Fried shrimp

Fried shrimp is a delicious and crispy seafood dish that’s easy to prepare. Here’s a basic recipe for fried shrimp:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spiciness)
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
• Lemon wedges for garnish (optional)
• Cocktail sauce or tartar sauce for dipping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Shrimp:
   • Ensure the shrimp are peeled, deveined, and patted dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the breading stick better.

1. Set Up a Dredging Station:
   • In one bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. This mixture will be used for dredging the shrimp.
   • In another bowl, beat the eggs.
2. Dredge the Shrimp:
   • Take a shrimp and dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
   • Then, coat the shrimp evenly with the flour mixture. Press the flour mixture onto the shrimp to ensure a good coating.
3. Repeat for All Shrimp:
   • Repeat the process for all the shrimp, placing them on a plate or tray after coating.
4. Heat the Oil:
   • In a large, deep skillet or pot, heat the vegetable oil to 350-375°F (175-190°C). You can use a candy thermometer or an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature.
5. Fry the Shrimp:
   • Carefully add the coated shrimp to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature and make the shrimp greasy.
   • Fry the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. The exact time may vary depending on the size of the shrimp and the temperature of the oil.

1. Drain and Serve:
   • Use a slotted spoon or a wire mesh skimmer to remove the fried shrimp from the oil, allowing any excess oil to drain.
   • Place the fried shrimp on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any remaining oil.
2. Serve Hot:
   • Serve the fried shrimp immediately while they are still hot and crispy.
   • Garnish with lemon wedges and serve with your choice of dipping sauce, such as cocktail sauce or tartar sauce.

Enjoy your homemade fried shrimp as a tasty appetizer or main course. Be cautious when working with hot oil, and ensure it is disposed of safely after use.