Southern Fried Shrimp

Crispy, golden, and packed with flavor, Southern Fried Shrimp is a true classic of Southern cuisine. Whether served as an appetizer, part of a seafood platter, or piled high on a sandwich, this dish delivers the perfect balance of crunch and juicy, tender shrimp. With its signature crispy coating seasoned to perfection and a satisfying crunch in every bite, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your home.

Southern-style fried shrimp is all about simplicity done right. It starts with high-quality shrimp, coated in a well-seasoned buttermilk batter and dredged in a spiced cornmeal-flour mixture before being fried to crispy perfection. The result? A light, golden-brown coating that locks in the shrimp’s natural sweetness while adding a deliciously crunchy texture. Pair it with a homemade dipping sauce, coleslaw, or fries, and you’ve got a restaurant-worthy meal right in your own kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Southern Fried Shrimp

• Crispy and Crunchy – The perfect combination of flour and cornmeal creates a light yet extra-crispy coating.

• Quick and Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

• Flavor-Packed – A well-seasoned batter ensures every bite is loaded with Southern charm.

• Perfect for Any Occasion – Great as a main dish, appetizer, or even stuffed in a po’boy sandwich.

• Family Favorite – Even picky eaters will love these crispy, flavorful shrimp!

Preparation Time and Yield

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

• Yield: Serves 4

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320

• Carbohydrates: 28g

• Protein: 22g

• Fat: 14g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 1g

Ingredients for Southern Fried Shrimp

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 tsp hot sauce (optional, for a little kick)

For the Coating:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup cornmeal (for extra crunch)

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

For Frying:

• 2 cups vegetable oil (for deep frying)

For Serving:

• Lemon wedges

• Your favorite dipping sauce (cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or remoulade)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Southern Fried Shrimp

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp, buttermilk, and hot sauce. Let them soak for at least 10 minutes to help the coating stick and add flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. This blend will give the shrimp a crispy, flavorful crust.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Pour the vegetable oil into a deep skillet or frying pan and heat to 350°F (175°C). A thermometer is helpful, but if you don’t have one, drop a small amount of flour into the oil—if it sizzles immediately, it’s ready.

Step 4: Coat the Shrimp

Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk mixture, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks.

Step 5: Fry the Shrimp

Carefully place the coated shrimp in the hot oil in small batches. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy your Southern Fried Shrimp with coleslaw, fries, or on a toasted sandwich bun for a delicious shrimp po’boy!

Ingredient Background

The key to perfect Southern Fried Shrimp starts with high-quality ingredients that each contribute to the dish’s flavor, texture, and crispiness.

Shrimp

Shrimp is the star of this dish, and using fresh, large shrimp makes all the difference. Large shrimp hold up well to frying and provide a juicy, tender bite. Look for wild-caught shrimp if possible, as they tend to have a cleaner and slightly sweeter flavor. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before battering to prevent excess moisture from ruining the crispy coating.

Buttermilk

Soaking the shrimp in buttermilk before coating them serves two purposes—it helps tenderize the shrimp while also allowing the coating to adhere better. The slight tanginess of buttermilk enhances the flavor and gives the shrimp a richer, Southern-style taste. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Flour and Cornmeal Coating

A mix of all-purpose flour and cornmeal creates the signature crispy, golden crust of Southern Fried Shrimp. The flour helps bind the coating, while the cornmeal adds an extra layer of crunch. Using fine cornmeal works best, as coarse cornmeal can make the coating too gritty.

Seasonings

Classic Southern seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper add depth and a slight kick to the shrimp. The combination of smoked paprika and cayenne gives the coating a smoky, slightly spicy flavor, but you can adjust the heat level based on your preference.

Oil for Frying

Choosing the right frying oil is essential for crispy, flavorful shrimp. Vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil are the best choices because they have a high smoke point and a neutral flavor. Always ensure the oil is heated to 350°F (175°C) before frying—if the oil is too cold, the shrimp will absorb too much grease; if it’s too hot, the coating will burn before the shrimp cooks through.

Technique Tips for Southern Fried Shrimp

A few simple techniques can take your fried shrimp from good to absolutely perfect.

Use the Right Shrimp Size

For the best texture and bite, use large (26/30 count) or extra-large (21/25 count) shrimp. Smaller shrimp cook too quickly and can dry out, while jumbo shrimp may require longer frying times that could result in a less crispy crust.

Double-Dipping for Extra Crunch

For an extra crispy crust, try a double-dipping technique: after dredging the shrimp in the seasoned flour, dip it back into the buttermilk and then dredge it once more in the flour mixture before frying. This creates a thicker, crunchier coating.

Fry in Small Batches

Overcrowding the pan lowers the oil temperature, which results in greasy shrimp instead of crispy ones. Fry the shrimp in small batches to maintain the proper heat level and ensure even cooking. After each batch, let the oil return to 350°F (175°C) before adding more shrimp.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Southern Fried Shrimp is delicious on its own, but you can serve it in different ways to make it even more special.

Shrimp Po’Boy Sandwich

Turn your fried shrimp into a New Orleans-style po’boy sandwich by stuffing them into a toasted baguette with shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and a tangy remoulade sauce. Serve with a side of fries for a classic Southern meal.

Shrimp and Grits

For a Southern comfort food classic, serve the crispy shrimp over creamy, cheesy grits. Top with a drizzle of hot sauce or Cajun butter for an extra layer of flavor.

Shrimp Tacos

For a fun twist, serve the shrimp in warm flour or corn tortillas with shredded cabbage, a drizzle of lime crema, and fresh cilantro. Add diced mango or pineapple for a refreshing, tropical contrast.

Freezing and Storing Southern Fried Shrimp

Storing Leftovers

To keep fried shrimp crispy, store leftovers in a single layer on a paper towel-lined plate. Avoid stacking them, as this can make the coating soggy. Cover loosely with foil or wax paper and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Reheating for Maximum Crispiness

To reheat fried shrimp, avoid using the microwave, as it will make them soggy. Instead, warm them in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 8-10 minutes or in an air fryer at 375°F for 4-5 minutes until crispy.

Freezing for Later

If you want to freeze fried shrimp, let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. To reheat, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes or until hot and crispy.

Healthier Twist Ideas

Want to enjoy Southern Fried Shrimp with fewer calories? Try these lighter alternatives.

Oven-Baked Shrimp

Instead of frying, bake the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray them lightly with oil before baking to help them crisp up.

Air Fryer Shrimp

For a healthier option that still delivers crunch, air fry the shrimp at 375°F (190°C) for 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Gluten-Free Option

Swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour or almond flour and use a cornmeal-only coating for a crispy, gluten-free alternative.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Game Day Platter

Serve fried shrimp as part of a game-day spread with a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, and remoulade. Pair with fries, hush puppies, and coleslaw for a Southern-style feast.

Seafood Feast

For a full seafood experience, serve fried shrimp with other Southern seafood favorites like fried catfish, crab cakes, and hush puppies. Add lemon wedges and homemade tartar sauce for the perfect finishing touch.

Casual Family Dinner

Pair fried shrimp with simple sides like mashed potatoes, cornbread, and sautéed green beans for a comforting, down-home meal the whole family will love.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture from ruining the coating.

2. Why is my fried shrimp not crispy?

This can happen if the oil temperature is too low or if the shrimp are overcrowded in the pan. Always fry in batches at 350°F (175°C) for the crispiest results.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Fried shrimp are best served fresh, but you can coat the shrimp ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 2 hours before frying.

4. What’s the best oil for frying shrimp?

Vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil are best because they have a high smoke point and neutral flavor.

5. Can I use this recipe for other seafood?

Absolutely! This batter works well with fish fillets, oysters, and scallops.

6. How do I keep my hands clean while breading the shrimp?

Use one hand for wet ingredients (buttermilk) and one hand for dry ingredients (flour mixture) to keep your hands from getting too messy.

7. Can I make spicy fried shrimp?

Yes! Add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buttermilk for more heat.

8. What’s the best dipping sauce for fried shrimp?

Cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, remoulade, or honey mustard all pair beautifully with crispy shrimp.

9. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute almond milk with vinegar for buttermilk.

10. How do I prevent the coating from falling off?

Make sure the shrimp are dry before dipping them in buttermilk and press the coating onto the shrimp for better adhesion.

Conclusion

Southern Fried Shrimp is a crunchy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served as an appetizer, in a sandwich, or with classic sides, this crispy shrimp recipe will bring the taste of the South right to your table!

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