oils with a high smoke point, like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil, are ideal for frying shrimp.

3. Can I make fried shrimp ahead of time?

Fried shrimp is best served immediately after frying to maintain its crispiness. If you must make it ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven to maintain the crunch.

4. How can I make the batter lighter?

If you prefer a lighter batter, you can substitute part of the flour with cornstarch, or even add a little bit of club soda to the egg mixture for extra fluff.

5. Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake the shrimp in a 400°F oven for 12-15 minutes. While they won’t be as crispy as fried shrimp, they will still be tasty.

Final Thoughts

Fried shrimp is a versatile and delicious dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to please. With its crispy golden coating and tender shrimp, it’s a treat that can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, part of a main course, or in tacos, this fried shrimp recipe will become a household favorite. Enjoy your crispy, juicy shrimp, and feel free to experiment with the variations and tips to make it your own.

Try these other shrimp recipes:

• Shrimp And Rice
• Coconut Shrimp
• Shrimp Tacos