Crispy Southern-Style Fried Shrimp – A Golden Seafood Delight

Looking for a crispy and flavorful seafood dish that’s sure to impress? Try these Southern-Style Fried Shrimp! These shrimp are coated in a seasoned batter and fried until golden and crispy. With a tender, juicy inside and a perfect crunchy exterior, they’re the ultimate comfort food. Whether served as an appetizer, main dish, or snack, these fried shrimp will be a crowd favorite.

Ingredients

To make these crispy Southern-style fried shrimp, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for spice, optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp
   Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry using paper towels. This step ensures the batter sticks well to the shrimp.
2. Make the Coating
   In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk.
3. Heat the Oil
   Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or deep frying pan, about 2-3 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). To check the temperature, drop a small piece of batter into the oil—if it sizzles, the oil is ready for frying.
4. Coat the Shrimp
   Dip each shrimp into the egg and buttermilk mixture, then dredge it in the seasoned flour and cornmeal mixture. Ensure each shrimp is coated evenly and shake off any excess coating.
5. Fry the Shrimp
   Carefully add the coated shrimp to the hot oil in batches. Fry the shrimp for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil.
6. Serve
   Serve the fried shrimp immediately with lemon wedges for a fresh burst of flavor. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

Why You’ll Love These Crispy Southern-Style Fried Shrimp

• Golden and Crispy: The combination of flour and cornmeal creates a perfectly crispy, golden coating that locks in the shrimp’s natural juiciness.
• Flavorful and Spicy: The seasoning mix adds just the right amount of flavor and heat, making these shrimp a standout dish.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and quick frying, these shrimp are easy to prepare, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Pro Tips for Perfect Southern-Style Fried Shrimp

• Use Buttermilk for Flavor: Buttermilk adds tang and helps the batter adhere better to the shrimp, giving it a rich, flavorful coating.
• Do Not Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the shrimp in batches to ensure they cook evenly and stay crispy. Overcrowding the pan can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy shrimp.
• Make the Shrimp Extra Crispy: For an extra crispy texture, double dip the shrimp—first coat them in the buttermilk mixture, then dip them in the flour mixture again before frying.

Conclusion

These Crispy Southern-Style Fried Shrimp are the ultimate in crispy, flavorful seafood. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a side dish, or the star of the meal, they’re sure to be a hit. Quick to make and packed with flavor, these fried shrimp are perfect for any occasion. Try them today and enjoy the perfect golden shrimp with a flavorful, crispy coating!