Fried Shrimp Recipes For Dinner Step by Step Guide
The famous Southern fried shrimp is a long-standing favorite that people have enjoyed throughout the years because it is crispy with a golden outer coat and tender, juicy insides. This recipe comes from the Southern Cuisine. Through time, the perfect spice combined with texture brings out this great recipe for a main course, appetizer, or even as a side dish. In this recipe guide, we will discuss everything you need to know in order to make those classic Southern-style fried shrimp-from choosing your ingredients to cooking them, so that your shrimp come out perfectly crunchy every time.
But here is what really sets it apart, the ingredients are a breeze to work with but very flavorful. The buttermilk season cornmeal-flour crust on every shrimp makes each piece crusty and dusted with a little heat and a little tang, and plenty of flavor, too. And the best part is that it cooks up in mere minutes, making this dish great for hectic nights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined-those are tail-on which will be easier to grip if not peeled and devine (optional)
- 1 cup buttermilk – adds a gentle tang, tenderizes.
- 1 cup cornmeal – gives nice crispness and texture while frying
- ½ cup all-purpose flour, provides a body to be attached in the coating mix.
- One teaspoon of salt naturally brings out the flavors of the shrimp.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper- Just enough to give it a touch of spiciness.
- 1/2 tsp paprika- It gives it a bit of color, and the flavor is mellow earthy.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder- For some savory depth.
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional) – To add spicy kick.
- Vegetable oil for frying – Canola or peanut oil are best to use.
Follow these simple steps to prepare tradition Southern-Style fried Shrimp
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
1. Get the shrimp: Ready by rinsing them in cold water and using a paper towel to pat dry. Important to remove as much moisture as possible so the coating will stick.
2. Soak in Buttermilk: Place the shrimp in a medium basin and cover them with the buttermilk.Toss to coat, then soak for ten to fifteen minutes. It tenderizes the shrimp slightly and provides a faint acidity to the flavor.
Step 2: Preparation of the Breading Mix
1. Dredge in dry mixture: Mix the cornmeal, flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, if using. Toss to combine until everything is evenly mixed together.
2. Have all prepared in advance: Make your marinating shrimp and have your dry mix, plus a clean plate or sheet of parchment on hand ready for finishing breading.
Step 3: Dredge Shrimp
1. Dredge the Shrimp: Take a shrimp out of the buttermilk and slide off any extra liquid. Place it into the breading mixture and gently press to help the coating stick. Put the breaded shrimp on the plate.
2. Repeat: Repeat with the remaining shrimp, in batches if necessary, so that each piece is well coated.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
1. Fry the Oil In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat approximately 1 inch of vegetable oil on medium-high. When the oil reaches 350°F, or when a small amount of breading is dropped into the oil and it fries instantly.
2. Deep Fry Shrimp: In batches, fry the breaded shrimp in heated oil. Fry until golden brown and crispy, 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Do not overcrowd because overcrowding will bring down the temperature of the oil, thus bringing less crispy shrimps.
3. Drain Shrimp: Transfer the shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate so that any remaining oil may drain out after using a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Your Southern-style fried shrimp is ready to be served! Add lemon wedges and fresh parsley for a bright finish and serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or a tangy remoulade.
Tips for the Perfect Southern-Style Fried Shrimp
1. Fresh, Large Shrimp: Fresh shrimp are sweeter and firmer, perfect for frying. Large or jumbo shrimp also hold up better and have the right-sized bite.
2. Do Not Omit the Buttermilk: The buttermilk not only gives this dish flavor but also helps tenderize the shrimp for an extra juicy bite.
3. Maintain Oil Temperature: Fry the shrimp at the same temperature from start to finish, that is 350°F (175°C). A thermometer can be of great assistance.
4. Cook in Batches: You do not want to overcrowd the pan since it will lose its temperature, and the shrimp will end up soggy. Work in small batches for the perfect golden crust.
5. Drain on Paper Towels: Let the fried shrimp sit on paper towels for a minute or two to absorb excess oil and keep them crisp.
Dipping Sauce Ideas
Southern-style fried shrimp pairs really well with many dipping sauces. Here are a few ideas:
- Classic Cocktail Sauce: A mix of ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce for a tangy, spicy dip.
- Creamy Tartar Sauce: Mayonnaise, pickles, lemon juice, and fresh herbs will give you a creamy and slightly tangy flavor.
- Spicy Remoulade: A bold flavor with mayonnaise, mustard, hot sauce, garlic, and paprika.
- Honey Mustard Sauce: Honey and Dijon mustard, sweet and tangy, complement the crispy coating.
Southern-Style Fried Shrimp Side Dish Ideas
Here are some classic Southern side dishes to pair with your fried shrimp for a complete meal:
1. Coleslaw: This slaw with a creamy or acidic flavor adds some crunch to break down the fattiness of fried shrimp.
2. Fries or sweet potato: A crunchy fries make very great companions with shrimp.
3. Cornbread: It is the soft and sweetness in cornbread which shows how well this meal expresses itself.
4. Greens: These may include mustered greens, collared greens, or fresh lettuce which will cool out your dining.
5. Hush Puppies: Deep-fried cornmeal balls, another Southern favorite, are especially nice with fried seafood.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Fried Shrimp
Store leftover fried shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Here’s how to reheat them to retain crispiness:
- Oven Method: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the shrimp on a baking sheet and cook them in the broiler for approximately ten minutes, or until they are well heated and crispy.
- Air Fryer Method: Microwave shrimp in an air fryer at 350F for 5-6 minutes. This way, the breading will not fall off, and the shrimp remains moist.
- Never microwave fried shrimp because breading becomes soggy.
Healthier Version: Air Fryer Southern-Style Fried Shrimp
If you want to get a little lighter with your fried shrimp, the best option is an air fryer. Here’s how to do it:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Prepare your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Coat with Cooking Spray: Lightly spray them with cooking oil after you have breaded the shrimp for that crispy finish.
3. Air Fry: Line the air fryer basket with a single layer of shrimp. Fry for 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
The air-fried shrimp is equally delicious and crispy with less oil and calories.
Conclusion
Classic Southern-style fried shrimp is a classic favourite for any crowd who like their shrimp crispy golden with luscious, juicy shrimp. These are great for everyday meals, but impressive enough to make for special dinners, too. With several dips and sides, you can certainly make a Southern dinner of which you will also become very satisfied. Enjoy crispy shrimp with your family and friends and savor warm flavorings of this southern favourite!