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
Scale
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.
