How To Cook The Perfect Fried Shrimp Every Time – A Step-by-step Guide!

• 1 pound medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup vegetable oil

Equipment You’ll Need:

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Thermometer (optional)
• Skillet or deep fryer
• Slotted spoon or tongs

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Shrimp:

• If necessary, peel and devein the shrimp.
• Rinse the shrimp thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels.

2. Create the Batter:

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.

3. Dip the Shrimp:

• Dip each shrimp into the flour mixture, coating it evenly.
• Shake off any excess flour.
• Dip the shrimp into the egg mixture, then back into the flour mixture.
• Press the flour coating gently onto the shrimp.

4. Heat the Oil:

• Pour the vegetable oil into a large skillet or deep fryer.
• Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). You can use a thermometer to check the temperature.

5. Fry the Shrimp:

• Carefully drop the shrimp into the hot oil.
• Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
• Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the shrimp from the oil.

6. Drain and Serve:

• Drain the shrimp on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
• Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or remoulade.

Tips for Perfect Fried Shrimp:

• Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best results.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet or deep fryer. Fry the shrimp in batches to ensure even cooking.
• If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of bread into it. If the bread sizzles and turns golden brown in 10 seconds, the oil is hot enough.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp. They will become tough and rubbery.
• Season the shrimp to your taste. You can add additional spices or herbs to the batter for flavor.

Variations:

• Tempura Shrimp: Use tempura flour instead of all-purpose flour for a lighter and crispier coating.
• Coconut Shrimp: Add shredded coconut to the flour mixture for a tropical twist.
• Panko Shrimp: Use panko breadcrumbs instead of flour for a crunchy texture.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve fried shrimp with a variety of dipping sauces.
• Add fried shrimp to a salad or stir-fry for a protein boost.
• Use fried shrimp as a topping for tacos or burgers.
• Enjoy fried shrimp as a snack or appetizer.

The End: Your Fried Shrimp Masterpiece

Congratulations! You’ve now mastered the art of cooking crispy and succulent fried shrimp. Impress your friends and family with this delicious and versatile dish.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: How do I know if the shrimp is cooked through?

A: The shrimp should be opaque and curled into a “C” shape when cooked through.

Q: Can I freeze fried shrimp?

A: Yes, you can freeze fried shrimp for up to 2 months. Let the shrimp cool completely before freezing.

Q: What are some alternative dipping sauces for fried shrimp?

A: Besides cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, and remoulade, you can try honey mustard, ranch dressing, or Sriracha mayonnaise.