Description
This recipe delivers the crispiest Southern Fried Shrimp you will ever make. Liam, the artist, perfected this stove-top method guided by my spontaneous spirit. It is quick, easy, and brings connection and joy back to your kitchen. Prepare for an experience, not just a meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little spark)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This step is key for crispiness.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and milk until combined.
- Dip each dried shrimp first into the wet mixture, letting excess drip off.
- Immediately dredge the shrimp thoroughly in the dry flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the shrimp so it adheres well. Place coated shrimp on a wire rack.
- Pour about 1 to 1.5 inches of vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer if you have one.
- Carefully place shrimp into the hot oil in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Work in batches.
- Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning once, until the coating is golden brown and very crisp.
- Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and place them immediately onto a clean wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any extra oil.
- Serve your crispy fried shrimp right away with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can double-coat the shrimp: dip in wet, dredge in dry, dip again in wet, and dredge again in dry.
- Keep the oil temperature steady; if it drops too low, the shrimp will absorb oil and become soggy.
- This recipe is perfect as an appetizer or as the main event with a side salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Deep Fry (Stove Top)
- Cuisine: American (Southern)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 ounces
- Calories: Estimate based on preparation
- Sugar: Trace
- Sodium: Estimate based on added salt
- Fat: Estimate based on frying oil absorbed
- Saturated Fat: Estimate based on frying oil absorbed
- Unsaturated Fat: Estimate based on frying oil absorbed
- Trans Fat: Trace
- Carbohydrates: Estimate based on flour/cornstarch
- Fiber: Low
- Protein: High
- Cholesterol: Moderate