An all-time classic that’s easy and scrumptious, perfect for dipping, po’boys and more.
New Orleans takes its fried shrimp very seriously. Hank’s, the bodega near my old house, was the perfect place to grab a 3 AM po’ boy. At first, I asked for a grilled shrimp po’ boy because I didn’t want the extra calories of deep-fried shrimp. But while a grilled shrimp po’ boy is delicious, a fried shrimp po’ boy is melt-in-your-mouth divine. The way the light crunch of tender shrimp melts into the soft, squishy bread is one of the supreme culinary treats a human can experience. Fried shrimp has its time and place!
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, this recipe makes for fried shrimp that’s slightly sweet, juicy and bursting with flavor. The cayenne, onion, garlic, and black pepper seasoning accentuate the shrimp’s delicious natural flavor, leading to what fried shrimp is all about: The Perfect Bite. You could load these morsels into a sandwich similar to the po’boys I enjoyed, or just eat them straight, maybe dunked in tartar sauce or tangy cocktail sauce.
Is Fried Shrimp Healthy?
While shrimp themselves are high in protein and low in calories, fried shrimp are not going to win any dietary awards. Fried foods generally have been linked to inflammation and high cholesterol and tend to be higher in calories than similar food cooked by methods like steaming and grilling. So all-in-all fried shrimp should be eaten in moderation. If you like, add some healthy sides like steamed vegetables, a light slaw or grilled corn to round out your meal.
Which Oil to Use for Deep Frying
When choosing an oil for frying you’ll want to consider smoke point: the temperature at which the oil breaks down and eventually starts to smoke. The higher the smoke point, the higher the temperature at which you can fry. Vegetable, avocado, refined safflower, and corn oils are some with high smoke points and are excellent for deep frying. Olive oil is known to be a healthy oil, but its smoke point is too low; bringing olive oil up to frying temperature for an extended period could result in the oil developing an unpleasant taste that will transfer to your food.
How to make ahead and store
I find leftover fried shrimp will keep for 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat them in a 350°F oven just until warm. You can also freeze the shrimp, but be aware that the crispy coating won’t hold up very well. You can reheat them in the oven straight from frozen as well.
Serving Suggestions
Fried shrimp loves a delicious dipping sauce. If you want to go beyond Tartar Sauce or cocktail sauce, try Shrimp Sauce or Honey-Mustard Dressing. If you want to try your shrimp in that New Orleans classic po’boy sandwich you definitely should! Smear soft bread like a hero roll with mayo, pile in shrimp and top with shredded lettuce and thinly sliced tomato, plus some sliced onion if you like. Nothing about fried shrimp is particularly light, so if you want some healthy sides to brighten up your meal I suggest tasty, tangy Mediterranean Cucumber Salad or Watermelon Feta Salad.
Looking for more great shrimp recipes? Coconut Shrimp, Firecracker Shrimp, Lettuce Wraps, and Air-Fryer Shrimp are all waiting for you!
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil as needed for frying
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled, deveined, and patted dry
- Freshly chopped parsley for garnish
- Tartar sauce or cocktail sauce for serving
Instructions
- In a shallow bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
- In another shallow bowl, place the beaten eggs. In a third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs.
- Carefully dip each shrimp into the flour mixture, then into the eggs, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs. Set aside on a plate.
- In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat oil to 375°F. Fry the shrimp in batches for about 2-3 minutes or until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve with fresh parsley sprinkled on top and preferred dipping sauce.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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