Southern Fried Shrimp Recipe – Crispy, Golden & Packed with Flavor 🍤🌽
If there’s one dish that brings back memories of beach vacations and family fish fries, it’s Southern Fried Shrimp. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor in every bite, this dish is a southern classic that never goes out of style. Whether served with coleslaw, fries, or simply dipped in a tangy sauce, fried shrimp is the kind of comfort food that always hits the spot.
I remember my grandma frying shrimp in a cast-iron skillet, the scent filling the kitchen while we waited impatiently for our turn. That first bite—crunchy, juicy, and perfectly seasoned—still lives in my memory like it happened yesterday. Now I make it just the way she did, and I’m excited to share the recipe with you.
Ingredients
- 1 lb medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Lemon wedges and dipping sauce (like tartar or spicy mayo) for serving
Instructions
- Rinse the shrimp and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, soak the shrimp in buttermilk. Let them sit for about 15 minutes—this helps tenderize them and adds flavor.
- In another bowl, mix the cornmeal, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). You want enough oil to fully cover the shrimp.
- Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then coat each one in the cornmeal-flour mixture. Press gently so it sticks.
- Fry in small batches, about 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite sauce.
Tips for Perfect Fried Shrimp
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—this lowers the oil temperature and makes shrimp soggy.
- Keep shrimp size consistent for even cooking.
- Want extra crispy? Double dip in buttermilk and coating.
Crispy Southern fried shrimp is a flavor bomb—crunchy, seasoned just right, and absolutely irresistible. Make it once, and it might just become your new favorite seafood recipe!
