Quick Description
Get ready to taste a piece of Southern heaven with this delectable Southern Fried Shrimp recipe! The shrimp are perfectly seasoned, coated in a crispy golden batter, and fried to mouthwatering perfection. Whether served as an appetizer, a main dish, or alongside your favorite sides, these shrimp are sure to be a hit!
Servings & Timing
- Serves: 4–6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5–7 minutes
- Total Time: ~20 minutes
Ingredients List
-
For Frying:
Canola oil (for frying) -
For the Shrimp:
24 ounces large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined -
Egg Wash:
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk (or milk)
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper -
For the Breading:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Prepare the Egg Wash:
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk (or milk), kosher salt, and black pepper until well combined. Set aside. -
Make the Breading:
In a separate shallow bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (optional), kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well. -
Prepare the Shrimp:
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This ensures the batter sticks properly. -
Coat the Shrimp:
Dip each shrimp into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated, then dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture. Press gently to make sure the shrimp is well coated in the breading. -
Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or large pan, heat about 1 inch of canola oil over medium-high heat. To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of breading into the oil—if it sizzles and rises to the top, it’s ready. -
Fry the Shrimp:
Working in batches, carefully place the breaded shrimp into the hot oil. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. -
Serve:
Serve the Southern Fried Shrimp hot with your favorite dipping sauce, lemon wedges, or a side of coleslaw.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 24g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
Benefits
- Crispy & Flavorful: The shrimp are seasoned perfectly and coated in a crispy batter, making each bite irresistible.
- Quick & Easy: This recipe is simple and doesn’t take long to prepare, perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend appetizer.
- Customizable: Add more spice with extra cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to give the shrimp a kick.
Additional Notes
- Oil Temperature: Be sure the oil stays hot (around 350°F) throughout cooking to ensure the shrimp get crispy and golden without absorbing too much oil.
- Non-Spicy Option: If you prefer a milder version, omit the cayenne pepper from the breading.
Dietary Info
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour to make this dish gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute regular milk for plant-based milk and skip the buttermilk for a dairy-free version.
Brief Introduction
This Southern Fried Shrimp recipe is the perfect balance of crispy, seasoned goodness and juicy shrimp. It’s the ultimate dish for shrimp lovers, packed with flavor and perfectly fried to a golden crunch. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just a quick weeknight meal, these shrimp are sure to satisfy!
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Prepare egg wash and season flour mixture.
- Coat shrimp in egg wash, then bread in seasoned flour.
- Fry shrimp in hot oil for 2–3 minutes per side until crispy.
- Serve with dipping sauce and enjoy!
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
- Canola Oil: Canola oil is perfect for frying due to its high smoke point. You can also use vegetable oil or peanut oil.
- Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Serve With: This dish pairs perfectly with a side of hush puppies, French fries, or a fresh green salad.
- Spicy Option: For extra heat, toss the fried shrimp in your favorite hot sauce after frying.
- Cocktail Sauce: Serve with a tangy cocktail sauce for dipping or a side of homemade remoulade sauce.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerate: Fried shrimp are best served immediately, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: To keep the shrimp crispy, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or until heated through.
