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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Prep Station: Arrange cooling racks over a baking sheet to capture draining oil and maintain shrimp’s crispy texture.
- Shrimp Preparation: Completely thaw shrimp and meticulously eliminate moisture using clean kitchen towels, ensuring dry surfaces for optimal breading adherence.
- Marinade Creation: Whisk sour cream and whole milk into a silky, tangy liquid resembling traditional buttermilk, creating a flavor-enhancing coating.
- Coating Process: Submerge shrimp fully in creamy marinade, gently rotating to guarantee uniform coverage, then rest at room temperature for flavor infusion.
- Seasoning Blend: Mix flour with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder in a wide dish, crafting a robust, aromatic breading mixture.
- 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.
- Breading Technique: Drain shrimp from marinade, then thoroughly dredge each piece in seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to secure a thick, even coating.
- 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.
- 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