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The 2-Minute Guide to Crispiest Fried Shrimp

fried shrimp
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Make the crispiest Southern Fried Shrimp right on your stovetop. This quick recipe delivers perfectly seasoned, crunchy shrimp ready in under 15 minutes. You will achieve that restaurant-quality crunch every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This step is key for crispiness.
  2. In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
  3. In a second shallow dish, whisk the milk (or buttermilk) and egg until just combined.
  4. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven to 365°F (185°C).
  5. Dip each shrimp first into the wet mixture, letting excess drip off.
  6. Immediately dredge the shrimp thoroughly in the dry flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the shrimp to create a thick crust.
  7. Carefully place 6 to 8 shrimp into the hot oil, ensuring you do not overcrowd the pan.
  8. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning once, until the coating is deep golden brown and crisp.
  9. Remove the fried shrimp with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
  10. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For extra crunch, double dredge the shrimp: dip in wet, then dry, then back into wet, and finally back into the dry mixture.
  • Maintaining the oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F is crucial for non-greasy results.
  • Chef Tariq suggests adding a pinch of garlic powder to the flour mixture for depth.
  • Serve this shrimp as an appetizer with cocktail sauce or as a main course with coleslaw and fries.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savoryskies.com/crispiest-southern-fried-shrimp-recipe/