Get ready to transform your kitchen into a seafood paradise with the most mouth-watering, irresistibly crunchy fried shrimp you've ever tasted! Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, crispy exterior that gives way to tender, succulent shrimp - a culinary experience that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're planning a quick family dinner or looking to impress guests, this classic American dish is about to become your new favorite go-to recipe that promises restaurant-quality flavor right at home.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup tatar sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Ensure the shrimp are peeled and deveined. Rinse them under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. This will help the coating adhere better.
- Set up a breading station. In one shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour and season it with salt and pepper to taste. In a second dish, beat the eggs until well combined. In a third dish, add the breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat. You will need enough oil to submerge the shrimp partially, about 1-2 inches deep. To check if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of bread into the oil; if it sizzles and browns quickly, the oil is hot enough.
- Take each shrimp and first coat it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Finally, roll the shrimp in the breadcrumbs until fully coated. Place the breaded shrimp on a plate and repeat with the remaining shrimp.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded shrimp to the skillet in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried shrimp from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Continue frying the remaining shrimp.
- While the shrimp are frying, prepare the tartar sauce if you are making it from scratch. In a bowl, combine 1 cup of tartar sauce with any additional ingredients you prefer, such as chopped pickles, capers, lemon juice, or fresh herbs for added flavor.
- Once all the shrimp are cooked, serve them hot with the tartar sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious fried shrimp!
Tips
- Pat your shrimp completely dry before breading to ensure a crisp, not soggy coating.
- Maintain oil temperature between 350-375°F for optimal crispiness.
- Don't overcrowd the pan - fry in batches to keep the shrimp crisp and evenly cooked.
- Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne or Old Bay seasoning to your flour mixture.
- Let the breaded shrimp rest for 5 minutes before frying to help the coating adhere better.
- Serve immediately for maximum crunchiness and flavor.
- Experiment with homemade tartar sauce by adding fresh herbs or a splash of hot sauce for a personalized touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 250mg
