Ingredients
Shrimp and Wet Mixture
- 1 lb. raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1/2 cup milk
Dry Mixture
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Other
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Lemon wedges, cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, Ranch dressing, honey mustard, or other condiments as desired
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a deep fryer or large skillet, heat the vegetable oil to 375°F to ensure it is hot enough for frying the shrimp and achieving a crispy exterior.
- Prepare the shrimp: In a large bowl, combine the raw peeled and deveined shrimp with the wet mixture ingredients, mainly the milk and seasoning, and mix well. Let the shrimp marinate for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with dried oregano, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create the seasoned coating for the shrimp.
- Coat the shrimp: Remove shrimp from the milk mixture and thoroughly coat each shrimp in the dry flour mixture, ensuring an even and generous coating for maximum crispiness.
- Fry the shrimp: Carefully place the coated shrimp in the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and the batter is a light golden brown and crispy.
- Drain excess oil: Remove the fried shrimp using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined baking sheet or platter to drain excess oil.
- Serve immediately: Serve the Southern Fried Shrimp hot with lemon wedges and your choice of condiments like cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, Ranch dressing, or honey mustard for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-dip the shrimp by repeating the milk soak and flour coating before frying.
- Ensure oil temperature is maintained at 375°F for optimal frying results; use a thermometer to check.
- Do not overcrowd the pan as that can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy shrimp.
- Use fresh shrimp for the best taste, and peel and devein them beforehand for convenience.
- Be cautious when frying to avoid splatters; use a deep skillet or fryer with sides.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
