Can I Use Fish Fry to Fry Shrimp? A Guide to Cooking Crispy Fried Shrimp

Shrimp is a classic seafood that can be prepared in endless ways However, when it comes to down home Southern cooking, perhaps nothing beats a plate of crispy fried shrimp For the perfect crunchy coating on fried shrimp, many cooks reach for fish fry mixtures. But what exactly is fish fry and how do you use it to fry shrimp?

What is Fish Fry?

Fish fry refers to seasoned breading mixes specifically designed for frying fish and seafood The crumbs are ultra crispy when fried, sealing in moisture and providing a flavorful crust

Fish fry mixtures usually contain:

• Flour – provides structure for a crispy coating
• Spices – add flavor like garlic, paprika, thyme, oregano
• Cornmeal – contributes texture and crunch
• Seasonings – enhance flavor with onion powder, salt, pepper
• Dried herbs – boost taste with basil, parsley, rosemary

Popular national brands of fish fry include Louisiana Fish Fry, Shore Lunch, and Zatarain’s. There are also numerous smaller regional producers. The seasonings create signature flavors like Cajun, lemon pepper, or Old Bay.

Why Use Fish Fry for Shrimp?

Fish fry offers several advantages when frying shrimp:

Crispy Texture – The coarse crumbs develop an incredibly crispy crust when fried. This seals in moisture and provides textural contrast to the tender shrimp interior.

Flavor – Fish fry imparts robust, bold seasoning that really makes fried shrimp pop. The blend of spices, herbs, and salt enhances the sweet shrimp flavor.

Convenience – No need to make your own breading from scratch. Fish fry mixes allow you to skip directly to frying for quick weeknight meals.

Authentic Taste – For traditional Southern fried shrimp, a store-bought fish fry mixture like Louisiana Fish Fry gives an authentic regional flavor.

How to Fry Shrimp with Fish Fry

Frying shrimp with fish fry is simple. Just follow these easy steps:

Prep the Shrimp

• Peel, devein, and rinse 1 lb raw shrimp. Pat very dry with paper towels.

• Place fish fry crumbs in a shallow bowl or zip top bag.

Bread the Shrimp

• Pour flour into a separate bowl. Dredge shrimp in flour, coating evenly.

• Dip floured shrimp in egg wash (2 eggs beaten with 1 Tbsp water).

• Transfer shrimp to the fish fry, turning to coat thoroughly.

• Shake off any excess crumbs.

Fry the Shrimp

• In a heavy skillet or pot, heat 1-2 inches oil to 350°F.

• Working in batches, add breaded shrimp to oil. Fry about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.

• Drain fried shrimp on a paper towel-lined plate.

• Sprinkle with salt and serve warm.

Cleanup

• Carefully pour used oil through a fine mesh strainer to remove any leftover crumbs.

• Store oil in an airtight container away from light and heat.

• Discard any remaining fish fry mixture after coating raw shrimp.

Fish Fry Tips for Shrimp

• For added flavor, soak shrimp briefly in buttermilk before breading. The tangy marinade tenderizes while adding moisture.

• Let breaded shrimp rest 5-10 minutes before frying. This helps the coating adhere better.

• Adjust fry time based on shrimp size. Jumbo shrimp need about 4 minutes total. Smaller shrimp may only need 2-3 minutes.

• Use a deep fry thermometer to maintain oil at the right temp. Overheating can burn the crust before shrimp cooks through.

• Fry shrimp in batches to avoid crowding. Too many pieces in the oil lowers the temp and makes shrimp greasy.

• For a lighter version, bake breaded shrimp on a rack in a 425°F oven until browned, about 12 minutes.

Creative Ways to Use Fish Fry

While traditional Southern-style fried shrimp is hard to beat, get creative with different ways to utilize fish fry:

• Fish tacos – Dust tilapia, cod or haddock fillets with fish fry and pan fry. Serve in soft tortillas with cabbage, pico and chipotle crema.

• Shrimp po’ boy – Pile crispy fried shrimp on a toasted hoagie with lettuce, tomato, and remoulade sauce.

• Fried shrimp salad – Toss fried shrimp on a bed of mixed greens, shredded cabbage and carrots with a tangy dressing.

• Seafood pasta – Sprinkle fish fry over shrimp, scallops, and mussels before sautéing in a garlic butter sauce. Toss with linguine.

• Fish sticks – Coat cod or haddock pieces in fish fry and bake until flaky. Serve with tartar sauce for dipping.

• Shrimp burgers – Mix chopped fried shrimp with spices, egg, and bread crumbs. Form into patties and pan fry. Top with fixings on a bun.

So break out that bag of fish fry next time you’re cooking up shrimp. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, you’ll enjoy the crispiest, tastiest fried shrimp around. Just be ready for requests for second helpings!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best fish fry brand for frying shrimp?

Popular brands like Louisiana Fish Fry, Zatarain’s, and Shore Lunch all work very well. Choose varieties like Cajun, Lemon Pepper, or Garlic Herb for the most flavor.

Can I use panko breadcrumbs instead of fish fry?

Panko makes shrimp extra crispy but lacks the seasoning of fish fry. For the best flavor, use half panko and half fish fry for a crispy, spicy coating.

Is fish fry gluten free?

Most major brands contain wheat flour so they are not gluten free. Some smaller producers make gluten free fish fry using alternate flours like chickpea or almond.

Can I reuse leftover fish fry?

It’s not recommended to reuse fish fry after coating raw shrimp. The mix can harbor bacteria, allergens, or crumbs. Start fresh with each use.

How long does fried shrimp made with fish fry last?

Fried shrimp is best consumed right after frying but will keep for 2-3 days stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.

What oil should I use to fry shrimp with fish fry?

Opt for oils with high smoke points like peanut, vegetable, canola or safflower oil. Avoid olive oil as it can burn quickly.

So for deliciously seasoned, crispy fried shrimp, fish fry coats are the way to go! With a few simple steps, you can achieve the signature taste of Southern fried seafood right in your own kitchen. Dive into this traditional comfort food – just be prepared to hear “Y’all come back for more now, ya hear!”