Fried Shrimp Platter
Plump, juicy shrimp coated in a light, perfectly seasoned cornmeal crust and fried to golden perfection. This Southern-style platter brings together crispy shrimp, crunchy coleslaw, and a tangy homemade cocktail sauce for a classic comfort-food feast that's surprisingly easy to pull together at home.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Make the coleslaw.
1.In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar until smooth.2.Add shredded cabbage and grated carrot. Toss until well coated.3.Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.TIPLet the coleslaw rest at least 20 minutes — the cabbage softens slightly and the flavors meld. - prep · ~2 min
Make the cocktail sauce.
1.In a small bowl, stir together ketchup, prepared horseradish, and lemon juice.2.Add a dash of hot sauce if you like extra heat. Cover and refrigerate. - prep · ~5 min
Prepare the breading station.
1.Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels.2.In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, cornmeal, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.3.In a second shallow dish, whisk together buttermilk, beaten eggs, and hot sauce.TIPDry shrimp are crucial — any moisture prevents the coating from sticking. - fry · ~8 min
Heat the oil and bread the shrimp.
1.Pour oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to a depth of 2 inches. Heat to 350°F (175°C).2.While the oil heats, bread the shrimp: dip each shrimp into the flour mixture, then the buttermilk-egg wash, then back into the flour mixture. Press gently so the coating adheres.3.Place breaded shrimp on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.TIPUse one hand for wet and one for dry to avoid clumpy fingers. - fry · ~9 min
Fry the shrimp in batches.
1.Carefully lower 5-6 shrimp at a time into the hot oil. Do not crowd the pot.2.Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crisp, turning once halfway through.3.Transfer to the wire rack to drain. Repeat with remaining shrimp.TIPKeep oil between 340°F and 360°F. If it dips too low, the shrimp absorb oil and turn greasy. - assemble · ~2 min
Plate the fried shrimp platter.
1.Spoon a generous mound of coleslaw onto one side of each plate.2.Arrange fried shrimp next to the coleslaw.3.Add a ramekin of cocktail sauce and a lemon wedge.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pat the shrimp bone-dry before breading or the coating will slide off during frying.
- 2Use one hand for the dry flour mix and the other for the wet egg wash to keep your fingers from getting clumpy.
- 3Fry in small batches (5-6 shrimp at a time) to keep the oil temperature steady at 350°F, preventing greasy shrimp.
- 4Let the coleslaw rest in the fridge for at least 20 minutes before serving — it softens and the flavors meld.
- 5Place fried shrimp on a wire rack over a sheet pan rather than paper towels to keep the crust crispy.
- 6Make the cocktail sauce and coleslaw up to a day ahead for a quicker supper on serving day.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gluten-Free
Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and use certified gluten-free cornmeal. The coating stays crisp and the flavor is just as bold.
Air FryerAir-Fryer
Cook breaded shrimp in an air fryer at 375°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. You'll need just a light spray of oil, and they come out much lighter but still crisp.
Extra SpicyExtra-Spicy
Double the cayenne pepper and add 1/2 teaspoon of chipotle powder to the flour mix. For the cocktail sauce, stir in a chopped jalapeño or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
No ColeslawNo-Coleslaw
If you're skipping the slaw, serve the shrimp over a crisp green salad with sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon-herb vinaigrette.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High-Quality Protein
Shrimp are a lean source of complete protein, providing all essential amino acids for muscle repair and satiety.
Rich in Coleslaw Fiber
The shredded cabbage and carrot in the coleslaw offer dietary fiber, which supports digestion and helps you feel full longer.
Vitamin C from Lemon
A squeeze of lemon juice over the platter adds vitamin C, which aids iron absorption and supports immune health.
Omega-3s from Shrimp
Shrimp contain small amounts of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain and cardiovascular health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, just thaw them completely under cold running water and pat them very dry with paper towels before breading.
