Crispy Fried Shrimp .. The Perfectly Golden, Crunchy Seafood Treat!

Crispy Fried Shrimp Recipe

Why Make This Recipe?
Crispy Fried Shrimp is a classic dish that combines tender, juicy shrimp with a crunchy, flavorful coating. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a family dinner, or craving restaurant-quality seafood at home, this recipe delivers every time. Pair it with your favorite dipping sauce for a versatile, crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course.

Recipe Overview

  • Servings: 4
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooling Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: ~35 minutes

How to Make Crispy Fried Shrimp

Ingredients

  • For the Shrimp:
    • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, your choice) ????
    • ½ cup all-purpose flour
    • ½ tsp garlic powder ????
    • ½ tsp paprika ????️
    • ½ tsp salt
    • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • For the Batter:
    • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
    • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    • 2 large eggs, beaten ????
    • ½ cup milk ????
    • 1 tsp baking powder
  • For Frying:
    • 2 cups vegetable oil or canola oil ????️
  • For Dipping:
    • Cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or spicy mayo

Directions

  1. Prepare the Shrimp
    • Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix ½ cup flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Lightly toss the shrimp in the seasoned flour to coat.
  2. Set Up Breading Stations
    • In one bowl, place 1 cup of flour mixed with baking powder.
    • In a second bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together.
    • In a third bowl, spread out the panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Bread the Shrimp
    • Dip each shrimp into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and finally coat it with panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
  4. Heat the Oil
    • Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
  5. Fry the Shrimp
    • Fry the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook each batch for 2-3 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
  6. Cool and Serve
    • Let the shrimp cool for 2-3 minutes. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.

How to Serve Crispy Fried Shrimp

Serve these shrimp as an appetizer with dipping sauces or as a main dish with sides like coleslaw, fries, or a fresh green salad. For a seafood platter, pair them with fried fish, hush puppies, and grilled lemon wedges.

How to Store Crispy Fried Shrimp

  1. Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  2. Reheat: Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
  3. Freeze: Freeze breaded but uncooked shrimp on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Fry directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.

Tips to Make Crispy Fried Shrimp

  1. Use Panko Breadcrumbs: They create a crunchier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
  2. Oil Temperature: Maintain a consistent oil temperature of 350°F (175°C) to ensure even frying.
  3. Dry the Shrimp: Patting the shrimp dry helps the coating stick better.

Variations

  1. Spicy Shrimp: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture for a kick.
  2. Coconut Shrimp: Mix shredded coconut with the panko breadcrumbs for a tropical twist.
  3. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.

Tips for Success

  • Cook in Batches: Fry the shrimp in small batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping.
  • Double Bread: For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps.
  • Test for Doneness: Shrimp should be opaque and slightly firm when cooked.

How Many Servings?

This recipe serves 4 people as a main dish or 6-8 as an appetizer.

Calories and Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~350
  • Protein: ~22g
  • Fats: ~15g
    • Saturated Fats: ~2g
  • Carbohydrates: ~28g
    • Fiber: ~1g
  • Sodium: ~700mg

Health Benefits of Crispy Fried Shrimp

  1. High in Protein: Shrimp provides lean protein essential for muscle repair and overall health.
  2. Rich in Nutrients: Shrimp contains important nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids.
  3. Customizable Coating: Using whole-grain or alternative flours can increase fiber content.

Is It Good for People Over 60 Years Old?

Yes, with adjustments:

  1. Lower Sodium: Use unsalted breadcrumbs and reduce added salt.
  2. Healthier Oil: Fry in heart-healthy oils like avocado oil for better nutrition.
  3. Gentle Texture: Fry until just crisp but not overly hard for easy chewing.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
No, raw shrimp works best for this recipe as pre-cooked shrimp can become rubbery when fried.

2. Can I air fry these shrimp?
Yes! Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Lightly spray with cooking oil for extra crispiness.

3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute milk with almond milk or water for the batter.

Crispy Fried Shrimp is a delicious, golden-brown treat that’s quick and easy to make. Perfect for any occasion, these shrimp are sure to impress with their crunchy coating and tender interior. Try this recipe today and enjoy a seafood favorite at home!

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