Get ready to transform your seafood game with the ULTIMATE crispy fried shrimp recipe that will make your taste buds dance and your dinner guests swoon! These aren't just ordinary fried shrimp - these are REALLY Crunchy Fried Shrimp that deliver an irresistible golden-brown exterior with perfectly tender, succulent shrimp inside. Whether you're a seafood lover, a crispy food enthusiast, or just someone looking to impress at your next meal, this recipe promises restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp completely dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture, which ensures maximum crispiness.
- Prepare three separate shallow dishes: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Create a breading station by arranging the dishes in order: flour, eggs, then breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each shrimp first in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured shrimp into the beaten eggs, ensuring complete coverage.
- Roll the egg-coated shrimp in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere completely.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan to 375°F (190°C), which is the ideal temperature for crispy frying.
- Carefully place breaded shrimp into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning once, until the shrimp are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy, with lemon wedges or your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips
- Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Always thoroughly pat your shrimp dry with paper towels before breading to ensure maximum crunch.
- Create a perfect breading station by setting up three separate dishes: seasoned flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. This systematic approach guarantees even coating.
- Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain the precise 375°F oil temperature. Too low, and your shrimp will be greasy; too high, and they'll burn before cooking through.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying. Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure each shrimp gets perfectly crispy.
- For extra crunch, consider mixing panko breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs or adding a pinch of cornmeal to your breading mixture.
- Serve immediately after frying to preserve the crispy texture. If needed, you can keep them warm in a 200°F oven for a short time.
- Experiment with seasonings in your flour mixture - try adding garlic powder, paprika, or cajun seasoning for extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 220mg
