Carol'S French Fried Shrimp
Carol's French Fried Shrimp offers a delightful crunch and a burst of fresh seafood flavor. This dish is perfect for seafood lovers looking for a quick and satisfying appetizer or main course. Serve it at gatherings for a crowd-pleasing treat that pairs beautifully with zesty lemon and tangy sauces.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine flour, sugar, ice water, salt, and egg; beat until smooth.
- Peel shell from shrimp, leaving the last section and tail intact, if desired.
- Butterfly shrimp by cutting almost through at the center of the back without severing the ends.
- Remove the black vein from the shrimp.
- Dry shrimp thoroughly between paper towels.
- Dip each shrimp into the batter.
- Fry in deep, hot fat at 375°F until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges and cocktail sauce or ketchup.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra crunch, consider adding some cornstarch to the flour mixture. If you don't have salad oil, vegetable or canola oil works well too. For flavor, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter. Make sure your oil is hot enough to avoid greasy shrimp; test it with a small drop of batter before frying. Also, for a fun twist, serve with a side of Fiesta Shrimp Dip.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your French fried shrimp immediately for the best texture. Pair them with lemon wedges for a zesty kick and a side of cocktail sauce or ketchup for dipping. They also go well with sides like coleslaw, fries, or even a light salad. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside the Fantastic Salmon Pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover French fried shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes until crispy. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Carol'S French Fried Shrimp contains roughly 430 calories, with 5g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1636mg per serving (71% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before battering and frying. This will help achieve that crispy texture. Also, ensure they are deveined and peeled for the best results.
What type of oil is best for frying?
For frying, oils with a high smoke point, such as canola, peanut, or vegetable oil, are ideal. These oils handle high temperatures better, resulting in perfectly crispy shrimp without burning.
How do I know when the shrimp are done frying?
Shrimp are done frying when they turn golden brown and float to the surface of the oil. Typically, this takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become tough if left in the oil too long.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).