If you’ve ever craved that perfect crunch paired with tender, juicy shrimp, then you’re in for a real treat with this Crispy Fried Shrimp – Restaurant Quality Recipe. This dish brings that golden, crackling exterior and succulent seafood right to your kitchen, making every bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or simply want to indulge yourself, this recipe promises a restaurant-worthy crunch that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple but absolutely essential to achieving that magnificent texture and flavor. Each item plays a crucial role, from ensuring a crispy crust to keeping the shrimp juicy and flavorful inside.
- 1 lb shrimp (16-20 count, peeled and cleaned): Fresh shrimp are the star, so make sure they’re clean and peeled for the best bite.
- 1/4 cup buttermilk or regular milk: A creamy base for the egg wash that helps the coating stick perfectly.
- 2 large eggs: Beaten into the milk to create a rich, adhesive egg wash for the breading.
- 2 cups seasoned bread crumbs: The secret to that irresistible crunch and flavor-packed coating.
- Corn oil (or vegetable oil for frying): High smoke point oil ensures a crispy, golden fry without overpowering the taste.
How to Make Crispy Fried Shrimp – Restaurant Quality Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by peeling and cleaning your shrimp, rinsing them under cold running water to remove any residual shell or grit. For an extra touch of elegance and faster cooking, you can butterfly the shrimp by slicing through the flesh without cutting all the way through. This opens them up, creating more surface area for that glorious crispy coating to cling to.
Step 2: Make the Egg Wash
In a medium bowl, whisk together the two large eggs and the 1/4 cup of buttermilk or regular milk. This luscious mixture serves as the glue that binds the bread crumbs to the shrimp, ensuring every piece gets that even, golden crust.
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
Dip each shrimp into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl. Immediately transfer the shrimp to the seasoned bread crumbs and gently press to ensure each piece is evenly coated. This step is crucial—it guarantees every bite has the perfect balance of crunch and flavor.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
Heat your corn oil (or vegetable oil) in a deep frying pan or fryer to between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit. When the oil is hot enough, carefully add the shrimp in batches so they fry evenly without overcrowding the pan. Fry them for about 2-4 minutes or until they turn a stunning golden brown. This timing ensures a crispy shell without overcooking the shrimp inside.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Once frying is complete, remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain the excess oil. This simple step keeps your Crispy Fried Shrimp – Restaurant Quality Recipe delightfully crunchy rather than soggy. Serve immediately for the best texture.
How to Serve Crispy Fried Shrimp – Restaurant Quality Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a wedge of lemon can brighten this dish instantly. These garnishes add not only color but also a fresh, zesty contrast to the rich fried shrimp.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like coleslaw, crispy French fries, or a light garden salad complement the shrimp wonderfully. The creamy, tangy slaw offers a cooling element that balances the crispy, savory shrimp beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your shrimp on a bed of fluffy rice with a drizzle of spicy mayo or alongside a colorful poke bowl. Alternatively, transform this into a crunchy shrimp taco with fresh salsa, avocado, and a squeeze of lime for an exciting flavor adventure.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover crispy fried shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. To keep as much crunch as possible, avoid stacking shrimp too tightly and consider placing a paper towel between layers to absorb excess moisture.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Crispy Fried Shrimp – Restaurant Quality Recipe later, freeze the fried shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture well for up to one month.
Reheating
To revive that golden crispness, reheat your leftover shrimp in a hot oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. This method helps maintain the crunch without drying out the shrimp, unlike microwaving which can make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before breading and frying. Excess moisture can cause the coating to be soggy and the oil to splatter.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar works great. Let it sit for 5 minutes to slightly curdle before using in your egg wash.
Is seasoned bread crumbs necessary?
You can use plain bread crumbs, but seasoned ones add an extra boost of flavor that elevates the dish. You can also add your own seasoning blend like garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper for a personal touch.
What oil is best for frying shrimp?
Corn oil and vegetable oil are both excellent because they have high smoke points and neutral flavors that won’t overpower your shrimp’s delicate taste.
How do I get the shrimp coating extra crispy?
Make sure the shrimp are dry before dipping in egg wash and bread crumbs. Fry in hot oil without crowding the pan to maintain oil temperature, and don’t skip draining the shrimp on a wire rack to avoid sogginess.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about making this Crispy Fried Shrimp – Restaurant Quality Recipe at home, where you can customize every step to your liking and enjoy seafood with that irresistible crunch anytime. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming your new favorite comfort dish that impresses guests and delights family alike.
Print
Crispy Fried Shrimp – Restaurant Quality Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy crispy, restaurant-quality fried shrimp made with a seasoned breadcrumb coating and a rich buttermilk egg wash. This quick and easy recipe yields perfectly golden shrimp with a crunchy exterior and tender interior, perfect for a delicious appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb shrimp (16–20 count, peeled and cleaned)
Egg Wash
- 1/4 cup buttermilk or regular milk
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
Breading & Frying
- 2 cups seasoned bread crumbs
- Corn oil or vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Peel and clean the shrimp thoroughly by rinsing them under cold running water to ensure they are fresh and debris free.
- Butterfly the Shrimp (Optional): To create a more visually appealing and evenly cooked shrimp, butterfly each shrimp by slicing through the flesh without cutting all the way through, allowing the shrimp to open up slightly.
- Make the Egg Wash: In a medium bowl, combine the beaten eggs and buttermilk or regular milk, whisking until well blended to create a smooth egg wash.
- Coat the Shrimp: Dip each cleaned shrimp into the egg wash, making sure it is fully coated. Allow any excess egg wash to drip off to prevent sogginess.
- Bread the Shrimp: Roll the coated shrimp in seasoned bread crumbs, pressing gently but firmly to ensure an even and thorough coating for maximum crispiness.
- Heat the Oil: Preheat corn oil or vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan to a temperature of 350-375°F (175-190°C), the optimal range for frying.
- Fry the Shrimp: Carefully place the breaded shrimp in the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each batch for 2-4 minutes until the shrimp turn golden brown and crispy.
- Drain the Shrimp: Remove the fried shrimp using a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil, ensuring they remain crisp.
- Serve: Serve the crispy fried shrimp immediately with your choice of cocktail sauce or tartar sauce for dipping, perfect for parties or a satisfying snack.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature stays consistent between 350-375°F for even, crispy results.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to prevent the temperature from dropping and soggy shrimp.
- Butterflying the shrimp is optional but enhances cooking and presentation.
- Use seasoned bread crumbs for extra flavor or add your own seasoning mix.
- Leftover fried shrimp can be reheated in an air fryer or oven to maintain crispness.
