Kickin’ Fried Shrimp

The crunchy breading for this Kickin’ Fried Shrimp recipe features a perfectly seasoned flour and cornmeal seafood breading which gives it extra crunch. In warm weather or cool, these fiery shrimp are sure to get the party started.

What’s the Best Seafood Breading for Fried Shrimp?

There are countless ways to bread shrimp, each offering a unique texture and flavor. This recipe uses a perfectly seasoned blend of flour and cornmeal, striking an ideal balance between crispy and crunchy. Other popular breading options include panko or seasoned dried breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, tempura batter, or a light and airy beer batter. Want to try beer batter? Check out how to make beer-battered fish here.

Ingredients to Make Southern Kickin’ Fried Shrimp Recipe

These mouthwatering  fried shrimp fall into the category of special treats for my family. Contrary to common thought about life in the South, deep fried dishes aren’t an everyday occurrence at our house so when we splurge, we do it right! Shrimp is definitely on our short list of favorite deep fried dishes following close behind Southern fried chicken. Ingredients you’ll need to make Southern Fried shrimp: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)

• Shrimp – Two pounds medium-large raw shrimp peeled, deveined and tails removed.
• Seafood Breading – Self-rising flour and yellow cornmeal form the base of the breading.
• Seasonings – Seafood seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder and ground cumin.
• Whole Eggs – Large eggs help the breading adhere to the shrimp.
• Buttermilk – Combines with the eggs for the egg wash.
• Oil – Vegetable or peanut oil for frying. Skip the olive oil for this one.

How to Make the Best Southern Style Kickin’ Fried Shrimp

• Prep the Shrimp – Season the shrimp with 1/2 tsp seafood seasoning and set aside.
• Make the Seafood Breading – Use a whisk to sift together the self-rising flour, cornmeal, seafood seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground cumin.
• Make the Egg Wash – In a separate bowl whisk together eggs and buttermilk.
• Dredge Order:
• 1st Toss the seasoned shrimp with 1/3 cup of the seasoned flour-cornmeal breading.
• 2nd Dip each piece in the buttermilk-egg wash.
• 3rd Toss in the seasoned flour-cornmeal breading shaking off any excess.
• Transfer to a Baking Sheet – Spread out into a single layer on a sheet pan so they won’t clump.
• Heat Oil – Heat peanut oil or vegetable oil in a dutch oven or deep pot to 350°F.
• Cook – Drop the shrimp into the hot oil and cook in batches per the cook time in the recipe until golden brown and crispy.
• Drain the Shrimp – Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp to a paper towel lined sheet pan to drain.
• Serve – Sprinkle with additional seafood seasoning and serve with your favorite sauces for your next fish fry.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Southern Fried Shrimp

• 6 quart Dutch oven or deep pot to dry the shrimp. You could also fry shrimp in a large skillet. (deep skillet).
• Fry thermometer to monitor the oil temperature.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Three shallow bowls for the dredging ingredients.
• Stainless steel spider or slotted spoon to remove the shrimp from the oil
• Large sheet pan lined with doubled paper towels to drain the shrimp.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Shrimp: For this recipe I recommend using a medium-large size shrimp that have been peeled, deveined and tails removed. When in doubt go larger.
• Seafood: You can use this seafood breading to make a variety of seafood like fried fish fillets, calamari, tilapia, cod or catfish.
• Flour: Self-rising flour has salt and baking powder included which adds to the crispiness of the breading. If you choose to use all purpose flour, add 1/2 tsp seasoned salt and 1/2 tsp baking powder.
• Seafood Seasoning: You can use Seafood Magic, Old Bay Seasoning or a Cajun-Creole seasoning to season the breading.
• Salt: Seafood seasoning usually has ample salt to season the entire dish. You can add more salt to your taste depending on the seasoning blend that you choose to use.
• Three Step Dredging Technique: This recipe uses a three part dredging system and each layer serves a purpose. First, you coat the shrimp with seasoned flour, then into a buttermilk egg mixture and dip the shrimp into the flour cornmeal breading. Gently shake any excess breading from the shrimp before dropping into the hot oil to fry until golden brown.
• Frying Options: If you have a deep fryer, use it! Any deep pot, Dutch oven or fryer will do.
• Best Seafood Sauces for Shrimp: I highly recommend making a batch of comeback sauce, tartar sauce or cocktail sauce to serve on the side. Don’t forget the coleslaw and hush puppies!
• See my recipe for Crispy Panko Fried Shrimp here.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers: You can store Fried Shrimp in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheating cooked shrimp can be tricky. If shrimp is overcooked, it can become quite rubery and not very appealing. It’s best to gently reheat on a sheet pan in a preheated 350°F oven or in an air fryer just until the seafood breading has crisped.
• Freezer: You can freeze leftover shrimp and store it for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen just before serving.

More Shrimp Recipes to Make

When you’re short on time, it’s always a plus that shrimp cooks quickly, too. Other shrimp recipes  you may like to try:

• Fiery Buffalo Shrimp Recipe can be served as an entrée or an appetizer.
• Serve this Kickin’ Shrimp Salad in lettuce wraps, stuffed into croissants or artisan bread for light meals and snacking.
• My recipe for Easy Shrimp Creole is a Cajun classic with a tomato based sauce that makes it perfect for serving with rice.
• Skip take out and make your own Shrimp Stir Fry at home.
• This Shrimp and Grits Casserole is sure to impress!
• This recipe for a no fuss Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil can be made for a meal any day of the week.
• Restaurant Style Shrimp Cocktail from Ask Chef Dennis makes a classic and impressive start to any meal.

Thanks for visiting come back soon!

Disclosure ~ If  a purchase is made using one of the affiliate links on this website we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Dutch Oven
• Fry Thermometer
• Stainless Steel Spider
• Sheet Pan with Rack