Southern Fried Shrimp Recipe
If you’ve ever tasted freshly made Southern Fried Shrimp, you know it’s impossible not to crave more. Plump, juicy shrimp are coated in a golden, crispy crust that delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite. The magic lies in the perfect blend of buttermilk, seasoned flour, and the unmistakable aroma of Old Bay, all brought together by a quick, sizzling fry. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating yourself to a cozy meal, this is the shrimp recipe you’ll turn to again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Southern Fried Shrimp shines thanks to simple, high-impact ingredients. Each one is chosen for a reason: they work together to bring just the right texture, flavor, and that mouthwatering fried color that everyone loves.
- Jumbo shrimp (1 pound, 21/25 count): Look for peeled and deveined to save time and give you that juicy, meaty bite.
- Buttermilk (1 cup): Adds tang and tenderness, and helps the coating stick beautifully.
- All purpose flour (2 cups): The base for your crispy exterior; it’s classic for a good reason.
- Old Bay Seasoning (1 1/2 tablespoons): The star seasoning for Southern Fried Shrimp—bold, a little spicy, and totally addictive.
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 4 cups): Neutral flavor and a high smoke point mean perfect frying every time.
- Cocktail sauce: For that sweet, tangy kick that pairs so well with crispy fried seafood.
- White barbecue sauce: A Southern classic for dipping—creamy, peppery, and slightly tangy.
How to Make Southern Fried Shrimp
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
Start by making sure your shrimp are cleaned, peeled, and deveined for the best texture. Pat them dry with a paper towel—removing excess moisture ensures your flour coating sticks snug and fries up extra crispy.
Step 2: Pour the Buttermilk
Pour the buttermilk into a medium bowl. Buttermilk does double duty here: it adds a gentle tang while also tenderizing the shrimp, helping them stay juicy through the fry. Give your shrimp a quick toss in the buttermilk, making sure they’re all coated thoroughly.
Step 3: Mix the Flour and Old Bay
In a wide, shallow dish, mix your flour and Old Bay Seasoning. This blend is what gives Southern Fried Shrimp their signature flavor. The warmth of the spices and the aroma of the flour together promise those finger-licking results!
Step 4: Dredge the Shrimp
Working a few at a time, lift the buttermilk-soaked shrimp, let any excess drip off, then coat them well in the flour mixture. Shake off any extra flour and set the breaded shrimp on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Don’t skip this step—it helps the coating set and leads to that irresistible crunch.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
Fill a heavy Dutch oven or deep pan with about 4 inches of vegetable oil. Use a thermometer for best results and heat the oil to 350°F. The oil should shimmer but not smoke. This temperature ensures your shrimp fry up perfectly golden and don’t absorb excess oil.
Step 6: Fry the Shrimp
Fry the shrimp in small batches—don’t overcrowd! Each batch only needs about 1–2 minutes to reach that deep golden color. The shrimp are done when they’re beautifully crisp and have an internal temperature of at least 145°F.
Step 7: Drain and Cool
Using a slotted spoon or frying spider, transfer your fried shrimp to a wire rack set over a paper towel-lined baking sheet. This keeps them extra crisp while any leftover oil drains away. Then, pile them up—you’re ready to serve!
How to Serve Southern Fried Shrimp
Garnishes
A sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley adds color and a burst of freshness. If you’re feeling fancy, a wedge of lemon squeezed over the top cuts through the richness and brightens up every bite.
Side Dishes
Classic pairings for Southern Fried Shrimp include creamy coleslaw, crunchy pickles, or a slice of cornbread on the side. If you want to keep it light, serve with a crisp green salad. Of course, don’t forget hot fries or hush puppies for that perfect seafood platter feel!
Creative Ways to Present
Why not pile your shrimp high on a platter for a family-style feast? Or thread them onto skewers for an appetizer that’s easy to dip. You can even tuck them into a soft roll with lettuce and remoulade for a quick shrimp po’ boy. There’s no wrong way to show off your Southern Fried Shrimp!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Southern Fried Shrimp (lucky you!), let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. This keeps them safe and helps maintain a little bit of that crispy coating.
Freezing
For longer storage, arrange cooled fried shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer bag, squeezing out excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. They reheat nicely for future cravings!
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat Southern Fried Shrimp in a 375°F oven on a wire rack for about 8–10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it can soften the coating.
FAQs
Can I use smaller or larger shrimp instead of jumbo?
Absolutely! Just adjust the frying time. Smaller shrimp cook even faster, while larger ones might need another 30 seconds or so. The key is that crackling golden coating and tender, not overcooked, shrimp inside.
Is it necessary to use buttermilk?
Buttermilk is a Southern Fried Shrimp essential because it tenderizes the shrimp and adds subtle flavor. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with regular milk plus a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar in a pinch.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Keep in mind that it may result in a slightly different texture, but you’ll still get a tasty crust.
Should I peel the shrimp tails or leave them on?
It’s totally up to you. Leaving the tails on can make fried shrimp easy to pick up and dip, especially for appetizers. For a full meal or sandwiches, you might prefer to remove them for easier eating.
How do I keep the coating from falling off?
For best results, pat your shrimp dry before dipping, and don’t rush the dredging process. Letting the coated shrimp rest on a lined baking sheet for a few minutes before frying helps the crust adhere beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that brings pure Southern comfort and a crowd-pleasing crunch, Southern Fried Shrimp is guaranteed to win everyone over. Once you master this recipe, you’ll be serving up golden, crispy shrimp that disappear as soon as they hit the table—so don’t be surprised if everyone asks for seconds!
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Southern Fried Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delight in the crispy, flavorful goodness of Southern Fried Shrimp with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfectly seasoned and fried to golden perfection, these shrimp are a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Shrimp:
- 1 pound jumbo shrimp 21/25 count, peeled and deveined
Buttermilk Mixture:
- 1 cup buttermilk
Flour Coating:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning
For Frying:
- 4 cups vegetable oil
Serving:
- Cocktail Sauce
- White Barbecue Sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Pour Buttermilk: Place buttermilk in a bowl.
- Mix Flour Coating: Combine flour and Old Bay Seasoning in a shallow dish.
- Dip and Dredge: Dip shrimp in buttermilk, then coat with the flour mixture. Shake off excess flour and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Heat Oil: In a Dutch oven or heavy pan, heat vegetable oil to 350°F.
- Fry Shrimp: Fry shrimp in batches for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Ensure internal temperature reaches at least 145°F.
- Drain and Serve: Remove fried shrimp to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain. Serve with cocktail sauce or white barbecue sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 175mg
Keywords: Southern Fried Shrimp, Fried Shrimp Recipe, Southern Shrimp, Seafood Recipe
