Quick Southern Fried Shrimp Recipe: Crispy Coastal Magic

Crispy golden shrimp dance with southern hospitality in this irresistible southern fried shrimp recipe that brings coastal comfort right to your dinner table.

Generations of cooks have perfected this classic southern staple with a delicate, crackling breading that seals in succulent flavor.

Each bite promises a delightful crunch that echoes generations of culinary tradition.

The secret lies in selecting fresh shrimp and seasoning them with just the right blend of spices.

You’ll love how these shrimp turn a simple meal into a celebration of southern cooking.

Served with a zesty remoulade or tangy cocktail sauce, these crispy morsels will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to fall in love with a true southern classic that turns an ordinary evening into a memorable feast.

FAQs

• How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Look for a golden brown color and ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F. The shrimp should be opaque and curl slightly when done.

• Can I use a different type of milk instead of buttermilk?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the shrimp, but you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to create a similar effect.

• What's the best oil for frying Southern shrimp?

Peanut oil or vegetable oil work best due to their high smoke points and neutral flavors. They help achieve that crispy, golden exterior without overwhelming the shrimp’s delicate taste.

Southern Fried Shrimp That’s Crispy and Delicious

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Ingredients for Southern Fried Shrimp

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides the primary protein for this Southern-style dish.
• Buttermilk: Tenderizes and adds a tangy flavor to the shrimp before coating.
• Flour: Creates a crispy and golden exterior for the fried shrimp.
• Cornmeal: Adds extra crunch and traditional Southern texture to the coating.

• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Cayenne: Provides a complex and slightly spicy flavor profile for the shrimp.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances the overall taste and brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

• Vegetable Oil: Allows for deep frying and creates a crispy golden-brown exterior.
• Lemon Wedges: Offers a fresh, bright citrus accent to cut through the richness of the fried shrimp.
• Paper Towels: Used for draining excess oil after frying to ensure a crisp coating.

How to Make Southern Fried Shrimp

Step 1: Clean and Marinate Seafood

Thoroughly rinse fresh shrimp under cool water. Pat them completely dry using paper towels.

Submerge shrimp in buttermilk and let them soak for 15 minutes to enhance tenderness and flavor.

Step 2: Create Crispy Breading Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Yellow cornmeal
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Whisk ingredients together until well blended.

Step 3: Prepare Shrimp for Frying

Remove shrimp from buttermilk and gently shake off excess liquid. Roll each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure complete coating.

Step 4: Heat Cooking Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a deep cast-iron skillet. Warm oil to precisely 350 degrees Fahrenheit using a digital thermometer for accurate temperature.

Step 5: Fry Golden Seafood

Carefully place breaded shrimp into hot oil. Cook in small batches for 2-3 minutes per side until exterior turns beautiful golden brown.

Shrimp should look crispy and feel firm.

Step 6: Drain and Finish

Transfer fried shrimp onto a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.

Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges and spicy remoulade sauce.

Pro Tips for Crispy Southern Fried Shrimp

• Pat shrimp completely dry after buttermilk soak to ensure crispy, non-soggy coating.
• Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain consistent 350F for even, golden-brown crust without burning.
• Cook shrimp in small batches to prevent overcrowding and maintain oil temperature for perfect crispiness.
• Swap wheat flour with rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose blend for celiac-friendly Southern fried shrimp.
• Modify cayenne pepper quantity to control heat level – less for mild, more for extra kick.

Flavor Variations for Southern Fried Shrimp

• Gluten-Free Crispy Shrimp: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free cornmeal mix for a celiac-friendly version.
• Spicy Cajun Shrimp: Add extra cayenne, blackened seasoning, and hot sauce to amplify the heat and Louisiana-style flavor profile.
• Air Fryer Southern Shrimp: Skip deep frying and cook shrimp in air fryer at 400F for 6-8 minutes, using same seasoning blend for healthier preparation.
• Coconut Crusted Tropical Shrimp: Swap cornmeal with shredded coconut and add ground macadamia nuts for a Hawaiian-inspired coating that brings sweet and crunchy texture.

Pairing Ideas for Southern Fried Shrimp

• Crisp Citrus Cocktail Companion: Pair the Southern Fried Shrimp with a zesty lemon drop martini, balancing the crispy seafood's richness with bright, tangy notes.
• Creamy Complementary Dip: Create a spicy remoulade sauce with mayo, Creole mustard, and hot sauce to enhance the shrimp's deep-fried flavor profile.
• Fresh Herbal Side Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the shrimp's heaviness and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Crisp White Wine Match: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio with citrus undertones to cleanse the palate between each golden, crunchy bite.

Storage Tips for Southern Fried Shrimp

• Place cooled shrimp in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss.
• Wrap individual shrimp in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month to maintain best texture and flavor.
• Preheat oven to 375F. Arrange shrimp on a baking sheet in a single layer. Warm for 5-7 minutes until crispy and heated through, turning once halfway.
• Heat a skillet over medium heat with a touch of oil. Gently reheat shrimp for 2-3 minutes, flipping occasionally to prevent burning and restore crispiness.

Southern Fried Shrimp Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy southern fried shrimp dance with golden-brown perfection, bringing coastal comfort straight to kitchen tables. Zesty seasoning and crunchy coating promise a delightful seafood experience you’ll savor with Southern hospitality.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (1 lb) large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup buttermilk

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Cooking Ingredient:

• Vegetable oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Cleanse fresh shrimp thoroughly under cool water, ensuring complete dryness with clean kitchen towels.
2. Submerge shrimp in buttermilk for 15 minutes, allowing liquid to tenderize and enhance flavor profile.
3. Create crispy coating by whisking flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a wide, shallow dish.
4. Carefully dredge each buttermilk-soaked shrimp in seasoned coating, gently pressing to ensure complete and even coverage.
5. Warm vegetable oil in a deep cast-iron skillet, maintaining precise temperature of 350°F for optimal frying conditions.
6. Carefully lower coated shrimp into hot oil, cooking in small batches to prevent overcrowding and maintain consistent temperature.
7. Fry shrimp for approximately 2-3 minutes, turning once, until exterior achieves a rich golden-brown color and interior becomes opaque white.
8. Transfer fried shrimp onto layered paper towels, allowing excess oil to drain and preserve crispy texture.
9. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and accompany with preferred dipping sauce for enhanced culinary experience.

Notes

• Buttermilk soak helps tenderize shrimp and adds subtle tangy flavor, making meat more juicy and flavorful.
• For gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour to maintain crispy coating texture.
• Pat shrimp completely dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy breading.
• Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for best taste and ensure they’re deveined and cleaned thoroughly before cooking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg