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Crispy Southern Fried Shrimp: Your Blueprint for Golden Perfection

A large pile of golden brown, crispy fried shrimp served on a white plate.
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Learn the simple steps to make truly crispy Southern Fried Shrimp using a buttermilk soak. This easy recipe delivers golden, flavorful shrimp perfect for a quick seafood dinner or appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail on optional)
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Peanut oil or vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the shrimp and toss to coat completely. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. This step helps tenderize the shrimp.
  2. In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Creole seasoning, black pepper, salt, and any extra desired seasoning for your shrimp coating.
  3. Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, but do not rinse. Dredge each shrimp thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating adheres well. Place the coated shrimp on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
  4. Pour enough oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to reach a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature; maintaining this heat is key for crispy fried shrimp.
  5. Working in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, carefully lower the shrimp into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pot, as this lowers the oil temperature and results in greasy shrimp.
  6. Fry the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning once, until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
  7. Use a slotted spoon or spider to remove the shrimp from the oil. Place them immediately on a clean wire rack set over paper towels to drain excess oil.
  8. Serve your homemade fried shrimp immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, like cocktail sauce or tartar sauce.

Notes

  • For extra crispy fried shrimp, you can double-coat the shrimp. After the first dredge, dip the shrimp back into the buttermilk briefly, then dredge again in the flour mixture.
  • Maintain the oil temperature between 340°F and 360°F for the best results. If the oil is too cool, the coating will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
  • This recipe works well for a quick seafood dinner when you need something fast and satisfying.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://epicureempire.com/crispy-southern-fried-shrimp-recipe/