This fried shrimp recipe starts with a bold seasoned cornmeal shrimp breading filled with wonderful flavors and a hint of spice that creates shrimp fried to perfection! Pair with Fried Catfish, Tartar Sauce, Remoulade Sauce, classic Hush Puppies and and Fried Okra for the ultimate Southern Fish Fry.
Who doesn’t love a great family fish fry? I know my family cannot resist hosting a fish fry several times during the summer months. I have written about my family’s fish fries quite a few times on my website; however, I have never totally shared what my favorite menu item is. Drum roll please….FRIED SHRIMP! I know most would assume Southern fried catfish or maybe even perch or hush puppies but nope, it is classic fried shrimp my friends. Those little morsels of seasoned and crunchy deliciousness are beyond sensational.
HOW TO FRY SHRIMP
When frying shrimp, it is very important to not overcook them because shrimp have a tendency to cook relatively quickly. Make sure your fire or heat is set to medium high. So, once the frying begins watch the shrimp closely.
I personally prefer fried shrimp with a golden brown color. Once the fried shrimp batter on the shrimp becomes brown, it’s time to take the shrimp out. You want the shrimp to be nice, plump and fleshy!
This fried shrimp recipe is quite simple and includes a cornmeal flour batter that you can make a huge batch of and store away for your future fish fry needs. The flavors come together perfectly with a bit of a spicy kick. The spices add a nice heat without it being too overwhelming.
HOW TO MAKE A FRIED SHRIMP BATTER or FRIED SHRIMP BREADING
There is a lovely crispy crunch that comes from the egg dip that contributes to the deliciousness. For the breading, I used the following ingredients:
- A mixture of all purpose flour and cornmeal (it provides a wonderful crunch)
- Seasoned Salt
- Black pepper
- Cayenne pepper (this gives a nice kick of spice)
- Lemon pepper (citrus brightens the flavor)
- Paprika
To make sure that the breading adheres well, I love to use buttermilk and egg. It provides a nice adhesive so that it sticks really well.
I’m pretty certain that you should try this recipe today. Get your shrimp fry on ASAP!
WHAT ARE THE BEST SIDE DISHES FOR FRIED SHRIMP RECIPE?
At most fish fries, hush puppies are always a must!
Love it fried? Try these incredible fried recipes:
- Fried fish is the best, and this Fish and Chips recipe is amazing!
- What is a chicken gizzard? This fried chicken gizzard recipe will make you the ultimate fan.
- This fried green tomatoes recipe is the best one on the web!
- Fried okra is the very best the south can offer! This fried okra recipe is the bee’s knees!
- I’m seriously in love with this chicken fried steak recipe! It is one of my most popular recipe. This Country fried steak is gold!
- If you love buttermilk fried chicken, this one will be your fave!
- Love fried catfish? This oven fried catfish will blow your mind.
- And for a side dish? These fried onion rings are incredible!
- If you love a good fish fry, I will teach you the best way to fry fish!
Fried Shrimp Recipe (How to Fry Shrimp)
Classic fried shrimp made with a seasoned cornmeal flour filled with wonderful flavors and fried to perfection. This dish is perfect for your next fish fry.
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Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 186kcal
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup all purpose flour
- 1/3 cup yellow cornmeal
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon lemon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 1 pound deveined shrimp
Instructions
- In a brown bag or ziploc bag, add flour, cornmeal, seasoned salt, pepper, cayenne, lemon pepper, and paprika and shake together.
- In a deep pie plate or large shallow bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg and hot sauce.
- Dip shrimp in beaten buttermilk mixture then add back into the cornmeal breading and shake liberally to coat well. Place coated shrimp on a baking sheet.
- While coating sets, add 2 - 2 1/2 inches of oil to a deep pot and heat over medium high heat.
- Fry shrimp until golden brown but don't fry too long. Shrimp doesn't take too long to cook.
- Drain on paper towels and serve.
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Nutrition
Calories: 186kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 194mg | Sodium: 1440mg | Potassium: 157mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 210IU | Vitamin C: 4.3mg | Calcium: 158mg | Iron: 2.5mg
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Made this last night. I never thought of using cornmeal to help the crispy factor! Easy, simple ingredients with banging results!
Amazing recipe!! I fried in a dutch oven so I didn’t get any splashback
I made this tonight for dinner and the whole family loved it! Best fried shrimp recipe I’ve ever had. I’ll probably make a bigger batch of the flour/cornmeal mixture and keep it on hand for shrimp or fish, absolutely delicious.
Could I use coconut milk can’t do dairy ?
Sure why not!
Hi! Can you recommend a good substitute for cornmeal? (Not a fan, lol) Thanks:)
You can use all flour if you would like.
I loved this recipe! I will not change a thing.
Thank you so so much!
This is going to be my “go to” shrimp recipe. I didn’t change a thing. It’s perfect like it is! Thanks so much.
Thank you so so much!