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Southern Fried Shrimp Recipe

Southern Fried Shrimp Recipe


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4.5 from 18 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale

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

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