Fried Shrimp Recipe

Honey, this Fried Shrimp Recipe is absolutely the best! I soak my shrimp in buttermilk before rolling them in a seasoned cornmeal crust and frying them until perfectly crunchy. This is how the South prepares it, y’all! I quit buying restaurant fried shrimp once I perfected this dish, and you won’t want to order out either! For another comforting dinner, see Easy Shrimp Scampi Pasta: A 15-Minute Buttery Seafood Dinner.

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Ingredient Guidelines

• Cornmeal: If you prefer to skip the traditional Southern texture, feel free to swap it for crunchy panko, standard breadcrumbs, or crushed cornflakes or crackers.
• Buttermilk: Create a quick substitute by stirring a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice into one cup of milk. Allow it to rest for roughly 10 minutes until slightly thickened before using.
• Eggs: Simply increase the buttermilk slightly and skip the egg entirely.
• Shrimp: Purchase pre-deveined shrimp from your market to save prep time. Medium to large sizes work beautifully here, but jumbo sizes are also perfectly fine!

How to Prepare Fried Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Crust and Buttermilk Dip

1. Inside a resealable bag, combine the flour, cornmeal, and all the flavorful seasonings.
2. In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce into a smooth liquid blend.

Step 2: Coat the Shrimp

1. Submerge every shrimp in the buttermilk blend, ensuring they are fully saturated.
2. Afterward, drop the wet shrimp into the seasoned dry blend. Shake the bag until every piece is evenly covered. Arrange them on a sheet pan to rest.

Step 3: Fry Until Golden

1. Fill your pot with sufficient oil for proper deep frying. You want a nice sizzle, so heat the oil until it hits 350 F.
2. Carefully lower the shrimp into the hot oil and cook until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Keep in mind that shrimp cook quickly, so avoid leaving them in too long.
3. Remove them from the oil and place them on wire racks set over paper towel-lined pans, or directly on paper towels.

How to Store Cooked Shrimp

Freshly cooked shrimp tastes best right out of the fryer. If you have any leftovers, keep them in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Warm them in a 350 F oven for about 10 minutes to bring back that crunchy exterior. Another recipe that works well for a busy day is Thanksgiving Salad, Easy Festive Holiday Mixed Green Salad.

For safe storage and reheating, follow the USDA leftovers and food-safety guidance.

Fried Shrimp Recipe Questions

Which oil works best for frying shrimp?

Opt for a neutral oil with a high smoke point such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These varieties won’t mask the subtle taste of the seafood and can safely handle the 350 F heat required for a flawless fry.

Is it possible to bake these instead of frying?

• Absolutely! Lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray and bake at 400 F for 12 to 15 minutes, turning them over halfway.
• While you won’t achieve the exact deep-fried crispness, they will still taste wonderful and be significantly lighter.
• To boost the crunch, arrange them on a wire rack during baking so hot air flows evenly around every piece.

How can I tell when the shrimp are completely done?

• They will shift to an opaque pink color and develop a firm bite.
• Shrimp that are cooked too long turn rubbery, so watch them carefully during the 2 to 3 minute cooking window.
• For proper food safety, the internal temperature needs to hit 145 F.

Which sides pair nicely with fried shrimp?

Traditional Southern Accompaniments

• Creamy coleslaw
• Hushpuppies
• Baked beans

• Corn on the cob
• Macaroni and cheese
• Collard greens

• Potato salad
• Fried okra
• Cornbread

Is it possible to prepare this recipe in advance?

Additional Seafood Dishes You Will Enjoy

• Shrimp and Grits
• Blackened Catfish
• Fried Green Tomatoes
• Cajun Crawfish

Recipe Tips

• Avoid crowding the pot during frying. Prepare in batches to keep the oil temperature steady.
• Blot the shrimp dry prior to dipping to improve coating adhesion.
• Sample your dry mix and tweak the seasoning to your liking before applying it.
• Serve right away alongside your preferred dipping sauce such as cocktail sauce or remoulade.

Nutritional Details

Calories: 186 kcal | Carbohydrates: 19 g | Protein: 19 g | Fat: 3 g | Saturated Fat: 1 g | Cholesterol: 210 mg | Sodium: 680 mg | Potassium: 320 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 2 g | Vitamin A: 15% | Vitamin C: 5% | Calcium: 10% | Iron: 15%

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and based on standard ingredients. Actual numbers may differ depending on the exact brands and portion sizes you choose.

Savor this classic Fried Shrimp Recipe and share your results with me! Please remember to drop a rating and comment in the section below. A similar recipe to keep in mind is Grit Cakes Recipe: Crispy Outside, Creamy Inside.

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