Preview: Really Crispy Fried Shrimp is a simple fried shrimp recipe that yields quite a crunchy experience. Saltine crackers are the secret ingredient.
Fried food is an endangered species in my kitchen. Despite the ban on grease, these shrimp, specifically, are on the protected list. After all, we are completely heartless.
Keep reading to find out the secret for making these shrimp so crispy and crunchy.
For some years now, we’ve followed a tradition of serving fried shrimp on New Year’s Day. Although I’m a person who loves change and variety, such traditions do make menu planning a little easier. Wouldn’t you agree?
Because it’s pretty basic, I never thought about posting the recipe until my daughter-in-law requested it. As a result, this one’s for you, Susie.
Recipe Inspiration
One of my cooking heroes is Helen Corbitt of Neiman Marcus fame. I have several of her recipes on this website like this Monkey Bread and Espresso Angel Food Cake.
When reading through her book Helen Corbitt’s Cookbook, I found the recipe simply entitled “Fried Shrimp.” This recipe is barely adapted from her recipe. It’s simple and perfect as is.
Here is the secret according to Ms. Corbitt
“The smashed saltines give them (fried shrimp) a rough pretty appearance, and somehow they “eat” better.”
–Helen Corbitt
Ingredients and substitutions:
- FLOUR: Use all-purpose flour, bleached or unbleached.
- GARLIC POWDER: If you use unsalted crackers, you could get away with garlic salt here. Fresh garlic is unsuitable since you’re going for the crunch.
- PEPPER: I always use freshly ground pepper but pre-ground pepper is OK.
- EGGS: Use large eggs or 3 medium eggs.
- MILK: Any milk is fine. The fat content won’t matter much.
- SALTINES: This recipe was formulated with regular saltines. If you want to use low or no-salt crackers, you might want to add some salt to the flour for flavor.
- SHRIMP: The larger your shrimp, the easier this recipe (and more expensive, too). If you buy them with the shell on, then you’ll need to remove them. Removing the tails is optional.
- VEGETABLE OIL OR SHORTENING: Use oil with a high smoke point like peanut oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil.
How to hand-bread Crunchy Fried Shrimp:
Serve with cocktail sauce or remoulade sauce. (See notes below for my no-recipe version of remoulade sauce).
MORE SEAFOOD RECIPES
- Easy Almond Salmon for Two
- Grilled Salmon with Fresh Corn, Tomato, and Avocado Relish
- Mexican Pizza with Cheese-Stuffed Double Tortilla Crust
- Mock Shrimp Étouffée
Did you enjoy this recipe? If so, you can help others and me by leaving a 5-star 🤩 rating inside the recipe below. No comments required.
Hope to see you again soon!
Paula
p.s. If you have any questions or suggestions, you can email me privately: paula at saladinajar.com.
Really Crunchy Fried Shrimp Recipe
Simple fried shrimp with a crunchy coating.
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- Freshly ground pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 36 saltines
- 1 pound shrimp, medium or large
- Vegetable oil or shortening
Instructions
- Combine first three ingredients and pour onto flat plate.
- Whisk eggs and milk together in a small bowl.
- Crush saltines and place onto another flat plate or shallow bowl.
- Remove shells and devein shrimp. You may leave the tails on...or not. Your choice. Butterfly each shrimp with a small sharp knife.
- Roll each shrimp in seasoned flour, then dip in egg mixture, and finally, press shrimp into crumbs until covered. Be sure shrimp is butterflied (spread open) for maximum crumb retention which equals more crunchiness. Allow to sit on wax-paper covered cookie sheet for about 30 minutes.
- Fry in 3-4 inches of oil heated to 375 degrees until golden. It doesn't take long so stay close. Remove from grease and allow to drain onto paper towels.
Notes
My no-recipe remoulade sauce:
To approximately 1/2 cup mayonnaise, add enough catsup until it's nice and pink. Stir in a generous spoonful of pickle relish and one hardboiled egg, chopped finely.
Please note that the calorie count does not include the oil the shrimp is fried in as that is impossible for me to measure accurately in my home kitchen.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. But don't worry. This doesn't change the price you pay.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 329Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 226mgSodium: 931mgCarbohydrates: 34gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 25g
Sarah
Monday 29th of March 2021
I tried this recipe and I used the "egg dip + a bit of yellow mustard in it instead of milk" and crushed Stacy's pitta chips cuz no Saltine. The shrimp came out delicious, crunchy and well received by the family! Thanks, Paula :)
Paula
Monday 29th of March 2021
Hi Sarah,
I love pita chips. I can just imagine how wonderful your shrimp was. Thanks for sharing.
debbi
Sunday 14th of February 2021
When I am coating anything with an egg dip I put a bit of yellow mustard in it instead of milk. It somehow makes the egg stick better to what you are dipping and the coating sticks much better as well. It doesn't change the taste.
Paula
Sunday 14th of February 2021
This is a great tip. I can't wait to try it. Thanks for taking the time to share, Debbi.
Jo
Saturday 11th of March 2017
How. Many Carbohydrates are there in each, do you know?
Kathy
Monday 7th of March 2016
I just made this recipe with fresh off the boat Jumbo Gulf Shrimp. I didn't fry enough! They were so good I wanted more than the 5 I fried for my lunch but I am quite full. They are so delicious and so crunchy. Can't wait to cook them again this evening for hubby! I have searched a long time and tried so many fried shrimp recipes. No more searching, this is it!! Thanks so much!
Kathy
Monday 7th of March 2016
I forgot to ask. Have you tried this recipe with fish?
DonnaG
Wednesday 19th of March 2014
Made this recipe tonight and it was the best shrimp we ever had! Thank you so much..this will definitely be a big favorite.