Southern Fried Shrimp
Introduction
Few dishes capture the heart of Southern cuisine like a plate of Southern Fried Shrimp. Crispy, golden, and packed with flavor, this recipe embodies everything people love about comfort food from the South.
It’s the kind of dish that makes you think of family gatherings, seaside diners, and summers spent along the Gulf Coast. Every bite offers a perfect crunch followed by the sweet, briny flavor of tender shrimp—a combination that never fails to satisfy.
Southern Fried Shrimp is more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition. From fish fries to backyard cookouts, shrimp has long been a staple in Southern kitchens, and frying them in a seasoned cornmeal coating has been perfected over generations.
Best of all, it’s quick and easy—shrimp cooks in minutes, meaning you can have a restaurant-worthy meal on the table faster than most takeout orders.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into why this dish works, what ingredients you’ll need, how to make it step by step, and the secrets to success so your Southern Fried Shrimp turns out perfectly every single time.
Why This Recipe Works
There are endless ways to cook shrimp, but Southern Fried Shrimp remains a favorite for several reasons:
Crispy Perfection – The cornmeal-based coating gives shrimp an irresistible crunch while locking in its natural juiciness.
Quick Cooking – Shrimp fry up in just a couple of minutes, making this one of the fastest Southern comfort foods you can prepare.
Seasoned Just Right – The blend of spices—like paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and black pepper—brings out the best in the shrimp without overpowering their delicate flavor.
Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing – Whether served as an appetizer, main course, or part of a seafood platter, Southern Fried Shrimp always wins rave reviews.
Versatility – This dish works equally well for a casual weeknight meal or a special occasion spread. Pair it with coleslaw and fries for a down-home feel, or with a fresh salad for something lighter.
What You’ll Need For This Recipe
Let’s break down the essential ingredients that make Southern Fried Shrimp so delicious.
Shrimp
1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined – Fresh or frozen shrimp both work. Large shrimp are best because they fry beautifully and give you a meatier bite.
For the Coating
1 cup cornmeal – The heart of the Southern-style crust. Cornmeal creates the classic crunch and a slightly sweet flavor.
½ cup all-purpose flour – Helps the coating stick and adds structure.
1 tsp paprika – Adds mild smokiness and a hint of color.
1 tsp garlic powder – Boosts the savory depth.
½ tsp cayenne pepper – Brings a touch of heat (optional for spice lovers).
Salt and black pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning.
For Dipping & Binding
2 large eggs, beaten – The “glue” that helps the coating adhere to the shrimp.
½ cup buttermilk (optional) – Gives the shrimp a subtle tang and helps tenderize them.
For Frying
Vegetable oil or peanut oil – Neutral oils with a high smoke point are perfect for frying.
For Serving
Lemon wedges – Brighten up the fried shrimp with fresh acidity.
Dipping sauces – Classic choices include tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or a spicy remoulade.
How To Make This Recipe
Making Southern Fried Shrimp is easy when you follow these steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Peel and devein the shrimp if not already cleaned, leaving the tails on for easier handling (and a more classic presentation).
Pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial—excess moisture prevents the coating from sticking properly.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Wash
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. If using buttermilk, whisk it into the eggs for extra flavor.
Step 4: Coat the Shrimp
Dip each shrimp first into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off.
Then dredge the shrimp in the cornmeal mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres well. Place them on a tray while you heat the oil.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
Pour oil into a heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer, filling it to about 2–3 inches deep. Heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer if possible—maintaining temperature is key to crispy shrimp.
Step 6: Fry the Shrimp
Carefully drop the coated shrimp into the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
Fry for about 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them.
Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 7: Serve
Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with a little extra salt, and serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauces.
Tips + Tricks & More For Recipe Success
Here’s how to make your Southern Fried Shrimp turn out restaurant-quality every time:
Dry the Shrimp Well – Moisture is the enemy of crispy frying. Always pat shrimp dry before coating.
Season in Layers – Add a pinch of salt directly to the shrimp before dredging for extra flavor inside and out.
Use Fresh Oil – Old oil can make fried foods taste greasy. If frying in batches, skim out crumbs to prevent burning.
Maintain Oil Temperature – If the oil is too cool, shrimp will absorb excess oil. Too hot, and the coating burns before shrimp are cooked. Keep it steady at 350°F.
Work in Small Batches – Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, leading to soggy shrimp.
Tail-On vs. Tail-Off – Leaving tails on makes shrimp easier to handle and dip, but you can remove them if preferred.
Make It Spicy – Increase the cayenne or add hot sauce to the egg wash for a fiery kick.
Double Dredge for Extra Crunch – Dip shrimp back into the egg wash and coat a second time for a thicker crust.
Serve Immediately – Fried shrimp are best enjoyed fresh from the fryer, when they’re at their crispiest.
How To Serve
Southern Fried Shrimp can be served in many different ways depending on the occasion:
Pile them high on a platter with dipping sauces for an appetizer.
Serve as a main dish with sides like coleslaw, hush puppies, or French fries.
Layer them in a po’ boy sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and remoulade sauce for a classic Louisiana-style treat.
Pair with grits for the ultimate shrimp and grits Southern Fried Shrimp twist.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some tasty pairings that elevate Southern Fried Shrimp:
Coleslaw – Crisp and creamy, it balances the richness of fried shrimp.
French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries – A classic sidekick.
Hush Puppies – Another Southern staple, perfect for soaking up extra flavor.
Corn on the Cob – Simple, buttery, and sweet.
Macaroni and Cheese – Comfort food heaven with shrimp on the side.
Garden Salad – For a lighter contrast.
Biscuits – Fluffy, buttery biscuits round out the Southern spread.
Time Needed
One of the great things about Southern Fried Shrimp is how quickly it comes together.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
That’s less than half an hour from kitchen to table—ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a taste of the South, nothing hits the spot quite like Southern Fried Shrimp. With its crunchy coating, tender interior, and bold flavors, this dish embodies everything we love about comfort food.
It’s quick to make, endlessly versatile, and guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends.
Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why generations of cooks have kept Southern Fried Shrimp at the heart of their seafood traditions. Fry up a batch, gather around the table, and enjoy a little Southern hospitality with every crispy, juicy bite.