Fried Shrimp

🍤 Fried Shrimp

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfect with cocktail sauce or lemon. Hard to beat that crunch

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb large shrimp (peeled & deveined, tails on or off)

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

For the Breading

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup cornstarch (extra crispiness)

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp cayenne (optional for heat)

For Frying

• Vegetable or canola oil

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Instructions

1️⃣ Prep the Shrimp

1. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.

2. In a bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

3. Add shrimp and marinate 20–30 minutes (this keeps them juicy).

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2️⃣ Prepare the Coating

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and seasonings.

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3️⃣ Bread the Shrimp

1. Remove shrimp from buttermilk, letting excess drip off.

2. Dredge in flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat well.

3. Place on a rack and let sit 5–10 minutes (helps coating stick).

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4️⃣ Fry

1. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan (about 2–3 inches deep).

2. Fry shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes, until golden brown.

3. Remove and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.

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🍋 Serve With

• Cocktail sauce

• Lemon wedges

• Tartar sauce

• French fries or coleslaw

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🔥 Extra Crispy Tip

For even crunchier shrimp, dip coated shrimp back into buttermilk lightly, then into flour again for a double coating before frying.

If you’d like, I can also give you an air fryer or oven-baked version.