Crispy Southern Fried Shrimp: A Flavorful Delight

Are you craving a taste of the South? Look no further than our Southern Fried Shrimp recipe! With its golden, crispy coating and succulent shrimp within, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser that captures the essence of Southern comfort food. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or main course, these fried shrimp are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. So, let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to create this mouthwatering dish right in your own kitchen!

Ingredients:

1 pound prawns, peeled and deveined
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 eggs, beaten
Oil for frying
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Shrimp:

Rinse the prawns under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
Season the prawns with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Prepare the Coating:

In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
In another shallow dish, beat the eggs until thoroughly combined.

3. Coat the Shrimp:

Dip each seasoned prawn into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated.
Dredge the egg-coated prawns in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating to all sides.

4. Fry the Shrimp:

In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
Carefully add the coated prawns to the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Fry the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the Southern fried shrimp hot, with your favorite dipping sauce on the side.
Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and chopped parsley, if desired.
Enjoy the crispy, flavorful goodness of these delicious fried shrimp!

Cook’s Notes and Variations:

Seasoning Variation: Feel free to customize the seasoning blend to suit your taste preferences. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat, or substitute smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
Buttermilk Soak: For added flavor and tenderness, you can soak the prawns in buttermilk for 30 minutes before coating them in the flour mixture.
Panko Coating: For an extra crunchy texture, you can use panko breadcrumbs instead of flour for the coating.
Air Fryer Option: To make a healthier version of this recipe, you can air fry the shrimp instead of deep frying them. Simply preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the shrimp in a single layer for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before coating and frying.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: While these fried shrimp are best enjoyed fresh and hot, you can prepare the coating mixture in advance and store it in an airtight container until ready to use. Coat and fry the shrimp just before serving for optimal crispiness.

Q: What dipping sauces pair well with Southern fried shrimp? A: Southern fried shrimp pairs well with a variety of dipping sauces, including cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, remoulade, or a simple squeeze of lemon juice.

Q: Can I make a gluten-free version of this recipe? A: Yes, you can use gluten-free flour or a combination of almond flour and cornmeal for the coating to make a gluten-free version of this recipe.

Keto-Friendly Version:For a keto-friendly version of Southern fried shrimp, substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour. You can also use crushed pork rinds or a combination of grated Parmesan cheese and almond flour for the coating. Ensure all other ingredients are keto-friendly, and fry the shrimp in oil suitable for a keto diet.

Low-Carb Variation:

To make a low-carb version of this recipe, use almond flour or coconut flour for the coating and omit the breadcrumbs. You can also reduce the amount of flour used and opt for a lighter coating to lower the carb content.

In conclusion, our Southern Fried Shrimp recipe is a classic Southern dish that’s sure to please your taste buds with its crispy, golden exterior and tender, juicy prawns within. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or main course, these flavorful shrimp are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can whip up a batch of these delicious fried shrimp in no time. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in the irresistible goodness of Southern cuisine!