Fried shrimp is a classic appetizer that you’ll find on menus across the country. The crispy coating and sweet shrimp flavor make it an irresistible crowd-pleaser. Traditionally, fried shrimp is dipped in eggs and then dredged in breadcrumbs before frying. However, you can still achieve that signature crunch without using breadcrumbs.
In this detailed guide I’ll walk you through my tried and true method for creating mouthwatering fried shrimp sans breadcrumbs. After testing numerous techniques I’ve landed on a batter recipe that yields an ultra-crispy texture reminiscent of your favorite seafood shack. Ready your fryer and let’s get cooking!
Why Fry Shrimp Without Breadcrumbs
Eliminating breadcrumbs offers a few advantages:
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Lower carb option – Great if you are limiting carbs or following a keto diet. The coating is mostly protein and fat rather than carbs from bread.
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Easier prep – No need to keep breadcrumbs stocked. The ingredients for the coating are pantry staples.
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Lighter texture – Without bulky breadcrumbs, the coating lets the shrimp flavor shine.
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Less messy – Breadcrumb coating can fall off easily. This batter adheres perfectly.
While the breading does provide its own appeal, this batter method won’t leave you missing it one bit.
Batter Ingredients
To stand in for breadcrumbs, we’ll make a very simple batter using:
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Flour – For crispness and structure. All-purpose flour gives the best texture.
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Cornstarch – Helps crisp the exterior without heavy doughiness.
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Baking powder – Creates light leavening for extra crunch.
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Spices – I prefer Old Bay seasoning or Cajun spice blend for flavor.
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Egg & Milk – Bind everything together into an adhering coating.
That’s it! By tweaking the ratios of these basic ingredients, we can replicate the fried shrimp experience minus the breading hassle.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing fried shrimp without breadcrumbs is actually very straightforward. Just follow these simple steps:
1. Prep the shrimp
For best results, start with fresh or fully thawed shrimp. Peel, devein, and pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Having the shrimp well dried before coating is critical to prevent soggy batter.
2. Make the batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients:
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
- 1/4 tsp salt
In a separate small bowl, beat together:
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
3. Dip & fry
Line a plate with paper towels and set aside. Heat at least 2 inches of frying oil to 350°F in a large pot or Dutch oven.
Working one at a time, dip the shrimp in the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then place the shrimp in the flour mixture, coat thoroughly.
When the oil is hot, fry shrimp in batches. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to the paper towel lined plate.
4. Season and serve
Season the fried shrimp with extra salt and spices if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Shrimp Every Time
With this easy recipe, you’ll have restaurant-worthy fried shrimp without the hassle or carbs of breadcrumbs. But there are a few tricks I’ve learned along the way:
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Make sure oil is fully heated before frying. Frying in oil that is too cool will lead to greasy shrimp.
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Don’t overcrowd the pot when frying. Cook shrimp in smaller batches for even cooking.
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Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning. The oil should maintain a temperature of 325-350°F.
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Pat shrimp very dry before coating. Any moisture will make the batter fall off.
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Allow excess batter to drip off before frying. Too thick of a coating leads to doughy texture.
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Resist the urge to move shrimp too soon. Let them fry undisturbed for the first minute.
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Fry until deep golden brown. Undercooking leaves the texture soft and limp.
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Let shrimp drain on paper towels before serving. This removes excess grease.
With the proper technique, this easy fried shrimp recipe lets the sweet shrimp flavor shine through without heavy breading or carbs. Feel free to tweak the seasonings and serve with your favorite dipping sauces. This will become your new go-to for seafood appetizers!
Have you tried frying shrimp without breadcrumbs? I’d love to hear how it goes! Ask any questions in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have some questions about frying up breadcrumb-free shrimp? Here are some common FAQs:
What can I use instead of flour in the batter?
Cornstarch or a 50/50 blend of cornstarch and flour work well. For gluten-free, try rice flour or chickpea flour. The key is using a very light coating that won’t get doughy.
How long does the shrimp need to fry for?
The cooking time can vary slightly based on size. Very large shrimp may need 4 minutes, while smaller take 2-3 minutes per side. Fry until the batter is crisp and deep golden brown.
Can I use panko breadcrumbs instead?
Panko breadcrumbs will replicate the crunch, but won’t be as light. For lower carb, I’d suggest the flour batter instead. But panko does work in a pinch!
What dipping sauces go well with fried shrimp?
Tartar sauce and cocktail sauce are classic pairings. Remoulade, aioli, or honey mustard sauce also complement fried shrimp beautifully.
Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen shrimp works fine. Just thaw completely and pat very dry. Properly drying the shrimp is the most important step.
More Delicious Shrimp Recipes
Now that you’ve mastered the art of fried shrimp without breadcrumbs, here are a few more sensational shrimp recipes to try:
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Easy Shrimp Scampi – Large shrimp sautéed in lemon, butter and garlic. So quick and delicious!
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Shrimp Boil – An outdoor seafood feast with shrimp, sausage, corn and potatoes.
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Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos – Crispy shrimp in a spicy sriracha mayo makes killer tacos.
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Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo – Plump shrimp tossed with the creamiest homemade alfredo sauce.
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Garlic Shrimp and Grits – Southern comfort food at its finest!
How To Fry Shrimp Without Breading
Shrimp is a versatile and delicious seafood option that can be prepared in various ways. While traditional methods often call for breading the shrimp, there are alternative techniques that yield equally delectable results. Here’s an easy way to fry shrimp without breading them if you’d rather do something lighter and better for you.
- Fresh shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- Seasonings of your choice (salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, etc.)
- Preheat your frying pan over medium-high heat. Spread cooking spray or a tablespoon of olive oil around the pan.
- To get a crispy outside, make sure the shrimp is dry. You can pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Season the shrimp generously with your preferred spices. It tastes great with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika mixed together, but feel free to try other flavor combinations as well.
- Carefully lay out a single layer of the seasoned shrimp in the hot pan. Watch out for oil splatters and change the heat if you need to.
- The shrimp should be cooked for two to three minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and almost clear. Avoid overcooking to prevent rubbery shrimp texture.
- When the shrimp are done, put them on a plate with paper towels on it to soak up any extra oil.
- Allow the shrimp to cool for a minute before serving. For an extra taste boost, you can squeeze some fresh lemon juice over them.
Here are some additional tips and variations to enhance your shrimp frying experience:
- You can use an air fryer instead of a frying pan if you’d rather not stick food to the pan. Just put the shrimp that have been seasoned in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping them over halfway through.
- Experiment with different seasoning combinations. You can try Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, or chili-lime, among other things.
- Before you fry the shrimp, you can give them a light coating of breadcrumbs or Panko for extra crunch. This will give the dish a little bit of breading without making it too heavy.
- As an appetizer, serve the fried shrimp with a creamy aioli or a sour cocktail sauce to dip them in.
- The shrimp can be used to make a tasty meal by adding them to tacos, salads, pasta, or pa’ boy sandwiches.
Now that you know how to fry shrimp without breading them, you can enjoy this seafood favorite in a lighter and healthier way. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, these crispy and tasty shrimp will certainly please your taste buds. Prepare to enjoy every bite! Do you want to share your ideas on how to fry shrimp without breading? Join the discussion on How To Fry Shrimp Without Breading in the
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