Ooo yes 😌—Southern fried shrimp is pure comfort. Crispy, golden, a little spicy, and impossible to eat politely.
Here’s a classic Southern-style recipe that hits every time:
Southern Fried Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled & deveined (tails on if you like)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornmeal (key for that Southern crunch)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Oil for frying (peanut or vegetable)
Directions
- Soak the shrimp
Toss shrimp in buttermilk. Let sit 15–30 minutes (tender + flavorful). - Mix the coating
In a bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, and all seasonings. - Coat
Shake shrimp lightly to remove excess buttermilk, then dredge well in the flour mix. - Fry
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes, until golden and crisp. Don’t overcrowd. - Drain & season
Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt while hot.
Serve it right (very important)
- Lemon wedges 🍋
- Cocktail sauce or remoulade
- Coleslaw + hushpuppies or fries
- Or straight out the basket if we’re being honest
Southern upgrades (optional but 🔥)
- Add Old Bay to the flour
- Splash of hot sauce in the buttermilk
- Finish with Cajun seasoning while hot
If you want a lighter pan-fried version, air-fryer method, or a shrimp po’ boy build, say the word 🍤
