Crispy on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside, this golden brown fried shrimp is one of my favorite go-tos for lunch and a quick dinner. Whether it’s served as an appetizer, party snack, or a main dish, this classic seafood dinner is sure to impress with its irresistible crunch (paired with the natural sweet flavor of the shrimp). If you love deep fried crispy shrimp or you’re on the hunt for Southern recipes you can easily replicate on your own in your own kitchen, this one’s a sure winner!
Each bite is coated in perfectly seasoned breading that turns beautifully golden when it’s cooked properly, creating the kind of texture that will keep you coming back for more. The balance of simplicity and indulgence captivates this recipe. The ingredients are straightforward, but the result feels restaurant-worthy. A light, crisp coating seals in moisture, ensuring the shrimp remain plump and flavorful while developing a satisfying crunch you won’t be able to get enough of once it’s ready. Paired with a creamy dipping sauce or a splash of lemon juice, it’s a dish that not only feels comforting, but also a bit special. This fried shrimp is perfect for entertaining guests or when you’re in need of a casual dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quickness: It’s one of the quickest recipes you can put together when you’re in the mood for fried shrimp. It’s a no-fuss recipe that’s suitable even for novice home cooks.
- Ingredients: The ingredients in this fried shrimp are simple and straightforward. You likely have the ingredients in your fridge or pantry already.
- Kid-friendly: This recipe is kid-tested and family-approved. Everyone in my household adores this recipe because of its comforting flavor and satisfying crunch.
- Versatile: You can mix and match seasonings and work with a variety of crumbs and coatings depending on your preferences.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Seasoning Salt: If you’re not a fan of Lawry’s seasoning salt or if you don’t have it on-hand, you can choose an alternative seasoning that works for you. Making your own blend is one option. If you want to add a spicy kick to this fried shrimp, you can also do so with the use of Cajun seasoning, Creole seasoning, or with some cayenne pepper. This will depend on your family’s preferences.
- Flour: If you cannot consume traditional flour, you can try making this fried shrimp with the use of an alternative flour. Today, there are many GF, or Gluten-Free flours available at traditional supermarkets and grocery store. You can also try a combination of both almond and coconut flour if you’re going for a more low-carb option.
- Shrimp: We recommend using raw shrimp when cooking this meal from scratch. Pre-cooked shrimp may come out too tough or “rubbery”.
Tips for Success
- Taste test different seasonings if you’re omitting the Lawry’s before adding the seasoning into the shrimp batter. This will allow you to get a preview of the taste before committing to it.
- We always recommend patting the shrimp dry before you cook with it. This will help the golden crust to form without weighing the dish down with sogginess.
Storage & Reheating
I love this recipe because I can store and save my shrimp for later. If you’re someone who enjoys meal prepping or if you often have leftovers, this one’s for you. To store your fried shrimp, you can do so in microwave-safe and airtight containers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. You can also use Ziploc bags, depending on what you have available. If you want to store your shrimp for longer, however, you’ll want to use a freezer-safe bag or container to do so without a hassle. You can store your shrimp for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
To reheat, remove the shrimp from the bag or container you’re using and allow it to sit out for a while, coming closer to room temperature. This will make the cook time much faster. Then, you can pop them in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, per serving. You can also use an oven or air fryer to preserve the crispiness. Set your air fryer or oven to 350 degrees (F) and cook for 5-10 minutes, per serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this healthy fried shrimp version with tartar or cocktail sauce for a classic taste.
- We also recommend trying our KFC coleslaw which can also be put together fairly quickly (using just one bowl in many cases). This is a classic pairing with golden crispy fried shrimp.
- You can also try homemade mashed potatoes or delicious baked potatoes on the grill! The options are endless with this fried shrimp.
Notes
- Anytime you use raw shrimp, search for deveined and peeled. This will save time but while also ensuring your shrimp is fully cleaned and prepared before you begin the frying process.
Golden Breaded Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 lb Shrimp peeled, deveined, and cleaned; tail-off for easier eating
- 2 cups All-purpose Flour
- 1/8 cup Seasoned Salt provides the classic “savory-sweet” profile
- Freshly ground Black Pepper to taste
- 3 inches of Vegetable Oil chosen for its high smoke point
Instructions
- Before anything else, pat the shrimp between several layers of paper towels. Pro Tip: Moisture is the enemy of a crisp crust. If the shrimp are damp, the flour will turn into a gummy paste rather than a light breading.
- Combine the flour, seasoned salt, and pepper in a large gallon-sized Ziploc bag. Shake it vigorously to aerate the flour. This “cloud” of flour ensures a more even, thinner coating on the shrimp.
- Add only half the shrimp to the bag at a time. Shake until fully coated. By working in smaller batches, you prevent the shrimp from sticking together and ensure every curve of the seafood is covered.
- Heat the oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. To test if it’s ready, drop a pinch of flour into the oil; if it sizzles and disappears immediately, you’ve reached the “shimmer” stage.
- Carefully drop the shrimp into the oil. Fry for only 3–5 minutes. Crucial: Watch for the shrimp to turn opaque and the coating to reach a pale golden brown. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and “bounce.”
- Instead of piling the shrimp directly on top of each other, spread them out in a single layer on a paper towel-lined plate. This prevents steam from being trapped between the shrimp, which would soften the crust.
- Let the shrimp sit for 60 seconds before serving. This allows the internal heat to finish the centers while the exterior crisps up.
