Southern Fried Shrimp Recipe

Introduction

Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, Southern Fried Shrimp is a beloved classic that satisfies seafood cravings with every bite. Perfect for family meals or special occasions, this recipe layers flavorful seasonings for a truly irresistible dish.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• For the wet mixture:
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup milk
• For the dry mixture:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• Lemon wedges, cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or other condiments, as desired

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a deep fryer or large skillet, heat vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the shrimp with oregano, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and milk. Mix well and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Step 4: Working in batches if necessary, remove shrimp from the wet mixture and coat thoroughly in the dry flour mixture.
5. Step 5: Carefully fry the coated shrimp in the hot oil for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Step 6: Remove fried shrimp with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined platter to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining shrimp.
7. Step 7: Serve immediately with lemon wedges and your choice of condiments.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, add ground cayenne pepper to both the wet and dry mixtures.
• Try Cajun seasoning, Old Bay, or Greek seasoning in place of the oregano and paprika for a different flavor profile.
• Work in small batches to ensure shrimp fry evenly and stay crispy.

Storage

Store leftover fried shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until heated through to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

How long does it take to make Southern Fried Shrimp?

The preparation and cooking time together take about 14 minutes, with 10 minutes to prepare and marinate the shrimp and 4 minutes to fry.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.

Southern Fried Shrimp Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 68 reviews

Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, Southern Fried Shrimp is a classic comfort food that delivers bold Southern flavors. This quick and easy recipe involves marinating shrimp in a seasoned wet mixture, coating them with a flavorful dry flour mix, and deep-frying until golden brown. Perfect for family meals or entertaining guests, it comes served with lemon wedges and your choice of condiments like cocktail or tartar sauce.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 minutes
• Total Time: 14 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

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Shrimp and Frying Oil

• 1 lb. raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Wet Mixture

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup milk

Dry Mixture

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

For Serving

• Lemon wedges
• Cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, ranch dressing, honey mustard, or other condiments as desired

Instructions

1. Heat the oil: In a deep fryer or large skillet, heat vegetable oil to 375°F, ensuring it’s hot enough for frying the shrimp to a crisp and golden finish.
2. Prepare the wet mixture: In a large bowl, combine dried oregano, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and milk. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to this mixture and stir well. Let the shrimp soak for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
3. Mix the dry coating: In a separate medium bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, dried oregano, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper to create the seasoned flour coating.
4. Coat the shrimp: Working in batches if needed, remove shrimp from the milk mixture and dredge them thoroughly in the dry flour mixture, ensuring an even coating on each shrimp.
5. Fry the shrimp: Carefully place the coated shrimp in the hot oil and fry for 3-5 minutes until they are cooked through and the batter turns a light golden brown color.
6. Drain and repeat: Remove fried shrimp using a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined tray to drain excess oil. Repeat the coating and frying process for remaining shrimp.
7. Serve immediately: Plate the fried shrimp with lemon wedges and your preferred condiments such as cocktail or tartar sauce. Enjoy while hot and crispy.

Notes

• Add a pinch of ground cayenne pepper to the wet and dry mixtures to introduce a spicy kick.
• For flavor variation, try substituting the seasoning with Cajun seasoning, Old Bay, Greek seasoning, or other preferred spice blends.
• Work in batches when frying to avoid overcrowding, which ensures even cooking and crispiness.
• Store leftover fried shrimp in an airtight container and reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispness.

Keywords: Southern Fried Shrimp, Fried Shrimp Recipe, Crispy Shrimp, Southern Cuisine, Deep Fried Shrimp, Shrimp Appetizer, Seafood Recipe