Learning how to fry shrimp to perfection can seem daunting, but with the proper techniques, you can achieve a crispy, delicious result every time. Whether you prefer traditional Southern fried shrimp or want a non-traditional approach, this guide will walk you through the best methods. Join the seafood experts from N.C. Seafood, based in Raleigh, North Carolina as they share ways to prepare and fry shrimp. And be sure to stay around until the end where they share perfect side dishes to serve with fried shrimp!
Table of Contents
Traditional Southern Fried Shrimp
Southern fried shrimp is a classic favorite, known for its crispy exterior and juicy, flavorful interior. Here’s how to fry shrimp to achieve that perfect crunch:
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Place the shrimp in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Let them marinate for about 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
Combine the flour, cornmeal, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper in a separate bowl.
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge the shrimp in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature.
Step 5: Fry the Shrimp
Fry the shrimp in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Drain and Serve
Remove the shrimp from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Perfect Pairings: Coleslaw and Tartar Sauce
- Coleslaw: The tangy and creamy coleslaw texture perfectly complements the crispy and savory Southern fried shrimp. It adds a refreshing crunch and balances the richness of the fried coating.
- Tartar Sauce: This classic dipping sauce, made with mayonnaise, pickles, and capers, enhances the flavor of fried shrimp with its creamy and tangy profile.
Ideal Sides: Hushpuppies and Cornbread
- Hushpuppies: These deep-fried cornmeal balls provide a delightful contrast with their soft interior and crispy exterior, making them a perfect companion to fried shrimp.
- Cornbread: Moist and slightly sweet, cornbread is a traditional Southern side that pairs well with fried shrimp, adding a comforting and hearty element to the meal.
Panko-Crusted Shrimp
Try using panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier alternative when learning how to fry shrimp. Panko provides a unique texture that regular breadcrumbs can’t match.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Coating
Place the flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs in three separate bowls. Season the flour with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Step 2: Coat the Shrimp
Dredge the shrimp in flour, dip them in the beaten eggs, and coat them with panko breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). A thermometer is helpful to maintain the correct temperature.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Remove the shrimp from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with a lemon wedge or your favorite dipping sauce.
Perfect Pairings: Spicy Mayo and Sweet Chili Sauce
- Spicy Mayo: A blend of mayonnaise and sriracha, Spicy Mayo adds a creamy and spicy kick that enhances panko-crusted shrimp’s light, crispy texture.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: This sweet and tangy sauce complements the crunch of panko shrimp, providing a delightful balance of flavors.
Ideal Sides: Steamed Rice and Pickled Vegetables
- Steamed Rice: Simple and fluffy, steamed rice is a neutral side that absorbs the flavors of the shrimp and sauces, making each bite harmonious.
- Pickled Vegetables: The acidity and crunch of pickled vegetables cut through the richness of the fried shrimp, adding a refreshing and palate-cleansing element.
Air Fryer Shrimp
Try using an air fryer to learn how to fry shrimp as a healthier seafood option. This method reduces the amount of oil needed while achieving a crispy texture.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Coating
Place the flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs in three separate bowls. Season the flour with salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Coat the Shrimp
Dredge the shrimp in flour, dip in the beaten eggs, and then coat it with panko breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Lightly spray with cooking spray. Cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Perfect Pairings: Garlic Aioli and Honey Mustard
- Garlic Aioli: This rich and garlicky dipping sauce adds depth and creaminess to the air-fried shrimp, enhancing its flavor without overpowering it.
- Honey Mustard: The sweet and tangy profile of honey mustard pairs wonderfully with the crispy shrimp, offering a delightful contrast in flavors.
Ideal Sides: Mixed Green Salad and Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette provides a crisp and healthy balance to the air-fried shrimp, keeping the meal light and refreshing.
- Baked Sweet Potato Fries: These naturally sweet and slightly crispy fries are a healthier alternative to regular fries, complementing the shrimp with their unique flavor.
Tempura Shrimp
When learning how to fry shrimp, try tempura batter for a light and airy coating. This Japanese method produces a delicate, crispy crust, adding a unique twist to your shrimp frying repertoire.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cold sparkling water
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Mix the flour, cold sparkling water, egg yolk, and salt in a bowl until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be slightly lumpy.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
Dip the shrimp into the tempura batter, allowing any excess to drip off.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes or until the batter is crispy and light golden brown.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Remove the shrimp from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with a soy-based dipping sauce.
Perfect Pairings: Soy Sauce and Ponzu Sauce
- Soy Sauce: A classic choice, soy sauce has a salty, umami-rich flavor that enhances the delicate, crispy tempura batter.
- Ponzu Sauce: This citrusy soy-based sauce adds a refreshing and tangy note, perfect for cutting through the richness of tempura shrimp.
Ideal Sides: Miso Soup and Cucumber Salad
- Miso Soup is a warm and savory soup that complements the light and airy tempura shrimp, providing a comforting and balanced meal.
- Cucumber Salad: This crisp and refreshing salad, often dressed with rice vinegar, offers a cool contrast to the hot and crispy shrimp, making it an ideal side dish.
Taste the Difference in Fried Shrimp at N.C. Seafood Restaurant in Raleigh
Whether you prefer the traditional Southern fried shrimp or want to experiment with panko, air frying, or tempura, these methods will help you learn how to fry shrimp perfectly every time. Try these techniques at home to enjoy crispy, delicious shrimp, or order online from N.C. Seafood Restaurant in Raleigh to savor our traditional fried shrimp. Taste the difference and enjoy a delightful dining experience with us!
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