Southern Fried Shrimp

If you’re craving crispy, golden shrimp with a hint of Southern flavor, this Southern Fried Shrimp recipe is all you need! Imagine perfectly seasoned shrimp, lightly battered, and fried to crispy perfection. With every bite, you get that crunch followed by the tender, juicy shrimp inside—so irresistible! Whether you’re serving them up for a family dinner or a seafood-loving crowd, these shrimp are sure to be a hit. Trust me, these are the kind of shrimp that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love Southern Fried Shrimp

Here’s why this Southern Fried Shrimp recipe is a must-try:

• Crispy and Flavorful: The seasoned flour batter gives the shrimp that golden crisp that everyone loves, with just the right balance of spices.
• Quick and Easy: You don’t need to be a pro to make these shrimp. The recipe is simple and takes less than 30 minutes to whip up.
• Perfectly Juicy: These shrimp stay juicy on the inside while getting that satisfying crisp on the outside, creating the perfect texture in every bite.
• Great for Any Occasion: Serve them as an appetizer, a side dish, or as part of a seafood feast. They’re also great for parties or a weekend family meal.
• Versatile: You can dip them in a tangy cocktail sauce or a creamy remoulade sauce for extra flavor.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering Southern Fried Shrimp:

Shrimp: The star of the dish! Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best texture.
Buttermilk: The key to a tender and juicy shrimp. It also helps the batter adhere to the shrimp.
Cornstarch: Helps create a light, crispy coating.
All-Purpose Flour: Combined with cornstarch for the perfect crispness.
Cornmeal: Adds a touch of Southern flavor and extra crunch.
Garlic Powder: Gives a lovely savory depth to the batter.
Onion Powder: Complements the garlic and enhances the flavor.
Paprika: Adds a smoky flavor and a little color to the shrimp.
Cayenne Pepper: Adds a little heat, but you can adjust it based on your spice preference.
Salt & Pepper: To taste, for seasoning the shrimp and the batter.
Vegetable Oil: For frying the shrimp. You want enough oil in the pan to submerge the shrimp about halfway.
Lemon: For squeezing over the shrimp after frying to give it a bright, fresh finish.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to make these crispy, golden Southern Fried Shrimp:

1. Prepare the Shrimp
Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help the batter stick better and ensure they fry up crispy.

2. Soak the Shrimp in Buttermilk
Place the shrimp in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Let them soak for about 15-20 minutes. The buttermilk tenderizes the shrimp and helps the coating stick to the shrimp while frying.

3. Make the Coating
In a shallow bowl or large dish, mix together the cornstarch, flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.

4. Dredge the Shrimp
Once the shrimp have soaked in the buttermilk, dredge them in the coating mixture. Make sure each shrimp is evenly coated with the dry ingredients, shaking off any excess.

5. Heat the Oil
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat. You want the oil to reach about 350°F (175°C) for perfect frying.

6. Fry the Shrimp
Carefully add the shrimp to the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

7. Serve
Serve the shrimp hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon on top. You can also serve them with cocktail sauce, remoulade sauce, or any dipping sauce of your choice!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350 (approximate)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Southern Fried Shrimp

These Southern Fried Shrimp are versatile and can be served in many ways:

• Classic Appetizer: Serve as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce—cocktail sauce or spicy remoulade would be perfect!
• With a Side of Fries: Pair them with crispy French fries or sweet potato fries for the ultimate comfort food experience.
• In a Po’ Boy Sandwich: Make a classic New Orleans-style po’ boy sandwich with fried shrimp, lettuce, tomatoes, and a spicy mayo or tartar sauce on a toasted baguette.
• Over a Salad: Add the shrimp to a bed of greens for a light and flavorful salad. A zesty vinaigrette would complement the crispy shrimp perfectly.
• With Grits: Serve them alongside creamy, buttery grits for a Southern feast that’s filling and satisfying.

Additional Tips

• Double Coat for Extra Crunch: If you love an extra crispy coating, dip the shrimp back into the buttermilk and dredge them a second time in the flour mixture before frying.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the shrimp in batches to maintain the oil temperature. Overcrowding the pan can lead to soggy shrimp.
• Serve Immediately: Fried shrimp are best served right after cooking when they’re still hot and crispy. If you need to keep them warm, place them in a 200°F (90°C) oven while you finish frying the rest.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A1: Yes, frozen shrimp will work, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before soaking in the buttermilk.

Q2: Can I bake these shrimp instead of frying them?
A2: While frying gives the best crispiness, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a healthier alternative.

Q3: Can I make the shrimp ahead of time?
A3: These shrimp are best served fresh, but you can prepare and coat the shrimp ahead of time and refrigerate them. Fry them just before serving for the best results.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes to crisp them back up.

Q5: Can I freeze fried shrimp?
A5: Yes, you can freeze them! After frying, let the shrimp cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or bag. To reheat, bake at 375°F (190°C) until heated through.

Q6: How do I make the shrimp spicier?
A6: Add more cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix, or drizzle the cooked shrimp with hot sauce before serving.

Q7: Can I use a different oil for frying?
A7: Yes, you can use oils with a high smoke point like peanut oil or sunflower oil for frying.

Q8: Can I use a different flour?
A8: You can substitute with coconut flour or a gluten-free flour blend if you need a gluten-free option.

Q9: What’s the best way to check if the oil is hot enough?
A9: To test the oil, drop a small amount of batter into the oil. If it sizzles and bubbles immediately, it’s ready for frying.

Q10: Can I make this recipe spicy without changing the batter?
A10: Absolutely! You can toss the cooked shrimp in some spicy seasoning, like Cajun seasoning or hot sauce, after frying to kick up the heat.

Conclusion

These Southern Fried Shrimp are the ultimate crispy, savory treat. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, adding them to a sandwich, or pairing them with your favorite sides, they’re sure to be a hit every time. With simple ingredients and easy instructions, you’ll be enjoying perfectly fried shrimp in no time. So, go ahead, make these shrimp for dinner tonight, and let the crispy goodness take over your taste buds!

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