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Crispy Southern Fried Shrimp with Buttermilk Soak

A generous mound of golden brown, crispy fried shrimp stacked high on a white plate.
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You can make perfectly crispy, golden fried shrimp at home using this straightforward recipe. The buttermilk soak keeps the shrimp tender while the seasoned flour creates a satisfying crunch, ideal for a quick seafood dinner or appetizer.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Place the cleaned shrimp in a bowl and cover them completely with the buttermilk and hot sauce. Let the shrimp soak for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This step helps tenderize the shrimp and prepares them for the coating.
  2. In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. This is your shrimp coating.
  3. Heat about 2 to 3 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 this heat is key for crispy fried shrimp.
  4. Working in small batches, remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each shrimp thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating adheres well.
  5. Carefully place the coated shrimp into the hot oil, ensuring you do not overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature and results in greasy shrimp.
  6. Fry the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning once, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
  7. Remove the crispy fried shrimp with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Do not place them directly on paper towels, as this can steam the bottom and make them soggy.
  8. Serve your homemade fried shrimp immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as cocktail sauce or tartar sauce.

Notes

  • For the crispiest results, you can double-coat the shrimp. After the first dredge, dip the shrimp back into the buttermilk briefly, then coat again in the flour mixture.
  • If you are making a large batch, keep the cooked shrimp warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack while you finish frying the remaining batches.
  • Peanut oil is often recommended for the best flavor when making Southern fried shrimp.

Nutrition

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