Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, this Southern Fried Shrimp recipe is a true Southern classic. Fresh shrimp are coated in a seasoned breading and fried to golden perfection for a delicious, easy-to-make meal that is always a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for family dinners, fish fries, and special gatherings.
Gather the vegetable oil and a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron skillet.
Take a baking sheet and line it with paper towels, placing a cooling rack inside the pan to drain shrimp once cooked. Set aside.
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, ½ teaspoon of sea salt, and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper.
In another shallow bowl, whisk together the cracker meal, sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Start coating the shrimp by first adding them into the egg wash, just a few at a time, making sure to coat each one well. Next, remove them from the egg wash and drop them into the cracker meal mix, coating them completely. Place on a plate while breading the remaining shrimp.
Heat 1 inch of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottom skillet or cast-iron skillet over medium heat, 350℉-375℉. Use a deep fry thermometer to make sure the oil is at the correct temperature.
Once the vegetable oil reaches the correct temperature, drop the coated shrimp into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd your pot. Shrimp cooks fast, so you don't fry for too long-about 3 minutes. Remove from the oil and let them drain on the baking sheet. Continue until you have fried all the shrimp.
Serve immediately with tartar sauce or your favorite seafood dipping sauce.
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Notes
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