Learn how to make perfectly crunchy fried shrimp with this easy recipe. Whether you’re hosting a seafood dinner or craving a delicious appetizer, these crispy shrimp are sure to satisfy. Follow along for step-by-step instructions and enjoy the satisfying crunch of homemade fried shrimp.
Ingredients for Crunchy Fried Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Cocktail sauce or tartar sauce, for dipping (optional)
How to Make Crunchy Fried Shrimp
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well.
- Coat the Shrimp:
- In another shallow dish, beat the eggs.
- Dip each shrimp into the seasoned flour mixture, coating evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
- Dip the floured shrimp into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off.
- Finally, coat the shrimp with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Place coated shrimp on a plate or baking sheet.
- Fry the Shrimp:
- In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place a few coated shrimp into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the fried shrimp from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Repeat with the remaining shrimp, adjusting the temperature of the oil as needed to maintain around 350°F (175°C) for each batch.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the crunchy fried shrimp hot, garnished with lemon wedges.
- Optionally, serve with cocktail sauce or tartar sauce for dipping.
About the Main Ingredients
- Shrimp: Provides a mild, sweet seafood flavor and becomes tender and juicy when fried properly.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Ensures a crispy, crunchy coating that stays crispy longer than traditional breadcrumbs due to their larger, flakier texture.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika add layers of flavor to the flour coating, enhancing the overall taste of the fried shrimp.
Enjoy these crunchy fried shrimp as an appetizer, side dish, or even as the main course for a delicious seafood meal. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite among seafood lovers and frying enthusiasts alike!
