These golden crispy fried shrimp are a tasty treat! They’re coated in a crunchy batter that makes each bite hard to resist. Perfect for snacks or parties!
Whenever I make these, I can’t help but munch on a few straight from the pan! Serve them with some tangy sauce, and watch everyone smile. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are ideal for this recipe. If you can’t find large, medium shrimp will work too. For a different bite, you might enjoy using scallops or chicken cutlets.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These provide a lighter, crunchier texture than regular breadcrumbs. If you don’t have panko, you can use standard breadcrumbs or crushed crackers as a substitute, though the texture will be slightly different.
Eggs: They help the breadcrumbs stick well to the shrimp. If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use a simple mixture of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water.
Vegetable Oil: This is used for frying. Canola oil or peanut oil are great alternatives due to their high smoke points. Just avoid olive oil as it can burn at higher temperatures.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Crispy Shrimp?
Getting that golden crispiness is all about the steps you take before frying. Follow these tips for the best results:
- Make sure your shrimp are completely dry after rinsing. Excess moisture can lead to sogginess.
- Coat each shrimp evenly in flour, egg, and then panko. Press the breadcrumbs firmly to ensure they stick.
- Heat the oil properly. A thermometer is your best friend here. Oil too cool will make the shrimp greasy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches to keep the oil temperature stable and ensure even cooking.
Letting the shrimp drain on paper towels after frying helps to remove excess oil, keeping them crispy!
Golden Crispy Fried Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional for color and mild spice)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Sweet chili sauce or cocktail sauce (for dipping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and cooking time. You’ll need an additional 10 minutes for the oil to heat up. So, get ready to enjoy crispy fried shrimp in just about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Rinse the shrimp under cold water to clean them and pat them dry gently with paper towels. Make sure they’re dry to help the batter stick later. Set them aside on a plate.
2. Set Up Your Breading Station:
In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and optional paprika. In a second bowl, crack the eggs and beat them until well combined. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
3. Bread the Shrimp:
Take each shrimp and first dip it into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the shrimp into the beaten eggs, coating it fully. Finally, roll the shrimp in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure the crumbs stick well. Set the breaded shrimp aside on a clean plate.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or pot, pour in about 2 inches of vegetable oil and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can check the temperature with a cooking thermometer or do a quick test by dropping in a small piece of bread—if it sizzles, the oil is ready!
5. Fry the Shrimp:
Carefully add a few shrimp to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon, allowing the excess oil to drain, and place them on a plate lined with paper towels.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once all the shrimp are fried, arrange them on a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm with sweet chili sauce or cocktail sauce on the side for a delightful dip!
Enjoy your crispy, golden fried shrimp, perfect as an appetizer or a main dish!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before starting. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge them in cold water for about 30 minutes. Pat them dry before breading to ensure the coating sticks properly.
What Can I Substitute for Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. Keep in mind that regular breadcrumbs may not give the same level of crispiness, so try to find a brand that is coarser if possible.
How Do I Store Leftover Fried Shrimp?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes to help restore their crispiness.
Can I Make the Batter Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the flour and panko mixtures ahead of time and store them separately in airtight containers. Just make sure to keep them cool until you’re ready to bread and fry the shrimp!