Perfect Fried Shrimp

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There truly is nothing better than a crispy, crunchy batch of fried shrimp. This easy, no-fuss recipe is perfect when that salty craving hits. Serve these lil' poppers in a po' boy or taco, or just enjoy them straight up with lemon wedges, cocktail sauce, and rémoulade.

By
Nicole McLaughlin
Nicole McLaughlin
Nicole McLaughlin

Nicole McLaughlin produces the educational and entertaining food series from Allrecipes; You Can Cook That. She is known for her relatability with the home-cook audience. With over 20 years in the culinary world, she is able to effectively deliver a bounty of knowledge, with a side of sarcastic wit.

Allrecipes' editorial guidelines
Published on July 18, 2023
1
platter of golden fried shrimp with cocktail sauce and lemon wedges
Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
2 mins
Total Time:
32 mins
Servings:
6
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings

  • 3 cups canola oil, or as needed

  • 2 large eggs, beaten

  • 1 cup whole milk

  • 2 tablespoons chile hot sauce (such as Cholula®)

  • 2 pounds large peeled, deveined raw shrimp

  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

  • 2/3 cup cornmeal

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions

  1. Pour oil to a depth of 2 inches in a large deep skillet; heat over medium-high to 370 degrees F (185 degrees C). 

  2. Whisk together eggs, milk, and hot sauce in a shallow dish; add shrimp to mixture, and toss to coat. Whisk together flour, cornmeal, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a separate shallow dish.

  3. Remove 6 to 8 shrimp from egg mixture, shaking excess off; dredge in flour mixture. Place dredged shrimp in hot oil; fry until coating is golden and crisp, about 2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Repeat with remaining shrimp, bringing oil back to 370 degrees F(185 degrees C) over medium-high heat before adding each batch of shrimp.

    platter of golden fried shrimp with cocktail sauce and lemon wedges

    Dotdash Meredith Video Studios

    Cook's Notes:

    If you like, you can easily dress up the flavors by adding your favorite spices, such as paprika, cumin, or more cayenne. Depending on the size of your shrimp, you may have to adjust your cooking time. 

    Editor's Note:

    Nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of breading ingredients. The actual amount of breading consumed will vary. We have determined the nutritional value of oil for frying based on a retention value of 10% after cooking. The exact amount will vary depending on cooking time and temperature, ingredient density, and specific type of oil used.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

368 Calories
17g Fat
26g Carbs
27g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 368
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 17g 22%
Saturated Fat 3g 13%
Cholesterol 257mg 86%
Sodium 1218mg 53%
Total Carbohydrate 26g 10%
Dietary Fiber 2g 6%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 27g 54%
Vitamin C 2mg 2%
Calcium 142mg 11%
Iron 2mg 10%
Potassium 339mg 7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.