Golden‑Fried Shrimp Recipe

This Golden-Fried Shrimp Recipe creates the ultimate crunch by using a classic three-step dredging method with seasoned flour, egg wash, and airy panko breadcrumbs. Each bite shatters upon impact, revealing sweet, juicy jumbo shrimp steamed perfectly inside a light, non-greasy shell. It is the perfect party appetizer or po’boy filler that vanishes from the plate faster than you can fry it.

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Golden‑Fried Shrimp Ingredients

The Shrimp:

• 1 lb Jumbo Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, but leave the tails on for a convenient “handle” while dipping.
• Vegetable Oil: Enough to fill your pot 2 inches deep. Canola or peanut oil also work well due to their high smoke points.

The Breading Station:

• 1/3 cup All-Purpose Flour: The first layer that helps everything stick.
• 3 Large Eggs: Beaten until frothy to bind the crust.
• 1 1/2 cups Panko Bread Crumbs: Japanese-style crumbs are lighter and larger than traditional breadcrumbs, ensuring superior crispiness.
• Seasoning: 3/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper mixed into the flour so the shrimp itself is seasoned, not just the crust.

How To Make Golden‑Fried Shrimp

1. Set Up the Assembly Line: Arrange three shallow bowls in a row. In Bowl 1, whisk together the flour, salt, and pepper. In Bowl 2, beat the eggs vigorously until they are uniform and frothy. In Bowl 3, spread out the panko breadcrumbs.
2. Prep the Shrimp: Ensure your shrimp are dry (pat them with paper towels if needed). Holding a shrimp by the tail, dredge it in the seasoned flour (Bowl 1). Shake it gently to remove excess; you want a thin dusting, not a clump.
3. The Dip: Dip the floured shrimp into the beaten eggs (Bowl 2), ensuring it is fully coated. Allow any excess egg to drip back into the bowl.
4. The Crunch Coat: Immediately press the shrimp into the panko (Bowl 3). Use your hand to pat the crumbs onto the shrimp firmly so they adhere to every nook and cranny. Place the breaded shrimp on a wire rack or plate while you finish the batch.
5. Heat the Oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Heat over medium-high until it reaches 350°F on a thermometer. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a single panko crumb in; if it sizzles immediately without burning, you are ready.
6. Fry in Batches: Carefully lower a few shrimp into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pot, or the temperature will drop and the shrimp will be greasy. Fry for about 1 to 2 minutes. They cook incredibly fast—remove them the moment the crust is golden brown.
7. Drain and Serve: Transfer the fried shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while piping hot and crunchy.

Recipe Tips

• Butterfly for Speed: If your jumbo shrimp are very thick, you can slice them down the back (butterfly) so they open up. This increases the surface area for more crunchy breading and helps them cook even faster.
• Keep Oil Clean: If you are frying a large batch, use a slotted spoon to fish out any floating panko crumbs between batches. If left in, they will burn and taint the oil’s flavor.
• One Hand Wet, One Hand Dry: To keep your fingers from becoming breaded, use one hand for the dry ingredients (flour/panko) and the other hand exclusively for the wet egg dip.
• Don’t Overcook: Shrimp turn rubbery instantly. The golden color of the panko is your perfect timer; once it’s brown, the shrimp is done.

What To Serve With Fried Shrimp

• Cocktail Sauce: The classic horseradish-ketchup dip.
• Tartar Sauce: Creamy and tangy, perfect for seafood.
• Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of acid cuts the fried richness.
• Coleslaw: Serve alongside a crisp slaw for a fish-fry vibe.

How To Store Golden‑Fried Shrimp

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The crust will lose its crispness in the fridge.
• Reheat: To restore the crunch, place the shrimp on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 5-8 minutes. Do not microwave.
• Freeze: Freeze breaded (uncooked) shrimp in a single layer, then bag them. Fry directly from frozen (add 1 minute to cook time).

Golden‑Fried Shrimp Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 145mg

Nutrition information is estimated per serving.

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