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Crispy Southern Fried Shrimp with Buttermilk Soak

A close-up of golden brown, extra-crunchy fried shrimp piled high on a white plate.
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Follow this easy recipe to make perfectly crispy Southern fried shrimp. We use a buttermilk soak and seasoned flour coating for golden, crunchy results every time. This is a quick seafood dinner or appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail on optional)
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Vegetable or peanut oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce. Add the shrimp, toss to coat completely, and let them soak in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. This step helps tenderize the shrimp and makes the coating stick.
  2. In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. This is your seasoned flour coating.
  3. Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature; maintaining the correct heat is key to crispy fried shrimp.
  4. Working in small batches, remove the shrimp from the buttermilk mixture, letting excess drip off. Dredge each shrimp thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thick, even coating.
  5. Carefully place the coated shrimp into the hot oil, ensuring you do not overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, resulting in greasy shrimp.
  6. Fry the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning once, until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
  7. Use a slotted spoon or spider to remove the fried shrimp from the oil. Place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Do not place them on paper towels, as this traps steam and softens the crust.
  8. Serve the best fried shrimp immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, like cocktail sauce or tartar sauce.

Notes

  • For extra crispy fried shrimp, you can use a double dredge: dip the shrimp in the buttermilk, coat in flour, dip back into the buttermilk briefly, and then coat again in the flour.
  • If you prefer not to deep fry, you can pan-fry the shrimp in about 1/2 inch of oil, turning frequently until golden brown on all sides.
  • For a Southern fried shrimp flavor boost, add 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano to your flour mixture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorandpin.com/fried-shrimp-crispy-southern-recipe/