Fried shrimp is a dish that combines a golden crispy coating with tender, flavorful shrimp inside. Whether you’re looking for a quick appetizer or a full meal, fried shrimp is versatile and easy to prepare. In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to achieve perfectly crispy shrimp at home, plus tips for variations, side dishes, and sauces.

To get started, make sure your shrimp are properly cleaned. Here’s a helpful guide on how to devein shrimp properly. Once your shrimp are prepped, you can begin preparing the coating and choosing the right frying oil. For the best results, learn about the best oils for frying, which ensures that your shrimp come out perfectly golden without absorbing too much oil.

Ingredients for Fried Shrimps

Here’s what you’ll need for the basic fried shrimp recipe:

1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup whole milk
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons granulated garlic
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
Canola or vegetable oil for frying

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Fried Shrimps

1. Prepare the Shrimp

In a large bowl, combine the milk, half the salt, black pepper, half the paprika, and half the granulated garlic.
Add the shrimp to the mixture and allow it to soak for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

2. Create the Coating

In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the flour, remaining salt, paprika, black pepper, and granulated garlic.
Remove the shrimp from the milk mixture, allowing the excess liquid to drip off.
Dredge the shrimp in the seasoned flour mixture until fully coated.

Frying Techniques for Perfectly Crispy Shrimp

For the best results, fry your shrimp at a consistent temperature of 375°F. This ensures the shrimp cooks evenly and develops a crunchy, golden crust. To get the best advice on frying, check out more information on the best oils for frying to keep your fried foods crispy and light.

3. Fry the Shrimp

Heat the oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 375°F.
Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Best Sauces for Fried Shrimps

Pair your fried shrimps with these delicious sauces:

Cocktail sauce: A classic, tangy sauce that pairs perfectly with fried shrimp.
Tartar sauce: Creamy and slightly tart, this sauce is ideal for balancing out the richness of fried shrimp. You can learn how to make homemade tartar sauce.
Remoulade: A spicier, mayonnaise-based sauce that complements the crispiness of fried shrimp.

Popular Side Dishes for Fried Shrimps

To round out your fried shrimp meal, serve with these classic side dishes:

French Fries: Crispy fries are always a favorite side with fried shrimp.
Creamy Coleslaw: The tangy, crunchy slaw contrasts well with the savory shrimp.
Hush Puppies: Deep-fried cornmeal balls are a perfect southern pairing.
Corn on the Cob: A sweet, buttery side that complements the rich shrimp.

Variations of Fried Shrimps

You can customize your fried shrimp recipe with different coatings and seasonings to match your preferences:

Southern Fried Shrimp: Use cornmeal in the batter for a heartier, southern-style coating.
Coconut Fried Shrimp: Add shredded coconut to the batter for a sweet and crispy variation.
Panko-Crusted Shrimp: Swap the flour for panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.
Spicy Fried Shrimp: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.

For additional inspiration, you can check out this recipe for Southern Fried Chicken to create a complete southern-style meal.

FAQs About Fried Shrimps

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for frying?
A: Yes, but make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before frying to ensure the coating sticks well.

Q: How do I prevent the coating from falling off?
A: Be sure to dry the shrimp well before dredging them in flour, and avoid overcrowding the frying pan, which can cause the coating to fall off.

Q: What’s the best oil for frying shrimp?
A: Oils like canola, vegetable, and peanut oil have high smoke points, making them ideal for frying shrimp.

Q: Can I bake fried shrimp instead of frying them?
A: Yes! Bake the shrimp at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. While baking is a healthier alternative, it may not result in the same level of crispiness.

Healthier Alternatives to Fried Shrimp

For a lighter version of fried shrimp, try air frying or baking:

Air-Fried Shrimp: Cook the shrimp in an air fryer at 375°F for about 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crispiness.
Baked Shrimp: Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.

For more healthy cooking ideas, consider pairing these shrimp with air-fried onion rings. You can follow the Air Fryer Onion Rings recipe for a crispy, guilt-free side dish.

Final Tips for Perfect Fried Shrimps

Follow these tips to ensure your fried shrimp turn out golden and crispy:

Make sure your oil is at the correct temperature before adding the shrimp. Too low, and the shrimp will absorb too much oil; too high, and they may burn.
Avoid overcrowding the pan, which can reduce the oil temperature and make the shrimp soggy.
Double-coat the shrimp for an extra crispy finish by dredging them twice in the flour mixture.

Enjoy your perfectly crispy fried shrimp, whether served as a meal or snack. With the right techniques and accompaniments, these shrimp are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Fried Shrimps Recipe: Perfectly Crispy Every Time

Author: kynall

Print Recipe

Description

Learn how to make crispy fried shrimps with this easy recipe. Perfectly golden, flavorful, and ready in minutes. A must-try dish for seafood lovers!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pastry Dough:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
1/4 cup ice water (plus more if needed)

For the Fillings (Choose one or mix and match):

Savory Cheese and Herb Filling:

1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary)
Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetable Filling:

1 cup finely chopped vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, spinach)
1/2 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
1 teaspoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Sweet Nut Filling:

1/2 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons melted butter

Chocolate Filling:

1/2 cup chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon butter

For the Egg Wash:

1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon water

Instructions

Prepare the Pastry Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
Add chilled butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough starts to come together. Add more water, a tablespoon at a time, if necessary.
Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling:

Choose your desired filling (savory or sweet).
For savory fillings, mix the ingredients in a bowl and season with salt and pepper.
For sweet fillings, combine ingredients in a bowl.

Assemble the Pastries:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a large rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick.
Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log.
Cut the log into 1-inch pieces and place them, seam side down, on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake the Pastries:

Brush the tops of the pastries with the beaten egg wash.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Let the pastries cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Tips:

Extra Crispiness: Brush pastries with melted butter before baking.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for crispiness.
Variation: Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top for extra texture and flavor.

Enjoy your homemade hand-rolled crispy pastries!