Crispy fried shrimp will impress your guests, but they’re simple to prepare. Just a bit of crunchy breading added just right so it sticks in place and crisps perfectly, and you’re ready to get frying. Start to finish, it’s quick and easy, and you’ll be amazed at how good fresh fried shrimp taste at home!
Are you a seafood fan who’s looking to impress your guests with a dish that’s both tasty and easy to make? Or perhaps you’re just a shrimp lover searching for a new, mouth-watering recipe to add to your collection?
Look no further, because nothing beats the crispy, succulent goodness of fried shrimp!
Fried shrimp is a dish that originated in the southern United States but has since become a global favorite. It consists of fresh shrimp that have been dipped in a batter, coated in breadcrumbs, and then deep-fried until crispy and golden. The result is a perfectly crunchy exterior with a juicy and flavorful interior.
Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or a main course, fried shrimp is both versatile and delicious. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make, so even novice chefs can whip up a batch in no time.
So grab your apron, and let’s get frying!
Ingredients for Fried Shrimp
The ingredients for making fried shrimp are quite simple. To make six servings, you’ll need the following:
- 2 lbs jump shrimp (peel but leave the tails on)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 3 eggs (beaten)
- Oil (for frying)
- 1 ¾ cups panko breadcrumbs
- Cocktail sauce for serving (optional)
- Parsley for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges for garnish (optional)
Personally, I love the nice crisp coating that panko bread crumbs provide, but you can use any type of breadcrumbs.
If you’re hoping to make this gluten free, simply replace the flour with a gluten free flour blend (or cornstarch) and replace the bread crumbs with a gluten free version.
How to Make Fried Shrimp
First things first, let’s talk about the coating. To make it, mix together flour, salt, pepper and garlic powder in a bowl.
In another bowl, beat some eggs until they’re well combined. Then, in a third bowl, pour in the panko breadcrumbs.
Now it’s time to prepare the shrimp. Use the largest shrimp you can find – under 15 count size is ideal, but 16/20 and 21/25 sizes both work well too.
Next, you’ll begin the dredging process. To ensure even coating, hold the shrimp by the tail as you dip them in the flour mixture, then in the egg mixture, and finally in the breadcrumbs. Shake off any excess coating before you fry the shrimp so you don’t have clumps.
Heat up 3 inches of oil in a deep large pot (heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit). Be sure to use a frying thermometer to monitor the temperature.
When the oil is nice and hot, carefully place the shrimp in the pot, taking care not to overcrowd them. Cook for three to four minutes or until golden brown.
As you cook the shrimp, make sure to give them a little stir so they don’t clump together.
Once all the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the oil and let them drain on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
This is important, as if the shrimp don’t drain after frying, they can be soggy. Draining ensures they have a nice crisp finish.
Instead of paper towels, you can also use a cooling rack suspended over a baking sheet so they have good airflow on all sides (and the extra oil can still drain). Paper towels make for easy cleanup though!
Once the shrimp have drained for a few minutes, they’re ready to serve piping hot.
Add the garnishes and cocktail sauce (if desired) and that’s all there is to it!
Serving Fried Shrimp
To keep your shrimp crisp after you remove them from the frying pan, try not to stack them on top of each other. If you need to store them for a bit longer, let them cool down for a few minutes before stashing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes until they’re hot all the way through.
One of the best things about this recipe is that you can truly customize it to your liking. You can switch it up by trying different flavorings, adding herbs and spices, or even using alternative cooking techniques.
If you’re feeling like experimenting or want a healthier option, you can try baking your shrimp instead of frying them by coating them with cooking spray and baking them on a sheet pan for 15 minutes. You can also use an air fryer instead of deep frying for a slightly different texture.
It’s important to note that this dish is usually served as an appetizer or a side dish. That being said, it can also make for a tasty main course if you serve it with some sides.
As for what to serve your fried shrimp with, the possibilities are endless. You can opt for the classic cocktail sauce or tartar sauce, or switch things up with a spicy aioli or sweet chili sauce. Have some lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing.
As for sides, French fries, coleslaw, or corn on the cob are all great options. And don’t forget to crack open a cold beer to wash it all down!
Fried Shrimp
Fried shrimp are a perfectly crisp and delicious way to serve shrimp for dinner (or as a quick appetizer).
Ingredients
- 2 lbs jump shrimp (peel but leave the tails on)
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 3 eggs (beaten)
- Oil (for frying)
- 1 ¾ cups panko breadcrumbs
- Cocktail sauce for serving (optional)
- Parsley for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Start by making the coating. Combine the flour, salt, pepper and garlic powder in a bowl.
- In another bowl, beat some eggs until they're well combined.
- In a third bowl, pour in the panko breadcrumbs.
- Use the largest shrimp you can find - under 15 count size is ideal, but 16/20 and 21/25 sizes both work well too.
- Begin the dredging process. Hold the shrimp by the tail as you dip them in the flour mixture, then in the egg mixture, and finally in the breadcrumbs.
- Shake off any excess coating before you fry the shrimp so you don't have clumps.
- Heat up 3 inches of oil in a deep large pot (heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit).
- When the oil is hot, carefully place the shrimp in the pot, taking care not to overcrowd them.
- Cook for three to four minutes or until golden brown. As you cook the shrimp, make sure to give them a little stir so they don't clump together.
- Once all the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the oil and let them drain on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
- Add the garnishes and cocktail sauce (if desired) and serve hot.
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