Perfectly Crispy Fried Shrimp – A Crispy, Juicy Delight

Craving something crispy, golden, and flavorful? Look no further than these Perfectly Crispy Fried Shrimp! Coated in a light, crunchy batter and fried to perfection, these shrimp are juicy inside and crispy on the outside. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or main course, they’re sure to be a hit at your next meal or gathering.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make these delicious fried shrimp:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup cold water
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp
   Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This ensures the batter sticks better.
2. Make the Batter
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, whisk the egg and cold water until smooth. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until you have a smooth batter.
3. Heat the Oil
   Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan or skillet to a depth of about 2-3 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Test the oil temperature by dropping a small amount of batter into it – if it sizzles immediately, it’s ready.
4. Coat the Shrimp
   Dip each shrimp into the batter, making sure it is fully coated. Gently shake off any excess batter before placing the shrimp into the hot oil.
5. Fry the Shrimp
   Fry the shrimp in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. Serve
   Serve the crispy fried shrimp immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side and a garnish of chopped parsley for extra flavor and color.

Why You’ll Love These Perfectly Crispy Fried Shrimp

• Crispy and Golden: The combination of flour and cornstarch creates a light, crunchy coating that keeps the shrimp juicy on the inside.
• Full of Flavor: The seasoning adds a wonderful depth of flavor, with just the right amount of heat from the cayenne and smokiness from the paprika.
• Versatile: These shrimp can be served as an appetizer, a side dish, or even as the main event for a seafood dinner.

Pro Tips for the Best Fried Shrimp

• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer milder shrimp, simply omit the cayenne pepper or reduce the amount used.
• Use Cold Water: Cold water helps to make the batter extra crispy, so use chilled water when making your batter.
• Fry in Batches: Fry the shrimp in small batches to ensure the oil remains at the right temperature, which helps maintain a crispy texture.
• Rest on Paper Towels: After frying, place the shrimp on paper towels to absorb excess oil and keep them crispy.

Conclusion

These Perfectly Crispy Fried Shrimp are sure to be the star of any meal! With their golden, crispy exterior and tender, juicy inside, they’re the ultimate indulgence. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, part of a seafood platter, or as a main course, they’ll be a crowd favorite. Easy to make and incredibly flavorful, this recipe will become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Try it today!