Flavourful and Crunchy Southern Fried Shrimp recipe
Go no farther than Flavorful & Crunchy Southern Fried Shrimp if you’re in the mood for something robust, crunchy, and simply delectable. Every bite of these shrimp, which are coated in a carefully seasoned flour and cornmeal combination and then fried to golden perfection, is satisfyingly crunchy. Packed with of flavorful Southern spices, they’re a great appetizer, party snack, or even a fast supper that will wow.
Ingredients:
1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
Instructions:
Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, soak the shrimp in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes. This keeps them tender and helps the coating stick.
Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
Coat the Shrimp: Remove shrimp from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat well.
Fry to Perfection: Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry shrimp in batches for about 2–3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Drain and Serve: Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce like spicy remoulade or cocktail sauce!
Tips:
Use Fresh or Thawed Shrimp: Fresh shrimp gives the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before marinating.
Double Dip for Extra Crunch: For even crispier shrimp, dip them back into the buttermilk and dredge again in the flour mixture before frying.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry shrimp in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure a perfect crispy coating.
Season Immediately: Sprinkle a little extra salt over the shrimp right after frying to enhance the flavor even more.
Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep your oil around 350°F (175°C) too low and the shrimp get greasy, too high and they burn quickly.
Variations:
Spicy Southern Shrimp: Add extra cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade for a spicy kick.
Buttermilk Ranch Shrimp: Mix a little ranch seasoning into the flour mixture for a creamy herb twist.
Coconut Fried Shrimp: Swap half the flour or cornmeal for shredded coconut for a sweet, tropical flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free cornmeal to make the recipe allergy-friendly without losing the crunch.
Herbed Shrimp: Add dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or parsley to the coating for extra depth of flavor.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
Calories: ~320, Protein: 22g, Fat: 18g, Saturated Fat: 2.5g, Carbohydrates: 18g, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Cholesterol: 180mg, Sodium: 680mg, Potassium: 150mg
Note: These values can vary depending on the oil used for frying, the exact coating thickness, and portion size.