If you have a craving for something irresistibly crunchy and bursting with flavor, this Crispy Fried Shrimp – Restaurant Quality Recipe will absolutely hit the spot. It’s a perfect blend of tender, juicy shrimp enveloped in a golden, crunchy coating that tastes like it came straight from your favorite seafood spot. The magic lies in the simple yet carefully selected ingredients and the technique that guarantees that beautiful, crispy exterior every single time. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself, this recipe brings that restaurant flair right into your kitchen with ease and deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every superstar recipe starts with the perfect lineup of ingredients. For this Crispy Fried Shrimp – Restaurant Quality Recipe, each element plays its role, creating the crispy texture and mouthwatering flavor that makes this dish a standout. From juicy shrimp to the seasoned bread crumbs, these ingredients are both simple and essential.
- 1 lb shrimp (16-20 count, peeled and cleaned): Fresh, medium-sized shrimp provide that perfect balance of bite and tenderness.
- 1/4 cup buttermilk or regular milk: Adds moisture and helps the breading stick beautifully to the shrimp.
- 2 large eggs (beaten): Combined with milk for the egg wash, this ensures an even coating for the crispy crust.
- 2 cups seasoned bread crumbs: The secret to that irresistible crunch and enhanced flavor with every bite.
- Corn oil or vegetable oil: Ideal for frying, these oils reach high heat needed for a golden, crisp finish without greasy results.
How to Make Crispy Fried Shrimp – Restaurant Quality Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by peeling and cleaning your shrimp under cold running water. This step is crucial because any leftover shell bits can interfere with that crispy coating we’re aiming for. If you want to elevate the texture and presentation, butterfly each shrimp by slicing through the flesh without cutting all the way through. This allows the shrimp to cook evenly and makes for a stunning appearance once fried.
Step 2: Make the Egg Wash
Next, mix the eggs and buttermilk (or milk) in a bowl to form the egg wash. This mixture not only acts as a glue to hold the bread crumbs in place but also adds a slight richness that complements the shrimp’s natural sweetness perfectly. Be sure to whisk until smooth and well combined!
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
Dip each cleaned shrimp into the egg wash, making sure it’s completely covered. Let any excess drip off so the bread crumbs don’t fall off later. Then, thoroughly coat each shrimp with the seasoned bread crumbs, pressing lightly to create an even, consistent layer. This careful coating guarantees the satisfying crunch you crave in every bite.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
Heat your corn or vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to around 350 to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Once hot, carefully add your breaded shrimp to the oil in batches so they don’t stick together or lower the temperature. Fry each batch for 2 to 4 minutes, or until the shrimp turns that beautiful golden brown that signals crispy perfection. Immediately transfer them to a rack or paper towels to drain excess oil and keep the crunch intact.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your crispy fried shrimp piping hot with your favorite dipping sauces like cocktail or tartar sauce. The warmth, crunch, and juicy shrimp inside will have everyone coming back for more — just like at a restaurant but right from your kitchen!
How to Serve Crispy Fried Shrimp – Restaurant Quality Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, a wedge of lemon, or a dash of smoked paprika can brighten the plate and add fresh notes to your crispy fried shrimp. These simple additions make the dish feel more vibrant and restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
The best side dishes balance the richness of the fried shrimp. Consider serving with crisp coleslaw, a light cucumber salad, or some fluffy white rice. A side of seasoned fries or hush puppies also pairs wonderfully, creating a delicious seafood feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a bit of fun, serve the shrimp skewered with herbs or nestled in soft slider buns with a creamy sauce for shrimp sliders. Alternatively, create a crispy shrimp taco with fresh slaw and a zesty crema to bring a fresh twist to this restaurant classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover crispy fried shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To preserve the crunch, place a paper towel in the container to absorb extra moisture.
Freezing
If you want to freeze them, lay the shrimp out on a baking sheet in a single layer and flash freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen shrimp will retain quality for up to one month, ready for a quick reheat whenever you crave this Crispy Fried Shrimp – Restaurant Quality Recipe.
Reheating
To reheat and keep that crunch, the oven or air fryer is your best friend—heat the shrimp at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the breading soggy and sad.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw and pat dry the shrimp before breading and frying to ensure the coating sticks well and the shrimp cooks evenly.
What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?
Regular milk works just fine, or you can add a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk to mimic buttermilk’s tangy effect. This helps tenderize the shrimp and binds the breading.
Is it necessary to butterfly the shrimp?
Butterflying shrimp is optional but highly recommended. It creates a larger surface area that crisps up beautifully and also makes the shrimp look more impressive when served.
How do I know the oil is at the right temperature?
If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of bread or a bit of breadcrumb into the oil. If it bubbles and browns in about 60 seconds, your oil is ready for frying.
Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?
While frying gives the best crispiness, you can bake the breaded shrimp at 425°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The texture won’t be quite the same, but still delicious!
Final Thoughts
Making your own Crispy Fried Shrimp – Restaurant Quality Recipe at home is easier than you might think, and truly rewarding when you bite into that perfect crunch followed by tender shrimp. It’s a dish that brings joy to any meal — whether casual or special. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe soon; once you do, you’ll find it hard to settle for anything else.
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Crispy Fried Shrimp – Restaurant Quality Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crispy Fried Shrimp recipe delivers restaurant-quality shrimp with a perfectly golden, crunchy coating and tender, juicy inside. The shrimp are coated in a seasoned bread crumb mixture after being dipped in an egg and buttermilk wash, then deep-fried to crisp perfection. Easy and quick to prepare, it’s a perfect appetizer or main dish for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb shrimp (16–20 count, peeled and cleaned)
Egg Wash
- 1/4 cup buttermilk or regular milk
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
Breading and Frying
- 2 cups seasoned bread crumbs
- Corn oil or vegetable oil (for frying, enough to fill fryer or deep pan)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Peel and clean the shrimp thoroughly, rinsing them under cold running water to remove any residue.
- Butterfly the Shrimp (Optional): Carefully cut through the flesh of each shrimp to open them up, without cutting all the way through, to create a butterflied shrimp for better coating and presentation.
- Make the Egg Wash: In a bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs and buttermilk or milk until well combined, forming the egg wash for coating.
- Coat the Shrimp in Egg Wash: Dip each cleaned shrimp into the egg wash, ensuring it is fully covered; allow any excess liquid to drip off.
- Coat with Bread Crumbs: Roll the egg-washed shrimp in the seasoned bread crumbs, pressing lightly to secure an even coating over each shrimp.
- Preheat Oil: Heat corn oil or vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large deep pan to 350-375°F (175-190°C) for optimal frying temperature.
- Fry the Shrimp: Fry the coated shrimp in batches for 2-4 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Serve: Serve the crispy fried shrimp hot with cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or your preferred dipping sauce.
Notes
- Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying to avoid greasy shrimp.
- Use fresh shrimp for the best taste and texture.
- You can customize the seasoned bread crumbs by adding paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper for extra flavor.
- Butterflying the shrimp is optional but helps in even cooking and better coating adhesion.
- Drain shrimp well after frying to maintain their crispiness.
