If you’ve ever craved that perfectly golden, crunchy, and juicy seafood delight you get at your favorite eatery, then buckle up because this Crispy Fried Shrimp – Restaurant Quality Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Combining a flavorful marinade, a perfectly seasoned coating, and frying to the ideal crispiness, this recipe delivers shrimp that are irresistibly crunchy on the outside while tender and succulent inside. Whether it’s a casual weeknight treat or the star appetizer at your next gathering, these shrimp bring that unmistakable restaurant quality right into your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward seafood perfection. Each one plays a vital role in creating flavor, texture, and that gorgeous color that makes the shrimp so inviting.
- 1 lb large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on): Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp to guarantee succulent bites.
- 1 cup buttermilk: This tenderizes the shrimp and helps the coating stick beautifully.
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional): Adds a subtle kick to the marinade enhancing the overall flavor.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy base of the crispy crust.
- 1/2 cup cornmeal: Brings an extra crunch with a satisfying texture.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: Crucial for lightness and crispiness in the coating.
- 1 tsp paprika: Adds a gentle smoky aroma and vibrant color.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Infuses aromatic depth without overpowering.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: Enhances savory notes for balanced flavor.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning every bite.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a mild heat and complexity.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Neutral oil ideal for achieving that even golden crust.
- Lemon wedges (for serving): Brightens and cuts through the richness.
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal notes.
How to Make Crispy Fried Shrimp – Restaurant Quality Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Start by combining the buttermilk with hot sauce in a large bowl. Toss in the shrimp so they’re fully coated, and let them rest for 15 to 20 minutes. This marinade not only tenderizes but imparts a subtle tang and heat that lifts the whole dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating Mixture
While the shrimp relax, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl. This blend is the secret behind that satisfying crunch and the complex flavor that makes this recipe truly restaurant quality.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or heavy pot until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Maintaining this temperature is critical for cooking the shrimp quickly while achieving the perfect golden crust without soaking up excess oil.
Step 4: Coat the Shrimp
Remove the shrimp from the marinade one by one, letting the excess drip off gently. Dredge each shrimp thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating. For extra crunch, try double dipping: coat, dip back into the buttermilk, then coat again.
Step 5: Fry to Crispy Perfection
Carefully add shrimp in batches to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn gorgeously golden brown and irresistibly crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
How to Serve Crispy Fried Shrimp – Restaurant Quality Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes make a huge difference. A few sprigs of fresh parsley brighten the presentation and contribute a subtle herbal freshness. Lemon wedges are essential — a squeeze over the top just before eating cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing tang.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with classic coleslaw, crispy fries, or a light garden salad. For something a bit heartier, try creamy grits or garlic butter green beans to complement the flavors and textures seamlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Crispy Fried Shrimp into a fun party platter by serving alongside dipping sauces like spicy mayo, tangy remoulade, or classic cocktail sauce. Skewer the shrimp with grilled vegetables for a vibrant surf-and-turf style appetizer, or tuck them into soft buns with slaw for a scrumptious shrimp po’ boy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, let the shrimp cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container. Refrigerate and use within 2 days for the best flavor and crispness.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked, breaded shrimp by laying them out on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transferring to a freezer bag. Cook straight from frozen for convenience. Cooked shrimp can be frozen, but they may lose some crispness upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat the shrimp in a hot oven at 400°F (205°C) for 5 to 7 minutes or in an air fryer. This helps restore the crunch without drying out the shrimp, which microwave reheating tends to do.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw, peel, and devein them before marinating to ensure even cooking and the best texture.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar; let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken before using.
Is it necessary to keep the tails on?
Keeping tails on not only looks attractive but also makes the shrimp easier to handle while frying and eating, plus many find it adds a bit of extra flavor.
How do I make the shrimp extra crispy?
Double dipping the shrimp in the buttermilk and flour mixture creates a thicker, crunchier crust that holds up beautifully.
Can I bake instead of frying?
You can bake for a healthier twist, but the texture will be less crispy than deep frying. To get closer to that crunch, bake on a wire rack and finish briefly under the broiler.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to wow your friends and family with a dish that feels like it’s straight from a seafood restaurant, this Crispy Fried Shrimp – Restaurant Quality Recipe has got you covered. The combination of crispy, flavorful coating and tender shrimp is an absolute crowd-pleaser. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make this your new favorite—once you try it, you’ll be coming back for seconds every time.
Print
Crispy Fried Shrimp – Restaurant Quality Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This Crispy Fried Shrimp recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with a golden, crunchy coating and tender, juicy shrimp inside. Marinated in buttermilk and lightly spiced with paprika and garlic, these shrimp are deep-fried to perfection and served with fresh lemon wedges for a flavorful and irresistible appetizer.
Ingredients
Shrimp Marinade
- 1 lb large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
Breading Mixture
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Other
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the shrimp: In a bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce, then add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Let them marinate for 15–20 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the breading mixture: In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined.
- Heat the oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot and heat to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the oil is hot enough for frying.
- Dredge the shrimp: Remove shrimp from marinade, letting excess drip off. Coat each shrimp thoroughly in the breading mixture, pressing gently to ensure a good layer of coating.
- Fry the shrimp: Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, fry the shrimp in the hot oil for 2–3 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and serve: Use a slotted spoon to remove shrimp from oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra crispy shrimp, try double dipping by dredging the shrimp, dipping back into the buttermilk, then dredging again before frying.
- Serve alongside cocktail sauce, remoulade, or spicy mayo for dipping to enhance flavor.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to ensure even cooking and prevent greasiness.
