Irresistibly Crunchy Southern Fried Shrimp Recipe

Sizzling southern fried shrimp dance with golden, crackling perfection that instantly transports you to coastal kitchens.

Every bite of this crispy southern fried shrimp recipe promises a delectable crunch that snaps with maritime flavor.

Seafood lovers understand the magic of perfectly seasoned, expertly battered shellfish that melts in your mouth.

The secret lies in a blend of spices and techniques passed down through generations of southern cooks.

Tender shrimp get enveloped in a light, airy coating that turns deep amber when kissed by hot oil.

Each morsel carries the essence of southern comfort and oceanic freshness.

Grab your skillet and get ready to savor a classic dish that turns an ordinary meal into a celebration of southern culinary tradition.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Crispy Southern Fried Shrimp

• Sour Cream: Tenderizes shrimp and adds tangy richness to create a creamy base for coating.
• Milk: Helps achieve classic buttermilk-like consistency and enhances moisture absorption.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides crispy, golden exterior and helps breading stick to shrimp.
• Cornmeal: Adds extra crunch and rustic texture to the coating.
• Paprika: Brings warm, slightly sweet color and subtle smoky flavor to breading.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and brings out natural shrimp sweetness.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and depth to the breading mixture.
• Garlic Powder: Introduces savory undertones and aromatic complexity.

• Vegetable Oil: Creates perfect frying medium for achieving crispy, golden-brown exterior on shrimp.
• Raw Shrimp: Select fresh, deveined large shrimp for best texture and clean flavor profile.

Tools for Frying Southern Style Shrimp

• Large Deep Fryer or Heavy-Bottomed Pot: Essential for safely frying shrimp at precise temperature.
• Cooling Racks: Perfect for draining excess oil and keeping shrimp crispy after frying.
• Wide Containers (2): Great for marinating shrimp and breading mixture.
• Baking Sheet: Useful for placing cooling racks and catching drips.
• Tongs: Helps safely move shrimp in and out of hot oil.
• Thermometer: Ensures oil reaches correct frying temperature for perfect crispiness.
• Paper Towels: Optional for additional oil absorption if needed.

How to Fry Crispy Southern Shrimp at Home

• Prep Station Setup Golden racks positioned over a baking sheet create the perfect landing zone for your crispy seafood treasures. Ensure shrimp are completely thawed and gently patted dry with paper towels.
• Flavor Bath A creamy mixture of tangy dairy transforms ordinary shrimp into something extraordinary. Combine dairy ingredients to create a luscious coating that will infuse deep flavor into every morsel.
• Magical Coating Mix Select dry ingredients in a wide container, creating a crunchy armor that will turn these shrimp into golden nuggets of deliciousness. Each piece gets a generous roll through the seasoned mixture.
• Sizzling Transformation Heat oil to the perfect temperature, watching for that shimmering surface that signals cooking readiness. Carefully lower shrimp into the hot oil, allowing them to dance and turn a gorgeous golden brown in just a few magical minutes.
• Serving Spectacular Transfer crispy beauties to the waiting rack, letting excess oil drip away. Plate with your favorite zesty sauce and watch smiles spread around the table as everyone dives into this Southern classic.

Tips for Seasoning & Crunch in Fried Shrimp

• Kick the breading mix with cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or Old Bay seasoning to add bold Southern-style heat and flavor complexity.
• Prepare breading mixture and marinate shrimp up to 4 hours in advance, storing separately in refrigerator to maintain maximum freshness and convenience.
• Swap deep-frying with air fryer method at 390°F for 6-7 minutes, using a light spray of cooking oil to achieve similar crispy results with reduced oil consumption.
• Pair crispy shrimp with homemade remoulade, tangy tartar sauce, or zesty cocktail sauce to elevate your dining experience and complement the seafood's rich flavor profile.

Serving Southern Fried Shrimp with Sauces

• Pair with Zesty Dipping Delights: Whip up a tangy remoulade or classic cocktail sauce to complement the crispy shrimp's golden crunch. These sauces add an extra pop of flavor that'll make your taste buds dance.
• Create a Southern Seafood Feast: Serve alongside creamy coleslaw, hush puppies, or buttery corn on the cob for a complete coastal-inspired meal that screams comfort food.
• Elevate Your Plate Presentation: Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and chopped parsley to brighten the dish and add a fresh, vibrant touch that makes the golden shrimp look even more appetizing.
• Perfect Party Finger Food: Arrange on a large platter for gatherings, game nights, or casual get-togethers where guests can grab and enjoy these crispy bites with ease.

Storing Fried Shrimp So They Stay Crispy

• Maximize Freshness: Store leftover fried shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, maintaining best quality and texture.
• Revive Crispiness: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crunchiness, avoiding microwave to prevent soggy results.
• Freeze Smart: Seal cooled shrimp in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for maximum 1 month for optimal taste and quality.
• Plan Ahead: Prep breading mixture and thaw shrimp night before cooking to streamline meal preparation and reduce day-of kitchen stress.

Golden Southern Fried Shrimp Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Classic crispy southern fried shrimp showcase golden-brown perfection with deep Southern charm. Succulent shrimp deliver incredible crunch and bold seasoned flavor that guests will crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) shrimp, large, uncooked, deveined, tails optional
• 1.5 quarts (1.4 liters) vegetable oil, or 6 cups (1.4 liters)
• ¾ cup (180 ml) sour cream
• ¼ cup (60 ml) milk
• 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs
• 1.5 tsps (7.5 ml) seasoned salt
• 1 tsp (5 ml) black pepper
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) paprika
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) garlic powder
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) onion powder
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper

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Instructions

1. Prep Station: Arrange cooling racks over a baking sheet to capture draining oil and maintain shrimp’s crispy texture.
2. Shrimp Preparation: Completely thaw shrimp and meticulously eliminate moisture using clean kitchen towels, ensuring dry surfaces for optimal breading adherence.
3. Marinade Creation: Whisk sour cream and whole milk into a silky, tangy liquid resembling traditional buttermilk, creating a flavor-enhancing coating.
4. Coating Process: Submerge shrimp fully in creamy marinade, gently rotating to guarantee uniform coverage, then rest at room temperature for flavor infusion.
5. Seasoning Blend: Mix flour with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder in a wide dish, crafting a robust, aromatic breading mixture.
6. Oil Preparation: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to precisely 375°F, monitoring temperature with a digital thermometer for consistent results.
7. Breading Technique: Drain shrimp from marinade, then thoroughly dredge each piece in seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to secure a thick, even coating.
8. Frying Method: Gently lower breaded shrimp into hot oil in small batches, maintaining optimal temperature, and fry until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior, approximately 3-4 minutes.
9. Finishing Touch: Transfer crispy shrimp to prepared cooling racks, allowing excess oil to drip away while preserving their delightful crunch and preserving maximum flavor.

Notes

• Drain Moisture Thoroughly: Blot shrimp completely dry to prevent soggy breading and ensure maximum crispiness.
• Maintain Precise Oil Temperature: Keep oil consistently at 375°F using a digital thermometer to achieve perfect golden-brown exterior without greasy texture.
• Batch Fry Strategically: Cook shrimp in small quantities to prevent oil temperature drop and guarantee uniform, crispy coating on each piece.
• Rest Shrimp Smartly: Use cooling racks instead of paper towels to preserve crunchiness by allowing excess oil to drip away without creating steam.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg