Description
Crispy and flavorful Southern Fried Shrimp, perfectly seasoned and deep-fried to a golden brown. This classic recipe features a spiced milk soak and a seasoned flour coating, delivering tender shrimp with a crunchy exterior, ideal for a quick and tasty meal served with your favorite dipping sauces.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Wet Mixture
- 1 lb. raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Dry Mixture
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Other
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Lemon wedges, cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, Ranch dressing, honey mustard, or other condiments as desired
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a deep fryer or large skillet, heat vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for proper frying.
- Prepare wet mixture: In a large bowl, combine the shrimp with 1/2 cup milk, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix well and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to marinate and tenderize the shrimp.
- Prepare dry mixture: In a medium bowl, mix together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper thoroughly.
- Coat the shrimp: Remove shrimp from the milk marinade in batches. Transfer shrimp to the flour mixture and coat each shrimp thoroughly to ensure even crispiness.
- Fry the shrimp: Fry the coated shrimp in the hot oil for 3-5 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the coating turns a light golden brown. Do not overcrowd the pan to maintain the oil temperature.
- Drain excess oil: Remove fried shrimp using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined baking sheet or platter to drain excess oil. Repeat frying as needed with remaining shrimp.
- Serve immediately: Serve the crispy Southern Fried Shrimp hot with lemon wedges and your choice of dipping sauces such as cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, Ranch dressing, or honey mustard.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature remains consistent around 375°F for best frying results.
- Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp to avoid excess moisture in the coating.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
- Customize the dry mixture with additional spices like cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the shrimp at their crispiest.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
