Why make this recipe
If you love seafood, you’ll enjoy this quick and easy crispy fried shrimp recipe. It’s a delightful dish that comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a fun weekend meal. The shrimp turn out perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining juicy inside, and you can customize it with your favorite dipping sauces.
How to make Quick & Easy Crispy Fried Shrimp
Ingredients:
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 dashes hot sauce
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Oil for frying
Directions:
- In a bowl, combine flour, Old Bay, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- In a separate bowl, mix buttermilk with hot sauce.
- Add shrimp to the buttermilk mixture and let marinate for 5–10 minutes.
- Remove shrimp from buttermilk and dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry shrimp in batches for about 3–5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer shrimp to paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
How to serve Quick & Easy Crispy Fried Shrimp
Serve your crispy fried shrimp hot, right out of the frying pan. They are perfect as a main dish or as an appetizer. Pair them with a side of fries, a fresh salad, or some coleslaw. You can also offer a selection of dipping sauces like cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or even a spicy mayo for added flavor.
How to store Quick & Easy Crispy Fried Shrimp
If you have leftovers (though they are best fresh), let the shrimp cool to room temperature. Place them in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat them in an oven or an air fryer to restore their crispiness.
Tips to make Quick & Easy Crispy Fried Shrimp
- Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying; this helps keep the shrimp crispy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying; work in small batches for the best results.
- If you want extra crunch, double-dip the shrimp by going back through the buttermilk and flour again after the first coat.
Variation
Feel free to spice up your shrimp with additional seasonings like cayenne pepper for heat or add herbs like parsley for freshness. You can also try using panko breadcrumbs instead of all-purpose flour for an even crunchier texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them and pat them dry before marinating and frying.
What kind of oil is best for frying shrimp?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are great choices for frying because they have high smoke points.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for dredging.
Quick & Easy Crispy Fried Shrimp
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 dashes hot sauce
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Oil for frying Oil for frying
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, combine flour, Old Bay, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- In a separate bowl, mix buttermilk with hot sauce.
- Add shrimp to the buttermilk mixture and let marinate for 5–10 minutes.
- Remove shrimp from buttermilk and dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture.
Cooking
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry shrimp in batches for about 3–5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer shrimp to paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.