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Crispy Southern Fried Shrimp

Close-up of a pile of golden brown, crispy fried shrimp, one piece broken open showing the white interior.
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Follow this recipe to make perfectly crispy, golden-brown fried shrimp with juicy insides using a buttermilk soak and seasoned flour coating.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail on or off)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. Rinse the shrimp and pat them very dry with paper towels. Place the dried shrimp in a bowl.
  2. Pour the buttermilk over the shrimp. Add the salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to the buttermilk and stir to combine. Let the shrimp soak for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
  3. In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This is your seasoned flour coating.
  4. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 360°F (182°C).
  5. Working in small batches, remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each shrimp thoroughly in the seasoned flour, pressing the flour onto the shrimp to create a thick coating.
  6. Carefully place the coated shrimp into the hot oil, ensuring you do not overcrowd the pot.
  7. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, turning once, until the coating is deep golden brown and crisp.
  8. Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
  9. Serve the crispy fried shrimp immediately with your preferred dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, you can double-dip the shrimp: coat in flour, dip quickly back into the buttermilk, and then coat again in the flour mixture.
  • Maintain the oil temperature between 350°F and 365°F for the best results and to prevent greasy shrimp.
  • Serve with classic tartar sauce or a spicy cocktail sauce for dipping.

Nutrition

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