There’s something undeniably satisfying about the crunchy exterior of fried breaded shrimp. This classic dish is a favorite for seafood lovers craving a crispy and flavorful bite. The key to achieving the perfect balance of crispy coating and succulent shrimp lies in the breading technique. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll be able to recreate this restaurant-worthy dish right in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Fried Breaded Shrimp
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Vegetable oil, for frying
– Lemon wedges, for serving
– Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Begin by preparing the breading station. In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure that the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the breadcrumbs.
2. Set up your breading station with three bowls – one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for the seasoned breadcrumbs.
3. Dredge each shrimp in the flour, shaking off any excess. This will help the egg wash adhere to the shrimp better.
4. Dip the floured shrimp into the beaten eggs, making sure to coat each shrimp entirely. Allow any excess egg to drip off before moving on to the next step.
5. Next, coat the shrimp in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure that the breading adheres to the shrimp.
6. Place the breaded shrimp on a baking sheet in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. This will prevent them from sticking together during frying.
7. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (180°C).
8. Carefully place the breaded shrimp in the hot oil, ensuring that they are not overcrowded in the pan. Fry the shrimp in batches if necessary to maintain the oil temperature.
9. Fry the shrimp for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, or until the breading is golden brown and crispy, and the shrimp is cooked through.
10. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
11. Serve the fried breaded shrimp hot, garnished with fresh parsley and accompanied by lemon wedges for squeezing. Enjoy this delicious seafood treat as an appetizer or main course.
Fried breaded shrimp makes for a delightful dish that can be enjoyed as a flavorful appetizer or a main course. The crispy golden coating encasing the succulent shrimp is sure to impress your family and friends. With this simple recipe, you can bring the taste of the sea right to your dinner table.
