Corn Meal Fried Shrimp

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Crispy cornmeal fried shrimp offer a crunchy coating with tender seafood, perfect for a flavorful appetizer or main course that appeals to seafood lovers and fried food enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/3 cup corn meal
  • 3/4 cup flour
  • dash of salt
  • 3 tablespoons melted shortening
  • shrimp (raw)

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients to form a batter.
  2. Dip raw shrimp into the batter.
  3. Fry the coated shrimp until golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter batter, consider substituting half of the flour with cornstarch. If you prefer a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the batter. Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to prevent the shrimp from becoming greasy. For a twist, try using the batter for other seafood recipes like fish fillets or even Pat'S Pan-Fried Trout.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the corn meal fried shrimp hot with a squeeze of lemon or a side of tartar sauce for dipping. They pair beautifully with a fresh salad or coleslaw. For a complete meal, consider serving with steamed rice or alongside dishes like Shrimp Surprise Casserole. Garnish with parsley for added color.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover fried shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Corn Meal Fried Shrimp contains roughly 472 calories, with 5g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (48% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1097mg per serving (48% of the Daily Value).

472 kcal 24% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.5g 9% DV
Total Fat 21.1g 27% DV
Carbs 65.8g 24% DV
Fiber 1.2g 4% DV
Sugar 28.1g 56% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1097.2mg 48% DV
Potassium 124.3mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 46.4mg 15% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 434mcg 48% DV
Vitamin C 29.1mg 32% DV
Vitamin D 1.9mcg 10% DV
Calcium 42.6mg 3% DV
Iron 3.8mg 21% DV
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten Shellfish

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 dipping in the batter. This helps the batter adhere better and ensures even cooking.

What type of oil is best for frying shrimp?

Peanut oil or vegetable oil are great choices for frying due to their high smoke points. This allows for a crispy texture without burning the oil. Canola oil is another good alternative.

How do I know when the shrimp are done frying?

Shrimp are done when they turn a golden brown color and their internal temperature reaches 120°F (49°C). They should also curl into a 'C' shape. Overcooking can make them tough, so keep a close eye on them.

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).

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