Ultimate Fried Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients:
- For the Shrimp:
- 1 kg (about 2 lbs) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on if desired
- For the Marinade:
- 4 cups plain yogurt (adds tanginess and helps the coating stick)
- Salt, to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning (for classic shrimp flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Coating:
- 250g (about 2 cups) self-rising flour
- Additional salt, to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon)
- Extra Old Bay seasoning, optional (a pinch or two)
- For Frying:
- Vegetable oil, for frying (enough to fill pan with about 1-2 inches)
- Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh lemon wedges
- Additional Old Bay seasoning for sprinkling
- Fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color
Instructions:
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- Step 1: Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp, leaving the tails on if you prefer (it makes for a nice presentation and an easy handle).
- Step 2: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and then pat them dry with paper towels. Removing excess water helps the coating stick better.
- Make the Yogurt Marinade:
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt with salt, Old Bay seasoning, and black pepper. Whisk until everything is well blended.
- Step 2: Add the shrimp to the yogurt mixture, making sure each shrimp is fully coated. Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix, ensuring that every shrimp is covered.
- Step 3: Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes. This marinating time allows the shrimp to absorb flavors while keeping them tender and juicy.
- Prepare the Flour Coating:
- Step 1: In a large, shallow dish, add the self-rising flour. Season it with a little extra salt and a pinch of Old Bay seasoning if you want a bit more flavor.
- Step 2: Mix the flour and seasonings well with a fork or whisk.
- Coat the Shrimp:
- Step 1: Remove the marinated shrimp from the refrigerator. One at a time, lift each shrimp from the yogurt marinade, allowing any excess yogurt to drip off.
- Step 2: Dredge each shrimp in the seasoned flour, pressing lightly to make sure the flour sticks. Shake off any excess flour and set the coated shrimp on a plate.
- Step 3: Let the coated shrimp sit on the plate for 5-10 minutes before frying. This little bit of resting time helps the coating adhere better for a crispier finish.
- Heat the Oil for Frying:
- Step 1: In a large, deep skillet or frying pan, pour enough vegetable oil to reach about 1-2 inches deep. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature, or drop a small piece of bread into the oil—if it sizzles and browns in about 60 seconds, the oil is ready.
- Step 2: Preheat the oven to 200°F (90°C) if you want to keep the shrimp warm while frying in batches.
- Fry the Shrimp:
- Step 1: Carefully place a few shrimp into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan (this keeps the oil temperature stable and prevents the shrimp from getting soggy).
- Step 2: Fry the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
- Step 3: Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the shrimp, placing them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. If frying in batches, keep finished shrimp warm in the preheated oven.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Step 1: Sprinkle the shrimp with a little extra Old Bay seasoning and chopped parsley for added flavor and color, if desired.
- Step 2: Serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauces like cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Extra Tips for the Perfect Fried Shrimp:
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: For a spicier kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the yogurt marinade or flour.
- Keep Oil at the Right Temperature: Monitor the oil temperature between batches to avoid shrimp that are too greasy or not crispy enough.
- Make it a Meal: Pair your fried shrimp with coleslaw, French fries, or a fresh side salad.
This Fried Shrimp recipe is a surefire hit, and everyone will appreciate your husband’s delicious cooking skills! 🍤