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:
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- Ensure the shrimp are peeled, deveined, and patted dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the breading stick better.
- 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.
- 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.
- Repeat for All Shrimp:
- Repeat the process for all the shrimp, placing them on a plate or tray after coating.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
