If there’s one dish that captures the heart and soul of Southern comfort food, it’s Southern Fried Shrimp. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, these shrimp are a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will transport you straight to the Gulf Coast. Whether you’re hosting a weekend dinner, having a seafood feast with friends, or simply craving a crispy, golden bite, Southern Fried Shrimp is the way to go.

This recipe has been passed down through generations, with a few tweaks along the way to make it even better. It’s one of those dishes that brings people together, evoking memories of family gatherings, beach vacations, and late-night fish fries. The combination of buttermilk marinated shrimp and a seasoned flour coating results in an irresistible dish that’s sure to impress. Ready to learn how to make these crispy shrimp? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why You’ll Love Southern Fried Shrimp

Southern Fried Shrimp are an all-time favorite for good reason. The crispy outer layer gives way to sweet, succulent shrimp inside, creating a flavor-packed bite that’s downright addictive. There’s just something magical about the perfect seasoning blend paired with the rich, buttery taste of shrimp. This recipe makes it easy to recreate that magic at home, whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd.

Not only are these shrimp delicious, but they’re also incredibly versatile. Serve them as a main dish, toss them into a salad for added protein, or pair them with your favorite dipping sauce for a snack that’s sure to disappear in minutes. The beauty of Southern Fried Shrimp lies in its simplicity—just a few ingredients and a little patience result in a dish that’s easy to make but impressively flavorful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get into the cooking process, let’s take a quick look at the ingredients you’ll need for these mouthwatering Southern Fried Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Choose large shrimp for a satisfying bite. The shrimp should be fresh and firm for the best results.
1 cup all-purpose flour: The base for your seasoned flour mixture. This will help create that perfect crispy coating.
1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and a hint of color to your shrimp.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A must-have in any seasoning blend, garlic powder enhances the savory flavor of the shrimp.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: This ingredient rounds out the flavor profile with a mild, sweet onion taste.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors in the shrimp.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the seasoning.
1 cup buttermilk: This is the secret to keeping your shrimp tender and juicy. The buttermilk soak also helps the flour mixture stick.
Vegetable oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point for frying, such as vegetable oil or canola oil.

Once you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking!

How to Make Southern Fried Shrimp: Step-by-Step Guide

Making Southern Fried Shrimp is simpler than you might think. With a few easy steps, you can have a plate of crispy, golden shrimp in no time. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Flour Mixture

In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well incorporated. The paprika will give the flour a beautiful color, while the garlic and onion powders will add a savory depth of flavor to your coating.

Step 2: Set Up the Buttermilk Bath

In a separate bowl, pour 1 cup of buttermilk. This is where the shrimp will soak before being coated in the seasoned flour mixture. The buttermilk helps to tenderize the shrimp and ensures that the coating sticks properly. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic the tangy flavor of buttermilk.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

Now, take your peeled and deveined shrimp and dip each one into the buttermilk. Make sure it’s fully submerged, allowing the shrimp to absorb the rich liquid. After soaking in the buttermilk, place the shrimp in the flour mixture and toss gently to coat. Shake off any excess flour to ensure a crisp, even coating when frying.

Step 4: Heat the Oil for Frying

In a large skillet, heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that it sizzles when you drop a small amount of flour into it. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of the flour mixture into the oil. If it bubbles and starts to fry immediately, you’re good to go. If not, allow the oil to heat up for a bit longer.

Step 5: Fry the Shrimp

Once the oil is hot, carefully place the shrimp in the skillet, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the shrimp in batches if necessary. Cook them for 2-3 minutes per side or until they’re golden brown and crispy. You’ll know they’re ready when they float to the surface of the oil and are a beautiful golden color. Don’t overcook the shrimp—aim for a crispy exterior with a juicy, tender interior.

Step 6: Drain and Serve

Once fried, transfer the shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This step helps keep the shrimp crispy and prevents them from becoming greasy.

Serve your Southern Fried Shrimp hot, right out of the skillet. For an added touch, you can squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the top or serve them with a side of cocktail sauce or creamy remoulade. Enjoy with your favorite sides, like coleslaw, fries, or hushpuppies.

Tips for Perfect Southern Fried Shrimp Every Time

While this recipe is simple, there are a few tips and tricks to make sure your Southern Fried Shrimp turn out perfectly every time:

Don’t skip the buttermilk soak: The buttermilk not only tenderizes the shrimp but also helps the flour coating adhere better.
Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp make a big difference in flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before cooking.
Monitor the oil temperature: If the oil is too hot, the shrimp will burn before cooking through. If it’s too cool, the shrimp will be greasy. Use a thermometer if needed to keep the oil around 350°F.
Season the flour generously: The seasoning in the flour is what gives the shrimp its flavor, so don’t be afraid to be generous with the spices.
Serve immediately: For the best texture, serve your fried shrimp immediately after cooking. They’re at their crispiest when they’re hot and fresh.

Serving Suggestions: What Goes Well with Southern Fried Shrimp

Southern Fried Shrimp are perfect on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of sides and sauces. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:

Hushpuppies: A Southern classic, these deep-fried cornmeal fritters are the perfect accompaniment to shrimp.
Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw balances the richness of the fried shrimp with its refreshing crunch.
Fries: Crispy French fries or sweet potato fries make for a satisfying side to your shrimp.
Corn on the Cob: A buttery ear of corn is always a hit at a Southern meal.
Dipping Sauces: Serve with a zesty cocktail sauce, spicy remoulade, or creamy tartar sauce for extra flavor.

Why You Should Try Southern Fried Shrimp Today

There’s no better time than now to try your hand at making Southern Fried Shrimp. This recipe is simple, quick, and guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. Whether you’re craving a classic Southern seafood dish or looking to impress guests at your next dinner party, these shrimp will deliver. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile, so you can enjoy them in a variety of ways.

So grab some fresh shrimp, heat up the oil, and get ready to enjoy the crispy, golden goodness of Southern Fried Shrimp. It’s time to make a Southern classic right in your own kitchen!

Final Thoughts: Share the Love

Southern Fried Shrimp aren’t just a dish—they’re an experience. The joy of cooking and sharing a meal with loved ones is something truly special, and this recipe will help you create memories around the table. Once you’ve made your shrimp, don’t forget to share your creation with friends and family. The more people you can introduce to this crispy, flavorful dish, the better!

Enjoy the process, savor every bite, and let the Southern flavors transport you to a place of comfort and warmth. Happy cooking!

Southern Fried Shrimp

Author: lina
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup buttermilk
Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Pour buttermilk into a separate bowl.
Dip each shrimp into buttermilk, then coat in flour mixture, shaking off excess.
Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high.
Fry shrimp until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Drain shrimp on paper towels.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Don’t skip the buttermilk soak; it helps tenderize the shrimp and ensures the coating sticks well.
Use fresh shrimp for the best results. If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
Maintain the oil temperature around 350°F for the crispiest shrimp.
Serve immediately for the best texture, as the shrimp will lose their crispiness over time.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes