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Crispy Southern Fried Shrimp Recipe

A close-up of a stack of golden brown, crispy fried shrimp served with a fresh lemon wedge on a white plate.
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Learn how to make the best crispy fried shrimp using a simple buttermilk soak and double dredging method for a golden, crunchy texture perfect for a quick seafood dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tail on
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • Peanut oil or vegetable oil, for frying
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the shrimp: Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This step is key for crispiness.
  2. Make the wet mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, and hot sauce until combined.
  3. Make the seasoned flour: In a separate shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to create your best fried shrimp coating.
  4. Soak the shrimp: Dip the dried shrimp into the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
  5. First dredge: Transfer the buttermilk-coated shrimp to the seasoned flour mixture. Press the flour onto the shrimp to coat thoroughly.
  6. Second dredge (for extra crunch): Dip the floured shrimp back into the buttermilk mixture briefly, then return them to the seasoned flour mixture. Press firmly again to create a thick, craggy crust. Place the coated shrimp on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
  7. Heat the oil: Pour enough oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to reach about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil to 360 degrees Fahrenheit (182 degrees Celsius). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature; maintaining this heat is essential for restaurant style fried shrimp.
  8. Fry the shrimp: Working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, carefully lower the shrimp into the hot oil. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning once, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
  9. Drain: Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and place them immediately on a clean wire rack set over paper towels to drain excess oil.
  10. Serve immediately: Serve your crispy fried shrimp hot with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauces, like tartar or cocktail sauce.

Notes

  • For the crispiest fried shrimp, make sure your oil temperature stays consistent. If the oil is too cool, the coating will absorb too much grease and become soggy.
  • If you want to make this an air fryer fried shrimp alternative, cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, after coating.
  • This recipe works well for a quick seafood dinner when you need something fast and satisfying.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://devourdish.com/fried-shrimp-recipe-crispy-southern-style/