Savor the crispy perfection of my homemade Crispy Fried Shrimp, tenderized in buttermilk and seasoned to absolute perfection.
Looking for a dish that combines simplicity with irresistible flavor? Look no further than my crispy fried shrimp recipe. By incorporating the magic touch of buttermilk to tenderize the shrimp, these beauties are then coated in seasoned flour and simple seasoning and fried to golden perfection. Trust me, once you’ve savored these homemade delights, you’ll never want to order a fried shrimp basket from a restaurant again.
The key to achieving tender and succulent shrimp lies in the buttermilk marinade. Buttermilk works wonders in tenderizing the shrimp while imparting a subtle tangy flavor that perfectly complements the delicate seafood taste. Soaking the shrimp in buttermilk not only ensures a juicy bite but also helps the coating adhere better, resulting in a wonderfully crispy exterior. I like to add a dash of chipotle Tabasco to the buttermilk to further enhance the flavor of the shrimp.
My recipe keeps things simple yet utterly delicious. After a luxurious soak in buttermilk, the shrimp are gently coated in some seasoned flour with just the right blend of spices. A touch of salt, a hint of pepper, perhaps a sprinkle of garlic powder – the exact combination is up to you. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility; you can tailor the seasoning to suit your taste preferences, whether you crave a subtle kick or a bold flavor punch.
Once the shrimp are coated in the flour, it’s time to head to the frying pan. Crisp, golden perfection awaits as the shrimp sizzle and dance in hot oil. With just a few minutes of frying time, you’ll achieve shrimp that boast a tantalizing crunch on the outside while remaining juicy and tender on the inside. My fried shrimp basket is done in no time, perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something special without the hassle.
Crispy Fried Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined with tails on
- 1 cup of buttermilk
- 1 tbsp chipotle Tabasco
- 2 tbsp cajun seasoning of choice divided (1 tbsp for flour mixture, 1 tbsp for buttermilk)
- 1 1/2 cups of all purpose flour
- 2 cups of neutral cooking oil of choice like vegetable oil or canola oil
- Tarter sauce to taste
- Fresh lemon wedges
Instructions
- In a large bowl, pour buttermilk over shrimp and add hot sauce and 1 tbsp cajun seasoning
- Mix well to combine then set aside
- To another bowl add flour and 1 tbsp cajun seasoning and mix well to combine
- Dip shrimp in flour mixture and coat well on both sides
- Heat oil to 375 degrees
- Fry shrimp in oil until golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, about 5 minutes per batch of shrimp–be careful not to over crowd your pot
- Remove shrimp and drain on paper towels or a wire rack
- Serve warm with tarter sauce, fresh lemon wedges and enjoy
Notes
- To ensure a light coating on the shrimp, just dredge in flour just until coated, don't over bread the shrimp
- For the perfect golden brown color, watch shrimp very carefully, it takes about 4-5 minutes to achieve this
- Do not over crowd your pot when frying, the oil will decrease in temperature and the shrimp will not cook as evenly and quickly
- Use full fat buttermilk for best results–the one from somebody's farm!
- Make your cajun seasoning from scratch combining: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, black pepper, caynne and kosher salt)
After experiencing my homemade crispy fried shrimp, you’ll find it hard to justify ordering a shrimp basket from a restaurant ever again. Why settle for mediocre when you can indulge in shrimp that are made with love and care right in your own kitchen? Plus, there’s something immensely gratifying about mastering a dish that rivals your favorite restaurant’s, right?
Are you ready to elevate your shrimp game? My crispy fried shrimp recipe promises a combination of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds singing. With the tenderizing powers of buttermilk and the simplicity of the light coating, you’ll achieve shrimp perfection with every bite. Roll up your sleeves, heat up that frying pan and let’s get cooking!
