Fried shrimp is a classic, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, main course, or party snack, crispy, golden-fried shrimp is always a hit. With a crunchy exterior and tender, juicy shrimp inside, this dish combines flavor and texture beautifully. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home with a few simple ingredients.
In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make Fried Shrimp that’s perfectly crispy, seasoned just right, and cooked to golden perfection. Along with tips for making the best-fried shrimp, we’ll explore variations and serving ideas to elevate your meal.
The Origins of Fried Shrimp
Fried shrimp has deep roots in Southern American cuisine, especially in states like Louisiana, where seafood is a staple. Shrimp are often caught fresh from the Gulf Coast and served in a variety of ways, including frying. Frying seafood became popular because it’s quick, adds texture, and enhances the natural flavors of the shrimp. Paired with a dipping sauce, fried shrimp became a beloved dish, often enjoyed in Southern seafood boils, po’boys, and on platters at local fish shacks.
While the technique of frying shrimp can be found in different cuisines around the world, from tempura in Japan to fritto misto in Italy, the American-style fried shrimp is unique for its seasoned breading and crispy texture.
Ingredients for Fried Shrimp
To make this delicious fried shrimp, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Shrimp: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, depending on preference)
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup
- Cornmeal: 1/2 cup (optional, for extra crunch)
- Eggs: 2 large eggs
- Milk or Buttermilk: 1/4 cup
- Panko or Breadcrumbs: 1 cup (Panko for extra crispy shrimp)
- Cajun or Old Bay Seasoning: 1 tablespoon (or to taste)
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Vegetable Oil: For frying (canola, peanut, or vegetable oil works best)
- Lemon Wedges: For garnish
Ingredient Notes
- Shrimp: Large shrimp are best for frying because they maintain their juiciness inside the crispy coating. You can leave the tails on for presentation or remove them if you prefer.
- Cornmeal and Panko: Cornmeal adds a bit of extra crunch to the breading, and panko breadcrumbs create a super crispy texture. You can use either or both for the coating.
- Seasoning: Cajun seasoning or Old Bay is a great way to add flavor to the shrimp, but feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste. Paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper can be added for extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Fried Shrimp
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
- Peel and Devein the Shrimp: If the shrimp aren’t already cleaned, peel and devein them, leaving the tails on if desired. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating stick better.
- Season the Shrimp: Lightly season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Cajun or Old Bay seasoning.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
- Prepare the Breading Ingredients: In one shallow bowl, combine the flour and cornmeal. In another bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together. In a third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with more Cajun or Old Bay seasoning.
- Dredge the Shrimp: First, dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, coating both sides and shaking off the excess. Then, dip the shrimp into the egg mixture, allowing the excess to drip off. Finally, coat the shrimp in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure the crumbs adhere well.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep frying pan, heat about 1-2 inches of oil over medium-high heat. The oil should reach 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of bread—if it sizzles and turns golden within 30 seconds, the oil is ready.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
- Fry the Shrimp in Batches: Carefully add the breaded shrimp to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain the Shrimp: Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the shrimp from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the Fried Shrimp hot with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce, such as cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or a spicy remoulade. For a full meal, pair the shrimp with coleslaw, fries, or a side salad.
Tips for Making Perfect Fried Shrimp
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, and overcooking can make them tough. Keep an eye on the shrimp, and as soon as they turn golden and crispy, remove them from the oil.
- Use the Right Oil Temperature: The oil should be hot enough to fry the shrimp quickly without making them greasy. If the oil is too cool, the shrimp will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
- Double Dredge for Extra Crunch: For even crispier shrimp, you can dredge the shrimp in the flour and egg mixture twice before coating them in the breadcrumbs.
- Season Generously: The key to flavorful fried shrimp is seasoning each layer of the breading. Don’t skimp on seasoning the flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs for maximum taste.
Variations of Fried Shrimp
Spicy Fried Shrimp
For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the flour mixture. You can also use a spicy hot sauce like sriracha in the egg mixture or serve the shrimp with a spicy dipping sauce.
Coconut Fried Shrimp
To make Coconut Fried Shrimp, replace half of the panko breadcrumbs with shredded unsweetened coconut. This gives the shrimp a tropical flavor and extra crunch. Serve with a sweet chili sauce or pineapple dipping sauce.
Beer-Battered Fried Shrimp
Instead of the flour-egg-breadcrumb coating, try making a beer batter by mixing flour with beer until smooth. Dip the shrimp in the batter and fry them as usual for a lighter, airy coating.
Serving Suggestions
Fried Shrimp can be served as an appetizer or a main course, depending on how you want to enjoy them. Here are a few ideas to complete the meal:
- Shrimp Po’boy: Serve the fried shrimp in a crusty baguette with lettuce, tomato, and remoulade sauce for a classic shrimp po’boy sandwich.
- French Fries: Pair the shrimp with crispy French fries or sweet potato fries for a delicious seafood platter.
- Coleslaw: The crunch of coleslaw makes a refreshing contrast to the crispy shrimp, and the tangy dressing complements the savory flavors.
- Salad: For a lighter meal, serve the shrimp on top of a fresh green salad with a citrus vinaigrette or creamy dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work well for frying. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before breading and frying to ensure the coating sticks and the shrimp fry evenly.
What oil is best for frying shrimp?
Canola oil, peanut oil, or vegetable oil are all good choices for frying shrimp because they have high smoke points and neutral flavors. Avoid using olive oil, as it has a lower smoke point and can impart a strong flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Fried shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake the shrimp in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Can I make fried shrimp gluten-free?
Yes! To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the breading.
How do I keep the shrimp crispy after frying?
To keep the shrimp crispy, place them on a wire rack instead of directly on paper towels after frying. This allows air to circulate and prevents them from becoming soggy.
Conclusion
Fried Shrimp is a classic, easy-to-make dish that’s sure to be a hit whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just enjoying a cozy meal at home. With its crispy coating, juicy shrimp, and flavorful seasonings, this dish is versatile and perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them with a squeeze of lemon, a dipping sauce, or in a sandwich, fried shrimp is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
If you try this recipe, we’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your tips, variations, or any fun additions you made in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family — it’s perfect for anyone who loves seafood!