Fried shrimp

Here’s a crispy, golden, and absolutely irresistible Fried Shrimp recipe — restaurant-quality and super easy to make at home. Perfect as an appetizer, seafood platter centerpiece, or even for shrimp po’boys!

🍤 Crispy Fried Shrimp

🕒 Prep Time: 15 min

🔥 Cook Time: 3–5 min per batch

🍽️ Serves: 4

✅ Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp (21–25 count), peeled and deveined, tails on or off

• 1 cup buttermilk (or 2 eggs + 1 tbsp water, beaten)

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup cornmeal or panko breadcrumbs (for crunch)

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• Salt & black pepper to taste

• Pinch of cayenne (optional)

• Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)

🧄 Optional Dipping Sauces:

• Spicy mayo (mayo + sriracha)

• Classic cocktail sauce

• Tartar sauce

• Garlic-lime aioli

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Prep the shrimp:
   Rinse and pat dry the shrimp with paper towels. Lightly season with salt and pepper.

2. Set up your dredging station:

   • Bowl 1: Buttermilk (or beaten eggs)

   • Bowl 2: Flour, cornmeal/panko, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper — whisk together

3. Dredge the shrimp:
   Dip shrimp into buttermilk, let excess drip off, then dredge in seasoned flour mix. Press gently to help coating stick.

4. Heat oil:
   Heat 2–3 inches of oil in a deep pan or skillet to 350°F (175°C).

5. Fry in batches:
   Fry shrimp in small batches for 2–3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan.

6. Drain & serve:
   Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack or paper towels. Sprinkle with a little extra salt while hot.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions:

• With fries or coleslaw for a shrimp basket

• In tacos with avocado and slaw

• In po’boys on crusty French bread with lettuce, tomato & remoulade

• Over salad with lemon vinaigrette