Fried Shrimp
Perfectly crispy and golden fried shrimp with a light, seasoned coating. This classic Southern recipe is quick to make and perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce. A guaranteed family favorite!
For 4 servings
5 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Wet and Dry Mixtures
- b.Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for a crispy coating.
- c.In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg to create the wet batter.
- d.In a separate shallow dish or pie plate, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well blended.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Heat the Frying Oil
- b.Pour about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven.
- c.Heat the oil over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 350°F (175°C). Maintaining this temperature is key for non-greasy shrimp.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Coat the Shrimp
- b.While the oil heats, dip each shrimp into the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
- c.Immediately transfer the shrimp to the flour mixture, tossing gently to ensure it's fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Fry in Batches
- b.Carefully place 5-6 coated shrimp into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot.
- c.Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning once, until they are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
- d.The shrimp will float to the surface and curl into a 'C' shape when done.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Drain and Serve
- b.Using a slotted spoon or spider strainer, remove the fried shrimp from the oil.
- c.Transfer them to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain. This allows air to circulate and keeps them crispy.
- d.Immediately sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- e.Repeat the frying process with the remaining shrimp, allowing the oil to return to 350°F between batches.
- f.Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce like tartar or cocktail sauce.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the crispiest shrimp, ensure the oil temperature is consistently at 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
- 2Do not overcrowd the pot when frying. This lowers the oil temperature and results in greasy, unevenly cooked shrimp.
- 3Patting the shrimp completely dry before coating is crucial for the batter to adhere properly.
- 4A wire rack is superior to paper towels for draining fried food as it allows air to circulate, keeping the bottom crispy.
- 5For an extra-thick crust, you can double-dredge: dip in buttermilk, then flour, back into buttermilk, and finally into the flour again.
- 6Leave the tails on the shrimp for a built-in handle, making them easier to dip and eat.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Fried Shrimp
Add 1/2 teaspoon of hot sauce to the buttermilk mixture and increase the cayenne pepper in the flour to 1/2 teaspoon for an extra kick.
Gluten Free Fried ShrimpGluten-Free Fried Shrimp
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure your cornstarch is also certified gluten-free.
Herbed Fried ShrimpHerbed Fried Shrimp
Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano or thyme to the flour mixture for a more herbaceous flavor profile.
Cajun Fried ShrimpCajun Fried Shrimp
Replace the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne with 2 tablespoons of a good quality Cajun seasoning blend.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Shrimp is packed with high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, making enzymes and hormones, and supporting muscle mass.
Rich in Selenium
This recipe provides a significant amount of selenium, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and plays a crucial role in thyroid health and immune function.
Provides Key Nutrients
Beyond protein, shrimp is a good source of several important vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin B12, iron, and phosphorus, which are vital for energy production and bone health.
Frequently asked questions
Each serving of this fried shrimp contains approximately 550-650 calories, depending on the size of the shrimp and the amount of oil absorbed during frying.