This Southern Fried Shrimp recipe is perfectly seasoned, fried to golden perfection, and absolutely irresistible. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner, a weekend treat, or a fun appetizer for friends, this recipe delivers every single time.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is quick, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. You get the crispy, golden coating of Southern-fried shrimp without any complicated steps, and it’s customizable with whatever dipping sauces or sides you love. Perfect for families, dinner parties, or just treating yourself!
Ingredients Needed
For the Shrimp:
1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
½ cup whole milk
For the Seasoned Flour:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 tsp granulated garlic
2 tsp paprika
2 tsp dried oregano
For Frying:
Vegetable oil (enough for deep frying, about 375°F)
How to Make Southern Fried Shrimp
1️⃣ Prep the Shrimp
In a medium bowl, mix the milk with ½ tsp salt, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp oregano, and 1 tsp garlic. Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Let them soak for 10 minutes. This step ensures every bite is flavorful.
2️⃣ Mix the Seasoned Flour
On a plate or shallow dish, combine the flour, remaining salt, paprika, oregano, garlic, and black pepper.
3️⃣ Coat the Shrimp
Remove the shrimp from the milk mixture and let the excess drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the seasoned flour, pressing lightly so the coating sticks evenly.
4️⃣ Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat oil to 375°F (190°C) in a deep skillet or fryer. Fry shrimp in batches for 3–4 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like tartar sauce, honey mustard, or spicy mayo. Pair with fries, hush puppies, or a crisp coleslaw for a classic Southern meal.
Tips for Perfect Fried Shrimp
Use raw shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. This keeps the oil hot and shrimp crispy.
Double-dredge for extra crunch if you like your coating extra thick.
Pat the shrimp dry before coating to help the flour stick better.
Variations
Spicy Shrimp: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
Air-Fried Version: Spray-coated shrimp with cooking spray and air-fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes.
Garlic-Parmesan Twist: Toss fried shrimp with melted butter, garlic, and grated Parmesan for a rich flavor boost.
Can You Fry Already Cooked Shrimp?
Yes, you can fry already cooked shrimp, but only briefly. Since they’re already done, frying is just to crisp the coating or add flavor. Overfry, and they’ll turn rubbery. Pat them dry, lightly coat them, and fry for 30–60 seconds per side in hot oil (350–375°F) until golden.
💡 Pro Tip: Prep your flour mixture while the shrimp soak. It’s a small step that makes cooking faster and keeps everything organized.
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Southern Fried Shrimp recipe
Learn how to make golden, crispy Southern fried shrimp at home. Easy, flavorful, and perfect for dinners or appetizers, your family will love!
Ingredients
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp granulated garlic
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- Vegetable oil (enough for deep frying, about 375°F)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix the milk with ½ tsp salt, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp oregano, and 1 tsp garlic.
- Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Let them soak for 10 minutes — this step ensures every bite is flavorful.
- On a plate or shallow dish, combine the flour, remaining salt, paprika, oregano, garlic, and black pepper.
- Remove the shrimp from the milk mixture and let the excess drip off.
- Dredge each shrimp in the seasoned flour, pressing lightly so the coating sticks evenly.
- Heat oil to 375°F (190°C) in a deep skillet or fryer. Fry shrimp in batches for 3–4 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like tartar sauce, honey mustard, or spicy mayo.
- Pair with fries, hush puppies, or a crisp coleslaw for a classic Southern meal.
