Fried Shrimp

Fried Shrimp

Shrimp hold a special place in the hearts of seafood lovers around the world and are famous for their versatility, delicate flavor and the crispiness they achieve when fried to perfection. This recipe for crispy fried shrimp, coated only with flour and seasoned to bring out their natural flavor, is a testament to the timeless appeal of this beloved seafood. How to make this popular dish at home:

Ingredients:

Canola oil for frying
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons hot chili sauce (e.g. Cholula)
2 pounds large, peeled and deveined raw shrimp
3/4 cup all-purpose flour (approx. 3 1/4 oz.)
2/3 cup cornmeal (about 2 7/8 ounces)
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
To serve: lemon wedges, cocktail sauce, tartar sauce (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the oil.

Pour rapeseed oil into a large, deep pan to a depth of 5 cm. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 370°F. Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.

Step 2: Coat the shrimp.

In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk and hot sauce.Add the shrimp to this mixture, making sure each piece is well coated. In another shallow bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

Step 3: Dredge and Fry

Remove 6 to 8 shrimp from egg mixture and allow excess to drip off. Dip the shrimp in the flour mixture, making sure they are evenly coated. Carefully place the dredged shrimp into the hot oil.Cook until coating is golden brown and crispy, about 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried shrimp to a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain.

Step 4: Serve

Continue frying the remaining shrimp in batches, ensuring the oil returns to 370°F before adding new batches. Serve the crispy fried shrimp hot with lemon wedges, cocktail sauce and optional tartar sauce for dipping.

Tips for perfectly fried shrimp:

Shrimp size: Using large shrimp not only ensures a satisfying bite, but also ensures that they don’t cook too quickly.Maintaining Oil Temperature: Maintaining a constant temperature of the oil is the key to achieving perfect crispiness without absorbing too much oil.

Serving Suggestions: While lemon wedges and cocktail sauce are classic accompaniments, experimenting with different sauces like tartar sauce or a spicy aioli can add an exciting twist to your dish.
Batch Fry: Fry the shrimp in batches to avoid crowding the pan, as this can lower the temperature of the oil and cause the shrimp to become soggy.

This simple yet delicious recipe captures the essence of what makes fried shrimp a perennial favorite. Whether you’re making a quick dinner, hosting a get-together, or simply indulging your love of seafood, these crispy fried shrimp will delight you.