Ah, fried shrimp! Is there anything better than the crunchy, flavorful bite of these sea beauties? Every time I hear the word “shrimp,” it brings back memories of summer barbecues, where the air was filled with laughter, the sizzling sound of food being cooked, and kids racing around, trying to catch their own shrimp for dinner. Those were the days!
Fried shrimp is not just a dish; it’s an experience. The first time I made it was a bit of a disaster (let’s just say the smoke alarm got quite the workout), but once I figured it out, it became a staple in my household. Whether served at a casual dinner party or during a cozy movie night at home, fried shrimp definitely makes an impression. With its irresistible crunch and the perfect dip, let me show you how to whip up this delightful treat!
What’s in Fried Shrimp?
Large Shrimp: The star of the show! I recommend going for 1 pound of supple, large shrimp that are peeled and deveined, with the tails on for a touch of pizzazz.
All-Purpose Flour: This will give the shrimp a light, crispy coating that acts as a great base for the delicious breading.
Breadcrumbs: I’m a big fan of panko breadcrumbs because they add that extra crunch that takes these fried shrimp to the next level.
Eggs: Two large eggs help bind everything together, ensuring that the glorious coating sticks well to the shrimp.
Buttermilk: A cup of this creamy delight not only tenderizes the shrimp but also adds a delightful tang to each bite.
Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: These spices add a symphony of flavor so you’ll remember each bite as something special.
Oil for Frying: Whether you’re using vegetable or canola oil, you’ll want enough to create a careful 1-inch layer in your pan, allowing those shrimp to swim in crispy goodness.
Lemon Wedges: Serve with fresh lemon for that burst of citrus that brightens everything up!
Marinara Sauce or Cocktail Sauce: A delicious addition on the side for dipping—choose your favorite!
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of this vibrant herb adds color and freshness to your fried shrimp.
Is Fried Shrimp Good for You?
Alright, let’s talk health! While fried shrimp is undeniably delicious, it’s good to be aware of everything we’re munching on.
Shrimp: These little guys are low in calories yet high in protein, making them a fantastic source of lean protein. They also contain important vitamins and minerals, including selenium and vitamin B12.
That being said, the frying process adds calories and fats, which can tilt the balance a bit (sorry, folks!). If you’re watching your intake, consider swapping some of the frying oil with air frying for a healthier version!
Ingredients
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
– Lemon wedges, for serving
– Marinara sauce or cocktail sauce, for dipping
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
This recipe serves about 4 people and makes for a delightful appetizer or a fun main course!
How to Make Fried Shrimp?
1. Begin by preparing your shrimp. If they aren’t peeled and deveined yet, do that first! Just rinse them under some cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Next, let’s set up our breading station! In one shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another dish, whisk those eggs together with buttermilk. And in the last dish, throw in the breadcrumbs.
3. Time to bring shrimp into the mix! Dip each shrimp into the flour mixture, making sure it’s well coated, then shake off any excess.
4. Now dip that floured shrimp into the egg and buttermilk mixture, allowing any extra to drip back into the dish.
5. Finally, coat the shrimp in the breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure they stick well.
6. Heat oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). You want enough oil to cover the bottom of your skillet by about 1 inch.
7. Fry the shrimp in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan, or they won’t get that glorious crispy texture! Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
8. Once cooked, remove them from the oil and let them rest on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up that extra oil.
9. Serve your delicious fried shrimp hot, garnished with fresh parsley and those zesty lemon wedges. Don’t forget the marinara or cocktail sauce for dipping!
Fried Shrimp Tips and Tricks
– For an extra kick, feel free to add a bit of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to your egg mixture. It’s a fun twist, trust me!
– If you want to keep it less messy, use a pair of tongs for dipping and breading. It’s a game changer!
– You can serve these bad boys on top of a fresh salad or in a shrimp taco for an added twist.
So there you have it! I hope you’ll give this fried shrimp recipe a whirl. Perfect for impressing dinner guests or treating yourself on a Saturday night! And if you do make it, please let me know how it turns out. I can’t wait to hear about your seafood adventures! Happy frying!
