Ultimate Crispy Fried Shrimp

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails optional)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp paprika or smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 cups buttermilk (or DIY with 2 tbsp vinegar/lemon juice in 2 cups milk, rest for 5 minutes)
• 2 cups Panko or regular breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil, for deep frying
• Lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or cocktail sauce for serving

Instructions:

Prep Work:

1. Clean Shrimp: Ensure shrimp are thoroughly cleaned, deveined, and dried with paper towels.

Assembly Line:

2. Flour Mixture: In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Buttermilk Bowl: Pour buttermilk into another shallow dish.
4. Breadcrumb Tray: Spread Panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish.

Dredging and Coating:

5. Coat in Flour: Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, ensuring a complete coat.
6. Dip in Buttermilk: Next, dip the flour-coated shrimp into the buttermilk, shaking off any excess.
7. Breadcrumb Finish: Press each shrimp into the breadcrumbs until fully covered. Set breaded shrimp aside on a plate.

Frying:

8. Heat Oil: In a deep frying pan or pot, heat 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat to 350°F (175°C). Test oil readiness by dropping a breadcrumb in; it should sizzle on contact.
9. Fry Shrimp: Using tongs, carefully add shrimp to the hot oil without overcrowding. Fry in batches if necessary, about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
10. Drain: Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Serve:

11. Presentation: Serve your crispy fried shrimp immediately with lemon wedges and a choice between tartar or cocktail sauce for dipping.

Dive into these delightfully crispy fried shrimp, a perfect blend of crunchy, juicy, and flavorful. Ideal for a family dinner, gathering with friends, or simply when you crave something deliciously fried. Enjoy the golden crust and tender interior of each shrimp, enhanced by the tangy zest of lemon and your favorite dipping sauce.