Fried shrimp is a delicious appetizer or main dish that can be found in restaurants all over the world. The crispy, golden exterior pairs perfectly with the sweet, briny shrimp inside. While many fried shrimp recipes call for dredging the shrimp in egg and breadcrumbs, this classic technique isn’t strictly necessary. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make perfectly crispy fried shrimp coated in flavorful flour – no eggs required.
In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to fry up the best shrimp without eggs From key preparation tips, heating the oil properly, types of flour to use, and serving suggestions, you’ll learn the ins and outs of creating this crispy seafood treat Ditch the heavy batter and experience the magic of quick and easy flour-coated fried shrimp.
Overview of Frying Shrimp in Flour
Frying shrimp in flour is one of the quickest and easiest cooking methods to yielddeliciously crispy results Here’s a brief overview
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Flour Only: No egg or breadcrumb coating needed. The flour alone will create a perfect crisp exterior.
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Minimal Oil: Shallow fry in just 1⁄4 inch of oil rather than deep frying for less mess and fat.
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Quick Cooking: Shrimp fry up lightning fast in 2-3 minutes per batch.
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Flavor Options: Season the flour or sauce the shrimp once cooked for customizable flavors.
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Easy Ingredients: All you need is shrimp, flour, seasoning, and oil.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for flawlessly fried shrimp:
Prep the Shrimp
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Purchase fresh, raw, peeled shrimp with the tails on or peel and devein frozen shrimp.
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Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Any moisture will make the flour coating fall off.
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Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika or other spices.
Prepare the Flour
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Place all-purpose flour in a shallow bowl or dish. White whole wheat or cornstarch also work.
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Season the flour with salt, pepper, garlic powder, cayenne, or any desired spices.
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You want enough flour to fully coat each piece of shrimp.
Heat the Oil
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Pour vegetable oil 1⁄4 inch deep into a heavy skillet and heat over medium-high heat.
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Test the temperature by adding a pinch of flour – it should sizzle and bubble.
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Do not allow the oil to smoke, which indicates it’s too hot.
Coat and Fry the Shrimp
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Dredge the shrimp in the flour, coating completely and shaking off any excess.
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Fry in batches without overcrowding the pan, 2-3 minutes per side.
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Shrimp are done when deep golden brown and crispy on both sides.
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Transfer fried shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
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Allow the oil to reheat between batches for maximum crispness.
Season and Serve Immediately
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Sprinkle with additional salt and pepper or squeeze lemon over the shrimp.
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Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauces like cocktail, tartar, or remoulade.
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Enjoy this classic appetizer or main dish right away for the perfect crunch.
Handy Tips for Success
Small details make a big difference in achieving the perfect flour coating and crispy fry:
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The shrimp must be completely dry before dredging for the flour to adhere.
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Season the flour, not just the shrimp, for extra flavor in every bite.
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Work in small batches so the oil maintains the right temperature.
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Resist overcrowding – shrimp need room to fry evenly.
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Fry 2-3 minutes per side and watch closely to avoid overcooking.
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Let the oil reheat fully between batches.
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Drain fried shrimp on a paper towel-lined plate.
Get Creative with Flavor
One bonus of using flour is it can act as a flavor sponge and be seasoned in endless ways. Consider mixing any of the following into the flour for extra pop:
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Onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne
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Dried oregano, basil, parsley, or dill
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Chili powder or ancho chile powder
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Curry powder or garam masala
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Lemon pepper or citrus zest
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Crushed chiles or red pepper flakes
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Ground mustard, rosemary, thyme
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Ground coriander, cumin, ginger
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Crumbled bacon bits or Parmesan
How to Serve Fried Shrimp
Crisp fried shrimp fresh from the pan need little else besides a squeeze of lemon. But you can also serve them with quick sauces for dipping or piling on:
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Cocktail Sauce: Ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice
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Tartar Sauce: Mayonnaise, pickles, lemon juice, dill
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Remoulade: Mayonnaise, mustard, hot sauce, herbs
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Honey Mustard: Honey, mustard, olive oil, lemon
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Mango Habanero: Mango, habanero, lime juice
Or turn fried shrimp into enticing appetizers and meals:
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Shrimp tacos or tostadas with cabbage, avocado, and cilantro
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Shrimp po’ boy sandwiches with lettuce, tomatoes, and remoulade
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Shrimp salad with vinaigrette dressing over greens
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Fried rice or pasta salad with shrimp on top
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Slider or flatbread sandwiches with fried shrimp
FAQs About Making Fried Shrimp
Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about frying up the perfect batch of crispy shrimp:
What type of flour works best?
All-purpose white flour has enough gluten to achieve maximum crispness. Cornstarch and rice flour also work well.
How do I know when the oil is hot enough?
When a pinch of flour sizzles immediately, the oil is ready in the 350-375°F optimal frying range.
Is it ok to fry frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw fully, drain excess water, pat very dry, and increase frying time by 1 minute per side.
Why is it important to work in small batches?
Frying in small batches keeps the oil temperature consistent. Too many shrimp at once cools it down.
Can I use panko breadcrumbs instead of flour?
Yes, panko breadcrumbs will also create a nice crispy coating on the shrimp.
What oils work best for frying?
Your best bets are peanut, vegetable, canola, and sunflower oils with high smoke points.
How can I tell when the shrimp are done?
Golden brown exterior, firm and opaque interior flesh means they’re ready to eat.
Can I reheat leftover fried shrimp?
Yes, just place on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for 5 minutes until hot and crispy.
For Perfectly Crispy Fried Shrimp, Just Add Flour
Fried shrimp is a delicious crowd-pleasing appetizer or meal that couldn’t be simpler to make at home. By thoroughly drying and flour coating the shrimp then frying quickly in hot oil, you’ll achieve a light, crispy crust encasing the sweet, juicy shrimp inside.
Let your creativity run wild seasoning the flour and serving with fun dipping sauces. In just minutes, this classic comfort food can be on the table ready to enjoy. Ditch the eggs, grab some flour, and soon you’ll be biting into the best fried shrimp ever.
How To Fry Shrimp Without Eggs
This is the right place for you if you love shrimp but don’t want to use eggs. There are many tasty ways to fry shrimp without eggs, even if you are allergic to them, can’t have them, or just don’t have any on hand. This article will talk about some egg-free ways to make crispy, tasty shrimp quickly.
Breadcrumb coating is a popular alternative to using eggs when frying shrimp. To get started, you’ll need to prepare a coating station:
- Place breadcrumbs in one shallow dish.
- Add the flour, salt, pepper, and any herbs and spices you want to another shallow dish.
- Make sure each shrimp is lightly covered in the flour mixture as you dip it in it.
- Next, put the shrimp in the dish with the breadcrumbs and coat them well.
Oil should be hot in a pan, and the shrimp should be fried until both sides are golden brown and crispy. The breadcrumb coating will create a deliciously crunchy exterior that complements the succulent shrimp inside.
An alternative to breadcrumbs is a coating made with cornstarch. This method is perfect for those who prefer a lighter and gluten-free option. Here’s how to do it:
- In a shallow dish, combine cornstarch with your favorite seasonings.
- Dry the shrimp off and cover them with the cornstarch mix.
- In a pan with hot oil, cook the shrimp until they are golden brown and crispy.
The shrimp will be lightly crispy from the cornstarch coating, which will let the shrimp’s natural flavors shine through.
If you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine, you’ll love using a tempura batter to fry shrimp without eggs. Here’s how to make a simple tempura batter:
- Mix flour, cornstarch, salt, and ice-cold water in a bowl with a whisk until the mixture is smooth and thick.
- Make sure the shrimp are evenly covered as you dip them in the batter.
- Deep-fry the shrimp until they turn a crisp golden brown.
The tempura batter will create a light and crispy texture, making your shrimp irresistibly delicious.
If you want to add some extra zing to your fried shrimp, consider marinating them in mustard. The mustard acts as both a flavor enhancer and a binding agent. Here’s how to do it:
- Lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper should all be mixed together in a bowl.
- Put the shrimp in the sauce and let them sit for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Drain the shrimp and cook them in hot oil until they are crispy and cooked all the way through.
The mustard marinade will give the shrimp tangy and savory flavors and help make the outside crispy.
These egg-free methods will work the next time you want fried shrimp but don’t have any eggs or don’t want to use them. A tasty tempura batter, a cornstarch or breadcrumb coating, or a tangy mustard marinade will all let you enjoy delicious fried shrimp without giving up taste or texture. Happy frying!.
Explore More Delicious Shrimp Recipes and Uses
For the food lover who now knows how to fry shrimp without eggs, there are many tasty egg-free shrimp recipes to choose from. Classic Breaded Shrimp Fry for a traditional taste, Gluten-Free Cornstarch Crispy Shrimp for people with dietary needs, and Japanese-Style Tempura Shrimp for a light, airy texture are some of the dishes that people say you should try. Each recipe utilizes different techniques and ingredients that highlight the versatility of shrimp. These recipes will not only help you become a better cook, but they will also add new tastes and textures to your food. Join the conversation in the