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Crispy Southern Fried Shrimp

Crispy Southern Fried Shrimp

Enjoy perfectly crispy Southern Fried Shrimp, a delicious low-fat dish made with a buttermilk soak and seasoned flour coating.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Appetizer, dinner
Cuisine Southern
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • deep fryer
  • Shallow Dish
  • Large bowl
  • slotted spoon
  • Wire rack

Ingredients
  

Shrimp

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Soaking Mixture

  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Coating

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Frying Oil

  • vegetable oil for frying

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl. Pour the buttermilk over the shrimp, add salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Let the shrimp soak for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
  • In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, and garlic powder. This is your coating mixture.

Frying

  • Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 365°F (185°C).
  • Working in small batches, remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each shrimp thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to help the coating adhere.
  • Carefully place the coated shrimp into the hot oil, ensuring you do not overcrowd the pot.
  • Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until the shrimp are golden brown and cooked through.
  • Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
  • Serve immediately with your preferred dipping sauce.

Notes

For extra crispiness, you can double-dip the shrimp: coat once in flour, dip briefly back into the buttermilk, and then coat again in the flour mixture. Maintain the oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F for the best results. If the oil is too cool, the shrimp will be greasy. Serve with cocktail sauce or tartar sauce for dipping.

Nutrition

Serving: 1recipeCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 24gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 180mgSodium: 550mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2g
Keyword appetizers, Crispy Southern Fried Shrimp, dinner recipes, easy recipes, fried shrimp, seafood
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