Fried shrimp is a mouthwatering dish that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, it’s sure to please seafood lovers. Here’s a simple and delightful fried shrimp recipe that you can easily prepare at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
- Start by preparing the shrimp. Make sure they are cleaned, peeled, and deveined. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Set Up Dredging Stations:
- In three separate shallow bowls, set up a dredging station. Fill the first bowl with flour, the second bowl with beaten eggs, and the third bowl with bread crumbs.
3. Season the Flour:
- In the flour bowl, add salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well to combine the seasonings.
4. Dredge the Shrimp:
- One at a time, coat each shrimp in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Dip the coated shrimp into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the shrimp with bread crumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Heat the Oil:
- In a deep skillet or pot, heat vegetable oil to about 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil to submerge the shrimp.
6. Fry the Shrimp:
- Carefully place the coated shrimp in the hot oil using tongs. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
7. Serve the Fried Shrimp:
- Once all the shrimp are fried, arrange them on a serving platter. Garnish with lemon wedges for a burst of citrus flavor. Serve the fried shrimp hot and crispy.
8. Enjoy!
- Your delicious fried shrimp is now ready to be enjoyed! Dip them in your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them as they are.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a hint of heat.
- Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying. If the oil is too hot, the shrimp may burn quickly on the outside without cooking through on the inside.
This crispy and flavorful fried shrimp recipe is perfect for gatherings, parties, or simply as a treat for yourself. Serve them alongside your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal.