Fried Shrimp, with its crispy, golden coating and juicy inside, is the perfect appetizer or snack. This easy-to-make dish brings a crunch and flavor that's hard to resist, ideal for any meal.
Start by placing your cleaned and deveined shrimp into a bowl. Then, add the ginger, garlic, pepper powder, chili sauce, oregano, salt, and egg white to the bowl.
Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring the shrimp are evenly coated with the marinade. This step infuses them with all the flavors.
Cover the bowl with a lid to allow the shrimp to marinate properly. Let them rest for at least 10 minutes so they can absorb all the delicious seasonings. This marination process is crucial for achieving that deep, rich flavor in your Fried Shrimp.
Breading the Shrimp
Grab a tray and combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, pepper powder, oregano, and salt. Give it a good mix to ensure all the ingredients are well distributed.
Take each marinated shrimp and roll it in the flour and breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it's completely coated. Coating them individually is key to getting that even, crispy outer layer we all love on our fried shrimp.
Frying the Shrimp
Heat a pan over medium flame and pour in enough oil for frying. Let the oil heat up to the right temperature, ideally between 350 to 375 degrees F. This ensures a quick and even fry. Carefully place the breaded shrimp into the hot oil one at a time, making sure not to crowd the pan. This allows each shrimp to cook perfectly and get that golden, crispy coating.
Fry the shrimp until they are golden brown on both sides, which indicates they're perfectly cooked through.
Once they've reached this golden perfection, it's time to take them out of the oil. Your Fried Shrimp are now ready to be savored.
Serving
Enjoy your Fried Shrimp with a variety of dipping sauces and side dishes. For more pairing ideas, refer to the Serving Suggestions section below!
Notes
Here are some helpful tips to make perfect Fried Shrimp:
Marination: Marinating the shrimp is a step you shouldn't overlook. The blend of spices and chili sauce not only infuses them with incredible flavor but also tenderizes them, making every bite succulent and tasty.
Breading: For that unbeatably crispy exterior, I love using a combination of flour and Panko breadcrumbs. It creates a texture that's both crunchy and light. If you're after a more delicate crust, simply using flour can achieve a subtler, yet still delightful, crispiness.
Prep Before Frying: Taking a moment to pat the shrimp dry before marinating and breading is crucial. This ensures the coatings adhere properly. Letting the coated shrimp rest for a few minutes before frying can make a huge difference in achieving that perfect, crunchy shell.
Prevent Batter Fall-Off: To prevent batter from falling off while frying shrimp, ensure they are thoroughly coated in a wet marinade first. This step helps the flour mixture or batter adhere better during frying.
Frying Tips: Achieving the right oil temperature, around 350°F, is key for that ideal fry. Also, make sure not to overcrowd the pan; giving the shrimp ample space allows them to fry evenly and prevents them from becoming soggy.
Post-Frying: Draining the shrimp on a wire rack or paper towels after frying is essential for maintaining their crispiness. Serving them immediately while hot, accompanied by a squeeze of fresh lemon or a dip of your choice, enhances their flavor and ensures a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Cooking Options: While this recipe features pan-fried shrimp for that golden perfection, don't hesitate to deep-fry them for an extra crispy texture, or opt for a batter-fry with buttermilk for a thicker, crunchier coating. Each method offers a unique twist to the dish.
Air Frying: Using an air fryer is a fantastic alternative for those looking for a healthier option. It significantly reduces oil usage while still delivering that crispy texture we all crave. Plus, it's a simpler, less messy process.