Hey there, fellow food lovers! I’m so excited to share my go-to recipe for homemade fried shrimp. This isn’t just any fried shrimp recipe; it’s the perfect balance of crispy, flavorful, and easy to make! Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never want to order fried shrimp from a restaurant again.
- : From prep to plate, you’re looking at about 20 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
- : The secret is in the double coating and the hot oil.
- : Make it your own with different seasonings and dipping sauces.
- : Everyone loves fried shrimp, and this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.
- 2 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined1
- 2 cups self-rising flour1
- Salt, to taste1
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning1
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper1
- 2 cups buttermilk1
- 4 cups peanut oil or vegetable oil, for frying1
- Optional, for serving: tartar sauce (or other dipping sauce); lemon wedges; fresh parsley1
- : In a shallow bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour, salt, Old Bay seasoning, and black pepper1. Place the buttermilk in a separate shallow dish1.
- : Pour the oil into a Dutch oven or cast iron skillet and warm over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F1.
- : Pat the shrimp dry. Dredge them in the flour mixture first, then coat with buttermilk, and dredge in the flour mixture again1. Shake the shrimp after each coating to get off any excess flour or batter1.
- : Working in batches, fry shrimp until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes)1. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp to a paper towel-lined tray1. Season with additional salt, to taste1. You may need to increase the heat to keep the oil at a steady temperature between 350°F and 375°F as the shrimp fry1.
- : Keep the fried shrimp warm in a 200°F oven while you fry the remaining batches1.
- : Serve with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley1.
- : Pair with a spicy mayo or sriracha dipping sauce.
- : Serve alongside coleslaw and french fries for a classic fried seafood dinner.
- : Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a kick.
- : Mix in some dried herbs like thyme or oregano for extra flavor.
- : For a different texture, try using panko breadcrumbs instead of flour5.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Serving size: 6
- Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before coating.
- Peanut or vegetable oil works great1. I typically use peanut oil because it’s affordable, it has a high smoke point, and it will not flavor your seafood1.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan and keep the oil temperature consistent. Also, use a wire rack to drain the shrimp instead of paper towels.
Enjoy your delicious, homemade fried shrimp! Let me know in the comments how yours turned out
