Southern-Style Crispy Fried Shrimp (No Alcohol)

Crispy, golden, and full of flavor—Southern-Style Crispy Fried Shrimp is a dish that pleases both the palate and the heart. Imagine biting into a perfectly cooked shrimp that’s crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, seasoned just right to create that delightful flavor explosion. It’s like a hug on your plate! This dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy winter evenings, bringing everyone together over a meal that’s both comforting and scrumptious. Fun fact: Did you know that shrimp are among the most popular seafood options across the Southern coast? This recipe showcases their versatility and is as simple as it gets, much like our popular fried chicken recipe that has everyone raving. So roll up your sleeves, and get ready to impress your family with this delightful dish!

What is Southern-Style Crispy Fried Shrimp (No Alcohol)?

So what’s the deal with Southern-Style Crispy Fried Shrimp? You might wonder how a dish can have such a long name—but isn’t the saying true that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach? Imagine serving this dish at your next family gathering, and watching the joy on your loved ones’ faces when they taste that crispy, flavorful shrimp. Perfect for sharing stories and laughter, it’s the kind of dish that transports you straight to a Southern kitchen bustling with warmth and flavor. So, are you ready to dive into these crispy delights?

Why You’ll Love This Southern-Style Crispy Fried Shrimp (No Alcohol)

Let’s be honest; nothing beats the joy of creating a show-stopping main dish at home, especially when it’s homemade Southern-Style Crispy Fried Shrimp. The crunchy crust, flavorful seasoning, and tender shrimp make it the star of any meal. Plus, when you whip this up at home, you’re saving money while also impressing your family with your culinary skills. And let’s not forget about the toppings! From zesty tartar sauce to a sprinkle of fresh herbs, the options are endless. Unlike restaurant versions served with heavy sauces and fewer shrimp, this dish gives you ample servings and customizable flavors! So why not gather your loved ones, roll up those sleeves, and get cooking? Your taste buds will thank you!

How to Make Southern-Style Crispy Fried Shrimp (No Alcohol)

Quick Overview

Making Southern-Style Crispy Fried Shrimp is a breeze! This dish is all about achieving that perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness, with the flavorful seasoning elevating your meal to new heights. You can make this delightful dish in around 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or special family occasion.

Key Ingredients for Southern-Style Crispy Fried Shrimp (No Alcohol)

• Shrimp: 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined.
• Flour: 1 cup all-purpose flour.
• Cornmeal: ½ cup for that signature crunch.
• Seasonings:
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a spicy kick)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
• Eggs: 2, beaten.
• Milk: 1 cup (you can use whole or almond milk).
• Oil: For frying, use vegetable or canola oil for best results.
• Lemon wedges: For serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp: Start with the shrimp; if they’re frozen, ensure they’re completely thawed and patted dry to avoid excess moisture.
2. Set Up the Breading Station: In one bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, and seasonings. In another bowl, whisk the eggs and add milk until well combined.
3. Coat the Shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Then, roll it in the flour-cornmeal mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Place the breaded shrimp on a plate.
4. Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the temperature by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil; if it sizzles, it’s ready.
5. Fry the Shrimp: Carefully place the shrimp into the hot oil, being cautious to not overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if needed for about 3-4 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain the Shrimp: Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
7. Serve: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for added flavor, and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Top Tips for Perfecting Southern-Style Crispy Fried Shrimp (No Alcohol)

• Choosing Shrimp: Opt for large shrimp for a more satisfying crunch. If you’re not a fan of shrimp, try using boneless chicken thighs for a similar experience!
• Coating Technique: Ensure your shrimp are completely coated for that signature crispy texture. You can use a fork or your fingers, but be quick to keep the breading intact.
• Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on the oil temperature. If it’s too hot, you risk burning the coating before the shrimp are fully cooked; too cold, and it will absorb too much oil.
• Try Different Seasonings: Experiment with spices like cumin or Old Bay to make it your own!

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s hard not to finish every bite), store your Southern-Style Crispy Fried Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the shrimp on a baking sheet. This will help maintain their crispy texture—no one likes soggy shrimp! Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Conclusion

Now that you have all the tools you need to create the perfect Southern-Style Crispy Fried Shrimp, why not give it a try? This dish is sure to become a family favorite that brings flavor, texture, and smiles to your table. Happy cooking!

Southern-Style Crispy Fried Shrimp

Crispy, golden, and flavorful, Southern-Style Crispy Fried Shrimp is the perfect dish for family gatherings, showcasing shrimp's versatility with a crunchy exterior and tender inside.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Shrimp and Coating

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Opt for large shrimp for a more satisfying crunch.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornmeal For that signature crunch.
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional for a spicy kick.
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup milk Can be whole or almond milk.
• Oil for frying Use vegetable or canola oil for best results.
• Lemon wedges For serving.

Method

 

Preparation

1. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry to avoid excess moisture.
2. In one bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, and seasonings. In another bowl, whisk the eggs and add milk until well combined.
3. Dip each shrimp into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Then, roll it in the flour-cornmeal mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated.

Cooking

1. In a large frying pan, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully place the breaded shrimp into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches for about 3-4 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
3. Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Serving

1. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the shrimp on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes.