fried shrimp recipe

Name: Fried Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Shrimp; 1 cup All-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon Salt; 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper; 1 cup Vegetable oil

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By: Maria
Posted: 07/25/2025

Okay, friends, let’s talk comfort food. I’m sharing my family’s absolute favorite fried shrimp recipe, and trust me, it’s ridiculously good. Forget the sad, soggy shrimp you sometimes get – this is crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor. It’s like a seafood version of popcorn chicken, but honestly? I think it’s even better. My kids request this instead of nuggets most nights, which, as a mom, is a win in my book! This recipe has been passed down for generations. I tweaked it a bit over the years to what I think is perfection and I’m so excited to share it with you!

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What is fried shrimp?

Think of fried shrimp as seafood heaven. You take plump, juicy shrimp, coat them in a seasoned batter or breading, and then fry them to golden perfection. It’s essentially a deep-fried delight, where the outside is shatteringly crisp and the inside stays tender and succulent. The name says it all! It’s all about that satisfying crunch followed by the sweet, briny taste of the shrimp. It’s such a simple meal that feels elevated with the right sides and dipping sauce.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Honestly, where do I even begin? What I love most about this fried shrimp recipe is how incredibly flavorful it is. The blend of spices in the batter gives it a little kick, and the shrimp themselves stay so juicy. And it’s surprisingly easy! Don’t let the idea of frying intimidate you. This recipe is totally doable, even on a busy weeknight. Plus, shrimp is surprisingly affordable, especially if you buy it frozen. A pound of shrimp goes a long way.
The great thing about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve it as an appetizer, a main course, or even on tacos or po’boys. I love making this instead of ordering takeout, it’s so much cheaper and I know exactly what is going into my food. I’ve tried other fried shrimp recipes before, and they always seemed to be lacking something – either they weren’t crispy enough, or the shrimp were overcooked. This recipe solves both of those problems! You’ll be making restaurant-quality fried shrimp in the comfort of your own home in no time.

How do I make fried shrimp?

Quick Overview

Making this fried shrimp recipe is easier than you think! Basically, you’ll prepare the shrimp, whip up a flavorful batter, coat the shrimp, and then fry them until golden brown and crispy. The secret is in the batter and making sure not to overcrowd the pan. This keeps the oil temperature consistent and allows each shrimp to get perfectly crispy. Don’t stress, just follow the simple steps, and you’ll have amazing fried shrimp in minutes!

Ingredients

For the Shrimp: What is the
* 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined. (I always buy frozen and thaw them – it’s so convenient!) Make sure they are completely dry after thawing!
* 1 tablespoon olive oil.
* 1/2 teaspoon salt.
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

For the Batter:
* 1 cup all-purpose flour. (You can also use gluten-free flour for a gluten free option.) ) * 1/2 cup cornstarch. (This is key for that extra crispy texture! ) * 1 teaspoon baking powder. * 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (if using). * 1/2 teaspoon onion powder. * 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat). * 1 cup cold club soda (this makes the batter light and airy!). * 1 large egg, lightly beaten

For Frying:
* Vegetable oil, for frying (I like to use canola or peanut oil).

What is the step-

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

First, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to make sure the oil is at the right temperature. This is super important for crispy shrimp, not oily shrimp! Line a baking sheet with paper towels to drain the fried shrimp.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

If your shrimp aren’t already peeled and deveined, do that now. Gently pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps the batter stick better. Place shrimp in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Make sure there are no lumps! Cornstarch is an absolute must to help make that perfect crispy coating! Don’t skip it!

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cold club soda and egg. Set aside. How does club soda help to keep batter light and airy?

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually whisk the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are okay. You want a batter that is thick enough to coat the shrimp but not too thick that it becomes gloppy.

Step 6: Coat the Shrimp

What are some good ways to dip shrimp in the batter? Let the batter drip off before carefully placing the shrimp into the hot oil.

Step 7: Fry the Shrimp

Fry the shrimp in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Overcrowding the pot will lower the oil temperature and cause the shrimp to be soggy. I always test one shrimp first to make sure the timing is right. If you see it start to over brown, reduce the heat of the oil slightly.

Step 8: Drain & Season

Remove the fried shrimp from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheet to drain. Season immediately with a little extra salt, if desired.

Step 9: Serve Immediately

Serve fried shrimp immediately while they’re still hot and crispy! What are some good dipping sauces to serve with this dish?

What should I serve it with?

What do you make with your fried shrimp? What are some of my favorite ways to serve it: a salad, boiled egg, or steamed rice.

As an Appetizer: WhatServe with tartar sauce, or sweet chili sauce for dipping. What is the best way to use lemon juice?

As a Main Course:Serve with hush puppies, coleslaw, and french fries for a classic seafood platter. I love grilled corn on the cob too.

In Tacos or Po’boys: A This is one of my favorite ways to enjoy fried shrimp! Pile it into warm tortillas or crusty bread with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite sauce. I love using a spicy mayo or remoulade.

What is the best recipe for rice and vegServe with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. What are the best vegetables to eat: broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers?

Growing up, we always had fried shrimp with my grandma’s famous macaroni salad. Is it a tradition I carry on to this day? The creamy, tangy mac salad is the perfect complement to the crispy, spicy shrimp.

How do I make a perfectly fried shrimp?

How do I take fried shrimp to the next level?

How do you use Cold Club Soda?What is the key to a light and airy batter? What is the carbonation of club soda?

Don’t overmix the Batter: Do notOvermixing the batter will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough coating. What are some lumps? Mix until just combined.

Keep the Oil Temperature Consistent: This is crucial for crispy shrimp. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature and adjust the heat as needed. If the oil is too hot, the shrimp will burn on the outside before they’re cooked through on the inside. If the oil is too cold, the shrimp will be soggy.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and cause the shrimp to be soggy.

Season Immediately: Season the fried shrimp with salt immediately after removing them from the oil. This helps the salt to stick to the shrimp and enhances their flavor. I once forgot to season them right away, and they just weren’t the same!

Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices in the batter to your liking. I love adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or a dash of Old Bay seasoning for a classic seafood taste.

I once tried using beer instead of club soda in the batter, and it was a disaster! The batter was too heavy and the shrimp were greasy. Stick with the club soda – it’s the way to go!

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have any leftover fried shrimp (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

Room Temperature: I don’t recommend leaving fried shrimp at room temperature for more than a couple of hours. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate them as soon as possible.

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover fried shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To help them stay crispy, place a paper towel in the bottom of the container to absorb any excess moisture. I usually make sure to eat them the next day so they are as fresh as possible.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze fried shrimp. Place the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes, or until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This will prevent them from sticking together. Frozen fried shrimp can be stored for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Tips: The best way to reheat fried shrimp is in the oven or air fryer. Preheat your oven or air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the shrimp on a baking sheet and bake for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, but be careful not to burn them.

I don’t recommend microwaving fried shrimp – they will become soggy and lose their crispiness. Trust me, I’ve tried it, and it’s not worth it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. I’ve used Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour with great results. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will be just as delicious. Make sure to check all of your other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free as well.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

While you can use pre-cooked shrimp, I highly recommend using raw shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Pre-cooked shrimp can become rubbery when fried. If you do use pre-cooked shrimp, reduce the frying time to just a minute or two per side, or until heated through.

What kind of oil is best for frying?

I prefer to use vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil for frying shrimp. These oils have a high smoke point, which means they can withstand high temperatures without burning. Avoid using olive oil or butter, as they have a lower smoke point and can burn easily.

Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?

While you won’t get the same crispy texture as fried shrimp, you can bake them for a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown. You can also spray them with cooking spray to help them crisp up a bit.

What dipping sauces go well with fried shrimp?

The possibilities are endless! Some of my favorite dipping sauces for fried shrimp include cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, sweet chili sauce, remoulade, spicy mayo, and honey mustard. Experiment and find your favorite combination!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my secret fried shrimp recipe! I hope you love it as much as my family does. It’s crispy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, a main course, or on tacos, it’s sure to be a hit. And don’t forget to experiment with different dipping sauces to find your perfect combination!

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other seafood recipes, like my grilled salmon with lemon-dill sauce or my shrimp scampi with linguine. And if you try this fried shrimp recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know. Happy cooking!