Crispy and Flavorful: Fried Shrimp Recipe
Are you craving a delicious seafood dish that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside? Look no further than our Fried Shrimp recipe! These golden-brown shrimp are seasoned to perfection and fried to crispy perfection. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a tasty appetizer, these fried shrimp are sure to be a hit. Join us as we dive into the world of crispy seafood goodness, complete with ingredients, instructions, cook notes, variations, and even keto and low-carb versions to suit your dietary preferences. Let’s get frying!
Ingredients:
- Canola oil (for frying)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons Chile hot sauce (such as Cholula)
- 2 pounds large peeled, deveined raw shrimp
- 3/4 cup (about 3 1/4 oz.) all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup (about 2 7/8 oz.) cornmeal
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- For serving: lemon wedges, cocktail sauce, rémoulade (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, whole milk, and Chile hot sauce. Add the raw shrimp to the egg mixture and toss until evenly coated. Let the shrimp marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Breading: In a separate shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Coat the Shrimp: Remove the marinated shrimp from the refrigerator. Working one at a time, dredge each shrimp in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Place the coated shrimp on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to allow any excess breading to fall off.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat the canola oil to 350°F (175°C). Make sure the oil is hot enough to fry the shrimp but not too hot to burn them.
- Fry the Shrimp: Carefully add the coated shrimp to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet or fryer. Fry the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the shrimp from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the fried shrimp immediately with lemon wedges and your choice of dipping sauce, such as cocktail sauce or rémoulade.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Double Breading: For an extra crispy coating, you can double-coat the shrimp by dipping them in the egg mixture and breading mixture twice.
- Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your taste preferences. Add more for extra heat or omit it altogether for a milder flavor.
Keto and Low Carb Versions:
- Keto Version: To make a keto-friendly version of this recipe, substitute the all-purpose flour and cornmeal with almond flour or coconut flour. Use pork rinds or crushed pork rind crumbs instead of cornmeal for added crunch.
- Low Carb Version: Follow the keto version instructions, but also consider reducing the amount of milk and using a low-carb hot sauce to minimize carb content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating and breading.
Q: Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying them? A: Yes, you can bake the shrimp in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until they are cooked through and crispy.
Q: How do I store leftover fried shrimp? A: Leftover fried shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to maintain their crispiness.
Q: What can I serve with fried shrimp? A: Fried shrimp pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including coleslaw, French fries, hush puppies, or a simple green salad.
In conclusion, our Fried Shrimp recipe is a deliciously crispy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be frying up batches of golden-brown shrimp in no time. Whether you’re enjoying them as an appetizer, snack, or main course, these fried shrimp are sure to satisfy your cravings for seafood goodness. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get ready to fry up some irresistible shrimp that will have everyone coming back for more
