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Crispy Fried Shrimp: The Ultimate Recipe for Perfectly Crunchy Seafood

Crispy Fried Shrimp features succulent shrimp coated in a flavorful blend of spices and a crunchy batter, making it a perfect appetizer or main course. These golden brown, crispy shrimp are bursting with flavor and are best served with fresh lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • Lemon wedges, for serving
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and let sit for about 10 minutes.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the buttermilk until well combined.
  3. Set up a breading station with three bowls: one for the shrimp, one for the wet mixture, and one for the dry mixture. Dip each shrimp into the dry mixture, then the wet mixture, and back into the dry mixture for a second coating.
  4. In a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, heat enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom by about 1 inch over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  5. Arrange the fried shrimp on a serving platter, sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired, and serve with lemon wedges and your choice of dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Ensure shrimp are completely dry before breading to achieve a crispy coating.
  • Monitor oil temperature with a thermometer for best results.
  • For added flavor, consider marinating shrimp in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.