Here’s a classic and easy recipe for fried shrimp:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Tartar sauce or cocktail sauce (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
- Prepare the Breading Stations:
- In one shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In another shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk.
- Bread the Shrimp:
- Dip each shrimp into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Dredge the shrimp in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Shake off any excess.
- Heat the Oil:
- Pour vegetable oil into a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can use a deep-fry thermometer to check the temperature.
- Fry the Shrimp:
- Working in batches, carefully add the shrimp to the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the fried shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
- Serve:
- Serve the fried shrimp hot with lemon wedges and your choice of tartar sauce or cocktail sauce.
Tips:
- Ensure the oil temperature remains consistent for even frying.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain the oil temperature.
- For extra crispy shrimp, you can double-dip: after the first coating, dip the shrimp back into the egg mixture and then coat it again with the flour mixture.
Enjoy your delicious fried shrimp!