Introduction
Indulge in the crispy and flavorful world of fried shrimp with this delightful recipe. Perfect for an appetizer or a main course, this dish combines the sweetness of succulent shrimp with a perfectly seasoned coating that will leave your taste buds dancing. Whether served at a casual gathering or a festive occasion, these fried shrimp are sure to be a hit!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; tails on or off
1 cup buttermilk
½ cup cornmeal
¾ cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons ground paprika
1½ teaspoons kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
Vegetable oil for frying
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Lemon wedges (optional, for garnish)
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: Approximately 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll have a delectable dish of fried shrimp ready to impress. Enjoy the perfect crunch, enhanced by the zesty flavors, and don’t forget the lemon wedges for that extra touch!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
If the shrimp are frozen, begin by thawing them and patting them dry with a paper towel. Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a large bowl and add the buttermilk. Toss the shrimp to ensure they are fully coated in buttermilk and let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Mix the Coating
While the shrimp are marinating, take a shallow bowl and whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Dredge the Shrimp
Working in small batches, remove a few shrimp from the buttermilk, shaking off any excess liquid. Dredge the shrimp in the cornmeal mixture, ensuring that they are completely coated. Press the coating onto the shrimp to help it adhere properly.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
In a large Dutch oven, pour in enough vegetable oil to reach a depth of about 3 inches and heat it to 350°F (175°C) on medium-high heat. While the oil is heating, line a baking sheet with paper towels to absorb excess oil after frying.
Step 5: Fry the Shrimp
Fry the breaded shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Stir the shrimp occasionally during cooking to ensure they fry evenly and do not stick together.
Step 6: Drain and Serve
Once the shrimp are golden and cooked through, carefully remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet lined with paper towels. Sprinkle them with an additional pinch of salt while they are still hot. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
Note 1: Shrimp Size
Using large shrimp enhances the texture and taste. Adjust the cooking time if you are using smaller or larger shrimp to ensure they are cooked properly without becoming chewy.
Note 2: Oil Temperature
Make sure to monitor the oil temperature while frying. If the oil is too cool, the shrimp will absorb more oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, the coating may burn before the shrimp are cooked through.
Note 3: Breading Variations
Feel free to add additional spices or herbs to the breading mixture according to your taste preferences. Options include Old Bay seasoning, Italian seasoning, or even grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Note 4: Storage
Leftover fried shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through for a crispy texture.
Cook techniques
Thawing Shrimp
To ensure even cooking, thaw shrimp by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat them dry with paper towels before use.
Buttermilk Marinating
Soaking shrimp in buttermilk adds flavor and tenderness. Allow the shrimp to sit in buttermilk at room temperature for about 10 minutes prior to breading for better adhesion.
Dredging
Coat shrimp with a mixture of cornmeal and flour to create a crispy texture. Ensure each shrimp is fully covered by pressing the breading onto them firmly.
Oil Temperature
Heat vegetable oil to 350°F for optimal frying. Use a thermometer for accuracy, as the right temperature prevents soggy shrimp and ensures a crispy exterior.
Batch Frying
Fry shrimp in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking. This prevents overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and lead to greasy shrimp.
Draining
After frying, place shrimp on a paper towel-lined baking sheet to absorb excess oil. This helps maintain their crispy texture.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just ensure the shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry before marinating them in the buttermilk.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
You can make a substitute using 1 cup of milk combined with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.
How do I know when the oil is hot enough?
You can test the oil by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil; if it bubbles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready for frying.
Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the shrimp at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown, but the texture may differ from fried shrimp.
How can I store leftover shrimp?
Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot oven or skillet to maintain crispiness.
What can I serve with fried shrimp?
Fried shrimp pair well with various sides such as coleslaw, fries, or a fresh salad. Lemon wedges and tartar sauce also make excellent accompaniments.
Conclusion
The crispy fried shrimp recipe delivers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, ideal for a quick meal or party appetizer. The combination of spices enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp, while the buttermilk provides a tender base for the perfect frying. This dish is sure to impress, offering a crunchy exterior and succulent interior that will keep guests coming back for more.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spicy Shrimp Tacos
Use the fried shrimp as a filling for tacos, topped with a spicy slaw and avocado for an extra kick. Serve with lime wedges for a refreshing contrast.
Creamy Shrimp Pasta
Toss the fried shrimp with fettuccine and a garlic cream sauce for a rich and satisfying pasta dish. Finish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper.
Shrimp Salad
Combine fried shrimp with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette for a light yet filling salad. Garnish with avocado slices for added creaminess.
Buffalo Shrimp Bites
Toss fried shrimp in buffalo sauce and serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for a flavorful twist on traditional buffalo wings.
Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwiches
Stuff fried shrimp into a baguette or hoagie roll with lettuce, tomato, and a remoulade sauce for a classic New Orleans sandwich experience.
