Frying Breaded Shrimp: Deep Fat Fryer Magic

Deep-fried shrimp is a delicious, crispy, and crunchy dish that can be easily made at home. The key to a perfect fried shrimp is a crispy coating, which can be achieved by using breadcrumbs, flour, or a batter. While a deep-fat fryer is not necessary, it can be a useful tool to ensure the oil reaches the optimal temperature of 350–375 °F, preventing the shrimp from absorbing too much oil. In this article, we will explore the different methods and ingredients for cooking breaded shrimp, as well as some serving suggestions to impress your family and friends.

How to prepare the shrimp before frying

Preparing shrimp for frying is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results. Firstly, decide whether you want to use cooked or raw shrimp. While cooked shrimp can be breaded and fried, raw shrimp will absorb more flavour during the preparation process. If you opt for frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them before cooking. Place the frozen shrimp in a colander and run cold water over them for about 5 minutes, tossing occasionally to ensure even thawing. The shrimp are ready to be patted dry when they are soft, easily bendable, and slightly translucent.

Once your shrimp are thawed and dried, it's time to season them. You can use a variety of spices and herbs to add flavour to your shrimp. Common seasonings include salt and pepper, as well as paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and oregano. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite. You can also add a liquid ingredient to your shrimp to enhance the flavour and help the coating adhere better. Milk, buttermilk, or a mixture of milk and lemon juice are all excellent choices. Simply soak the shrimp in your chosen liquid for a few minutes before coating them.

After seasoning and soaking your shrimp, it's time to prepare the coating. The standard breading procedure involves dipping the shrimp in flour, followed by an egg wash, and finally coating them with breadcrumbs. You can use regular breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture. Make sure to season your flour with some of the spices you used earlier for added flavour. You can also double-dip the shrimp in the flour and egg mixture for a thicker coating that will fry up nice and crispy.

When breading your shrimp, use one hand for dry ingredients and the other hand for wet ingredients to minimise mess. Hold the shrimp by the tail, shake off any excess flour or egg, and then carefully dip or roll them in the breadcrumbs. Ensure the shrimp are evenly and thoroughly coated before placing them on a sheet pan or plate. Repeat this process until all your shrimp are breaded and ready for frying.

The best oil to use for frying

When it comes to choosing the best oil for frying, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, it is essential to select an oil with a high smoke point, as this type of oil can withstand high temperatures without smoking or burning, which is crucial for achieving the desired crispy texture in fried foods. Examples of oils with high smoke points include vegetable oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, corn oil, soybean oil, canola oil, peanut oil, and rice bran oil.

Another important consideration is the neutrality of flavour. A neutral-flavoured oil will not overpower the taste of the food being fried, allowing the flavours of the dish to shine through. Oils such as vegetable oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil, and peanut oil are known for their neutral flavour profiles.

Affordability is also a factor when choosing the best oil for frying. Some oils can be quite expensive, so opting for a cost-effective option can help reduce the overall cost of frying. Vegetable oil, for instance, is known for being both budget-friendly and versatile, making it a popular choice for frying a variety of foods.

In addition to these key factors, it is worth noting that different oils have different health benefits. For example, avocado oil is rich in Omega-9 and Omega-3 fatty acids and has been linked to lowering bad cholesterol and reducing the risk of heart disease. However, it is important to remember that frying is not typically associated with healthy cooking, and the health benefits of a particular oil may be less significant when used for frying.

Lastly, it is important to practice proper oil handling and disposal techniques. Used oil can be strained through a fine mesh sieve to remove any debris, and it can be stored in an airtight container for future use. However, oil should be discarded if it develops an off aroma or a dark, murky colour, as this indicates that it has degraded and is no longer suitable for use.

How to make the breading stick to the shrimp

Yes, you can cook breaded shrimp in a deep-fat fryer. To make the breading stick to the shrimp, follow these steps:

First, prepare your shrimp by peeling and cleaning them. Then, run the shrimp through a mixture of flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, or paprika. You can also add some cornstarch to the flour mixture to help the breading stick better. Make sure to coat both sides of the shrimp evenly.

Next, dip the shrimp into beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip back into the bowl. You can also try using soda water or whisking vigorously to create a light and frothy egg batter. After coating with egg, dip the shrimp into breadcrumbs. You can use regular breadcrumbs or panko, which is a type of Japanese breadcrumb that is made from bread without crusts, resulting in larger, coarser crumbs. For a thicker coating, press down on the breadcrumbs and spoon more over the top.

Before frying, it is important to let the breaded shrimp rest. Some sources suggest chilling the shrimp in the refrigerator for 15 minutes or letting them sit on the counter. This helps to "activate" the gluten in the flour, causing better adhesion so that the breading doesn't fall off during frying.

Finally, heat your oil to 350˚F in a deep fryer or large pot, and carefully add the shrimp in batches. Fry for 1-5 minutes, depending on the size of the shrimp, until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip the shrimp over and ensure even cooking.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your breaded shrimp will have a delicious, crispy coating that stays firmly in place!

How long to fry the shrimp for

When frying breaded shrimp, it's important to note that shrimp cook very quickly—usually within 1 to 2 minutes. However, if you're aiming for a crispier texture, you can fry them for up to 4 or 5 minutes. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of your shrimp, with larger shrimp requiring a slightly longer cooking time.

To ensure your shrimp are cooked properly, it's recommended to fry them in batches of about 4 to 6 shrimp at a time. This will help maintain an even temperature in the oil and prevent the shrimp from becoming soggy. When frying, maintain the oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F. If the temperature drops when adding the shrimp, adjust the heat to bring it back up to the desired range.

While frying, use long metal tongs to carefully place the breaded shrimp into the hot oil. Keep an eye on them and use the tongs to flip them over occasionally to ensure even cooking. The shrimp are done when they turn golden brown. Once they're crispy and golden, remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

If you're using pre-cooked frozen shrimp, the frying time will be shorter, around 1 minute or less per batch. This is because the shrimp are already cooked, and frying is just to heat them through and achieve the desired crispness.

What to serve with the shrimp

Breaded shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or main course. Here are some ideas for what to serve with it:

Dipping Sauces

Rémoulade sauce, cocktail sauce, or other sauces of your choice can be served as dips for the shrimp. You can also add extra herbs and spices to the coating, such as onion powder, Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, or chilli powder, to enhance the flavour.

Side Dishes

French fries are a classic side dish that pairs well with fried shrimp. Alternatively, a salad with cool, crisp greens and a creamy dressing can complement the crispy texture of the shrimp. If you're serving the shrimp as an appetizer, dishes like Cajun shrimp pasta, shrimp fried rice, grilled tilapia, steamed mussels, or classic bouillabaisse can be offered as main course options.

Bread and Breading Variations

Using panko breadcrumbs can give the shrimp a thicker and crispier coating. For a unique flavour and texture, you can also use a combination of corn flour and cornmeal for the breading, adding Creole seasoning to enhance the sweetness of the shrimp.

Cooking Method

While deep-frying is an option, you can also bake the shrimp by coating them in cooking spray and baking them on a sheet pan at 425 degrees F until browned and crisp, which takes around 15 minutes. An air fryer can also be used as a healthier alternative to deep frying.

Frequently asked questions