Fried Shrimp Platter
Golden, crispy fried shrimp with a perfectly seasoned crust. This Southern classic is surprisingly easy to make at home and delivers that addictive crunch you crave. Perfect for a weeknight treat or a weekend feast.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Shrimp and Breading Station (10 minutes)
- b.Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for a crispy coating.
- c.Set up three shallow dishes. In the first, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Whisk until evenly mixed.
- d.In the second dish, whisk the eggs and milk together until smooth.
- e.The third dish can be left empty for now, or you can place a wire rack over a baking sheet to hold the breaded shrimp.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Bread the Shrimp (10 minutes)
- b.Working one shrimp at a time, first dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it's lightly coated. Shake off any excess.
- c.Next, dip the floured shrimp into the egg wash, letting any excess drip off.
- d.Finally, return the shrimp to the flour mixture and press gently to create a thick, even coating. Place the breaded shrimp on the wire rack.
- e.For best results, let the breaded shrimp rest for 10-15 minutes. This helps the coating adhere during frying.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Heat the Frying Oil (5 minutes)
- b.Pour the vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to a depth of about 2-3 inches.
- c.Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a deep-fry or candy thermometer for accuracy. The correct temperature is key to crispy, not greasy, shrimp.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Fry the Shrimp (8-10 minutes)
- b.Carefully place about 6-8 shrimp into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot, which would lower the oil temperature.
- c.Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning once halfway through, until they are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. They will float to the surface when done.
- d.Use a spider strainer or slotted spoon to remove the shrimp from the oil and transfer them to a clean wire rack to drain excess oil.
- e.Allow the oil to return to 350°F before frying the next batch. Repeat until all shrimp are cooked.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve Immediately (2 minutes)
- b.Arrange the hot fried shrimp on a platter. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
- c.Serve immediately with lemon wedges, cocktail sauce, and tartar sauce on the side.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure your shrimp are very dry before breading. Moisture creates steam, which makes the coating soggy.
- 2Maintaining the oil temperature between 350-375°F (175-190°C) is crucial. Too cool and the shrimp will be greasy; too hot and the coating will burn before the shrimp cooks.
- 3Do not overcrowd the pot. Frying in small batches ensures the oil temperature stays stable and every shrimp gets perfectly crispy.
- 4For an extra-thick crust, you can double-dredge: flour, egg, flour, egg, and then flour again.
- 5Fried shrimp is best served immediately. To keep warm while frying other batches, place the cooked shrimp on a wire rack in a single layer inside an oven preheated to 200°F (95°C).
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Kick
Add 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite hot sauce to the egg wash for an extra layer of heat that cooks into the breading.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure your cornmeal is certified gluten-free.
Cajun StyleCajun Style
Substitute the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne with 2 tablespoons of a good quality Cajun or Creole seasoning blend.
Buttermilk TangButtermilk Tang
Use buttermilk instead of regular milk in the egg wash. The acidity helps tenderize the shrimp and adds a classic Southern tang.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Shrimp is packed with high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Selenium
This dish provides a significant amount of selenium, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and supports thyroid health.
Contains Key Vitamins and Minerals
Shrimp is a good source of Vitamin B12, crucial for nerve function and blood cell formation, as well as phosphorus and iodine.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this Fried Shrimp Platter contains approximately 610 calories. This can vary based on the size of the shrimp and the amount of oil absorbed during frying.