Can You Use Fish Fry for Shrimp? The Ultimate Guide to Elevating Your Fried Shrimp

Fried shrimp is one of life’s great culinary pleasures That irresistible crunch followed by the sweet, briny flavor of the shrimp is hard to beat. But achieving the perfect golden, crispy crust can be tricky. That’s why so many home cooks and restaurants alike rely on fish fry coatings to elevate their fried shrimp game

But can you really use fish fry products meant for frying fish on shrimp? And if so, how do you get the best possible results? We’re breaking down everything you need to know about using fish fry on shrimp for next-level flavor and crunch.

What is Fish Fry?

Fish fry refers to a seasoned breading or batter coating specifically formulated for frying fish and seafood. The coating is made up of flour, spices, and other dry ingredients that create a light, crispy layer on foods when fried.

Popular national brands of fish fry include Louisiana Fish Fry, Dixie Fry, and Shore Lunch. But you can also find fish fry seasoning blends to create your own coating. The seasoning mixtures often include flavors like black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and herbs.

Fish fry provides a quick and convenient shortcut to achieving the perfect fried texture without having to blend together a breading from scratch. The coatings are finely tuned to optimize crispiness and absorb minimal oil. Many fish fry products are also highly versatile – designed to work well on a variety of seafood beyond just fish.

Can You Use Fish Fry on Shrimp?

The short answer is yes, fish fry coatings work extremely well for frying shrimp. While “fish fry” implies the coating is meant for fish, many brands state right on the package that they can be used on shrimp and other types of seafood.

The light, thin breading helps form a delicate crunch that doesn’t overpower the shrimp. And the spice blends are designed to complement and bring out the natural sweetness of seafood like shrimp. It’s a quick and easy way to add restaurant-quality flavor and texture to your fried shrimp at home.

In fact, fish fry is one of the most popular coatings used by restaurants and seafood shacks for frying up piles of jumbo shrimp. The casing helps seal in moisture and prevent the shrimp from drying out during frying. So you can achieve tender, juicy shrimp encased in a flavorful, crispy shell.

Choosing the Best Fish Fry for Shrimp

If you want to harness the power of fish fry for your shrimp, it’s important to choose the right product. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a fish fry for shrimp:

A Light, Crispy Coating: Look for a fine, powdery breading that will fry up delicate and crispy, not thick and bready. A light coating will complement the shrimp’s texture.

Made for Seafood: Choose a fish fry specifically formulated for shrimp and other types of seafood, not just fish. The flavors will be tailored for seafood.

Spice Level: Determine your preferred spice level. Southern-style brands like Louisiana Fish Fry offer different levels from mild to spicy Cajun.

Flavored Options: Consider unique flavor varieties like lemon pepper, Cajun, or garlic herb to add flair.

Reputable Brand: Opt for a trusted brand with a proven recipe and loyal following like Louisiana Fish Fry or Dixie Fry for reliable results.

Ask the fishmonger at your local market what fish fry they recommend for frying shrimp. Or check popular reviews online to see what home cooks suggest. This can help narrow your search for the ideal fish fry coating.

How to Fry Shrimp with Fish Fry

Once you’ve selected the perfect fish fry for shrimp, it’s time to put it to use. Here are some tips for maximizing the flavor and texture when frying shrimp coated in fish fry:

Prep the Shrimp Properly: Carefully devein, peel, and pat the shrimp dry. Removing excess moisture helps the coating stick and fry up extra crispy.

Double Dredge: Dip shrimp in egg then fish fry, then back in egg followed by more fish fry. This seals the coating and prevents it from falling off.

Really Coat Thoroughly: Press shrimp firmly into the fish fry with your fingers to completely coat. Pay extra attention to fully covering tails and tips.

Fry at the Right Temp: Heat oil to 350-375°F. Fry shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Monitor temp to prevent burning.

Let Excess Drain: Let fried shrimp rest on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up excess oil for the crispiest texture.

Season Finished Shrimp: Sprinkle with a pinch of salt or extra spice blend when they come out of the fryer. A squeeze of lemon brightens the flavor.

Fish Fry Shrimp Cooking Tips

Follow these helpful tips when frying shrimp in fish fry to help maximize the flavor and avoid common pitfalls:

• If the fish fry coating seems to fall off the shrimp in the oil, try a thicker egg wash with less water or double dip the shrimp into the egg and coating.

• Don’t overload the fryer basket. Crowding will lower the oil temp and make the coating greasy. Fry shrimp in batches for even cooking.

• Adjust the frying time up or down depending on the size of your shrimp. Jumbo shrimp need a little longer than popcorn shrimp.

• If the coating browns too quickly before the interior cooks, lower the oil by about 25 degrees. A lower temp helps the inside cook through.

• For an extra crunchy crust, you can replace half the fish fry with panko breadcrumbs when coating the shrimp.

• If the shrimp still seem oily after draining, blot them quickly with a paper towel to soak up excess surface oil.

• Flaking a little extra fish fry seasoning onto the fried shrimp as soon as they come out of the fryer adds a flavor boost.

Fun Ways to Serve Fried Shrimp with Fish Fry

Fried shrimp seasoned with fish fry make for an amazing appetizer or meal any way you serve them. But here are some fun presentation ideas to impress guests:

• Pile crispy fried shrimp on top of buttery grits for a classic Southern shrimp and grits dish.

• Stuff the fried shrimp into split, toasted rolls for shrimp po’ boy sandwiches.

• Skewer the shrimp and serve with fun dipping sauces for shrimp lollipops. Ranch or boom boom sauce work well.

• Top a fried shrimp salad with remoulade and serve it inside corn fritter shells.

• Sprinkle fried shrimp over a pizza with the fish fry providing extra seasoning.

• Make fried shrimp tacos topped with crunchy slaw and a spicy mayo or crema.

So get creative and have fun with the many possibilities! The fish fry coating adds next-level flavor that pairs well with any ingredients.

Is it Cheating to Use Fish Fry on Shrimp?

Some people may claim that using a pre-made fish fry coating is cheating. After all, professional chefs often pride themselves on their skill to hand-bread foods to order. But there are good reasons why fish fry can still be the best choice, even for top restaurants.

First, the precision blending of seasonings by the major brands is hard to truly replicate from scratch. The exact mixes have been tuned to perfection over generations. Second, the finely milled combination of flours creates an unmatched light, crispy texture. And third, the convenience of a ready-made coating saves significant time and effort when deep frying foods on a large scale.

While scratch-made breadings have their purpose in some dishes, fish fry offers easy, consistent results every time. And since it’s formulated for seafood, it brings out the flavor of shrimp beautifully. So there’s no shame in taking advantage of this smart shortcut!

Common Questions about Fish Fry for Shrimp

If it’s your first time using fish fry on shrimp, chances are you still have some questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:

Can I use the same fish fry I use on fish?

Yes, fish fry designed for fish will also work well on shrimp since it is formulated for seafood. Just look for a lighter coating, not a heavy beer batter style.

How long does it keep in the pantry?

Unopened fish fry products typically last 12-18 months in the pantry before losing potency. Once opened, try to use within 3 months. Always check expiration dates and discard if stale.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

You can absolutely use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them completely, drain excess liquid, and pat very dry before coating in fish fry. Extra moisture will make the coating fall off.

What’s the healthiest oil for frying?

For the highest smoke point and least saturated fat, choose