Golden Fried Shrimp – Crispy, Juicy, and Flavorful

Craving a crispy, golden seafood treat? These Golden Fried Shrimp are your answer! Coated in a perfectly seasoned batter and fried until crispy, these shrimp are tender inside and crunchy on the outside. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, snack, or main course, these shrimp will quickly become your go-to recipe for any occasion.

Ingredients

To make these golden fried shrimp, you will need:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup cold sparkling water (for a light, crispy batter)
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp
   Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help the batter stick to the shrimp better during frying.
2. Prepare the Coating
   In a shallow dish, combine the flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, whisk the egg and add the cold sparkling water. The sparkling water will create a light, airy batter that results in a crisp coating.
3. Heat the Oil
   Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan or skillet to a depth of about 2-3 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of batter—if it sizzles and rises to the surface, it’s ready.
4. Coat the Shrimp
   Dip each shrimp into the egg mixture, then coat with the flour and cornmeal mixture, making sure each shrimp is evenly covered.
5. Fry the Shrimp
   Carefully place the coated shrimp into the hot oil in batches. Fry the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
6. Serve
   Serve the golden fried shrimp hot, garnished with fresh parsley and alongside lemon wedges for a refreshing burst of flavor.

Why You’ll Love These Golden Fried Shrimp

• Crispy and Light: The cornmeal in the batter gives the shrimp an extra crunch while keeping the interior tender and juicy.
• Perfectly Seasoned: The garlic, paprika, and cayenne pepper create a perfectly balanced flavor that’s slightly smoky with just the right amount of heat.
• Quick and Easy: These shrimp are fast to prepare and cook, making them a great option for a quick dinner or a party snack.

Pro Tips for the Best Golden Fried Shrimp

• Use Sparkling Water for Crispiness: The carbonation in sparkling water helps create a lighter, crispier batter. If you don’t have sparkling water, you can substitute it with cold club soda for a similar effect.
• Fry in Small Batches: Fry the shrimp in small batches to prevent overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy shrimp.
• Keep the Shrimp Warm: If you’re making a large batch, keep the shrimp warm by placing them in a preheated oven at 200°F (90°C) while you fry the rest.

Conclusion

These Golden Fried Shrimp are the perfect combination of crispy, flavorful, and juicy. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer at a party, as a main dish for dinner, or just enjoying them as a snack, they will be a hit with everyone. With a simple batter, quick frying time, and delicious results, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Try it today for a golden, crispy seafood treat!