Here’s a classic Southern Fried Shrimp recipe — crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned 🦐🍤
Southern Fried Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails optional)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal (optional, for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Marinate the shrimp
- In a bowl, combine shrimp, buttermilk, and hot sauce (if using).
- Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes to tenderize and flavor.
- Prepare the breading
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne.
- Heat oil
- Fill a deep skillet or fryer with 2 inches of oil.
- Heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Bread the shrimp
- Remove shrimp from buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
- Dredge in the seasoned flour mixture until coated. Shake off extra.
- Fry the shrimp
- Fry shrimp in batches 2–3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve
- Serve hot with cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the pan — fry in batches for crispiness.
- For extra Southern flair, add Old Bay seasoning to the flour mixture.
- Use medium heat if shrimp start browning too fast — they cook quickly and can dry out.
If you want, I can also give you a Crispy Buttermilk Southern Shrimp version with a spiced dipping sauce or oven-baked Southern shrimp for a lighter option.
