Crispy Pecan Shrimp
Crispy pecan shrimp features tender shrimp coated with a crunchy pecan breadcrumb mixture, perfect for a savory appetizer or main dish with a delightful nutty crunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Lightly oil a rack large enough to hold the shrimp in a single layer.
- Set the rack on a baking sheet.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, beer, egg white, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until creamy and smooth.
- Dip the shrimp into the batter, then coat with the breadcrumb and pecan mixture.
- Arrange the coated shrimp on the prepared rack.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Serve with lemon wedges.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra crunch, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. If you don’t have beer, you can substitute with sparkling water or a non-alcoholic beer. Make sure the shrimp are completely dry before dipping them into the batter; this helps the coating stick better. For an added flavor boost, try mixing some garlic powder or paprika into the breadcrumb mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve crispy pecan shrimp as an appetizer or main dish, accompanied by a fresh salad or coleslaw for a refreshing contrast. They pair beautifully with lemon wedges for added zest. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside some rice or a light pasta dish, such as the No-Bake Tuna Casserole, which complements seafood recipes well.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover crispy pecan shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this will make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crispy Pecan Shrimp contains roughly 377 calories, with 34g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (69% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2690mg per serving (117% 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 make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before coating. This ensures the batter adheres properly and the shrimp cook evenly.
What can I substitute for egg white?
If you're looking for an egg white substitute, you can use aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) in a 3 tablespoons to 1 egg white ratio. This will help bind the batter while keeping the recipe suitable for vegans.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to your crispy pecan shrimp, mix cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mixture. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference, and enjoy a spicy kick with each bite!
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).