Origin and Region:
Crunchy fried shrimp is a popular dish found in many coastal regions around the world, including the United States, Japan, and various countries in Southeast Asia. While the specific origin of this recipe may vary, fried shrimp is a beloved dish in regions where seafood is abundant.
Introduction:
Crunchy fried shrimp is a delightful dish featuring succulent shrimp coated in a crispy and flavorful breading. Whether served as an appetizer, main course, or part of a seafood platter, these crispy shrimp are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails left on
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Cocktail sauce or tartar sauce for dipping
Optional Toppings and Tips:
- For extra flavor, add herbs or spices such as cayenne pepper, Old Bay seasoning, or dried parsley to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Serve the fried shrimp with a variety of dipping sauces, such as spicy mayo, remoulade, or sweet chili sauce.
- For a lighter alternative, you can bake the shrimp in the oven instead of frying them.
Instructions:
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each shrimp in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the shrimp into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Coat the shrimp in the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the shrimp.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (180°C).
- Working in batches, carefully add the breaded shrimp to the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the fried shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve the crunchy fried shrimp hot with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce.
Description:
Crunchy fried shrimp features succulent shrimp coated in a crispy and flavorful breading, making it a delicious and satisfying dish. The combination of tender shrimp and crunchy coating creates a delightful texture contrast that is irresistible to seafood lovers. Whether served as an appetizer, main course, or part of a seafood platter, these crispy shrimp are sure to be a hit at any meal.
Nutritional Information:
- Serving Size: 4-6 shrimp (varies based on size)
- Calories: 200-300
- Total Fat: 10-15g
- Saturated Fat: 1-2g
- Cholesterol: 150-200mg
- Sodium: 300-400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15-20g
- Dietary Fiber: 1-2g
- Sugars: 1-2g
- Protein: 15-20g
Conclusion and Recommendation:
Crunchy fried shrimp is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or main course. Serve it alongside your favorite dipping sauce and a squeeze of lemon for a burst of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a seafood treat, these crispy shrimp are sure to satisfy your cravings.