There’s nothing quite like a plate of perfectly crispy fried shrimp — golden on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. This classic dish is a true comfort food favorite that works for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner, a summer gathering, or a quick weekend treat. The crunchy coating, the burst of fresh shrimp flavor, and the creamy garlic dip on the side make every bite unforgettable.
Ingredients
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar)
Vegetable oil, for frying
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
For the Garlic Dip:
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon minced garlic
½ teaspoon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Preparing the Shrimp
Start by cleaning the shrimp thoroughly. Remove the shells and devein them, leaving the tails on if you prefer a restaurant-style presentation. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
Place them in a bowl and season lightly with salt and pepper. This first layer of seasoning helps bring out the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
Making the Coating
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This blend gives the shrimp their golden color and crispy texture.
Pour the buttermilk into a separate bowl. Dip each shrimp into the buttermilk, then dredge it through the flour mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating sticks well. For extra crunch, you can repeat the process once more — dip in buttermilk again, then coat with flour a second time.
Frying the Shrimp
Heat about two inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should reach around 350°F (175°C). To check if it’s ready, drop in a small bit of batter — it should sizzle immediately.
Working in batches, carefully place the shrimp into the hot oil. Fry them for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as it can lower the oil temperature and make the shrimp greasy.
Once cooked, remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Sprinkle a tiny bit of salt while they’re still hot — this helps lock in the flavor.
Preparing the Garlic Dip
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning to your taste — add more lemon juice for tang or more garlic for intensity. Chill the sauce in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Serving the Dish
Arrange the crispy shrimp on a serving plate, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve with the chilled garlic dip on the side. Add a wedge of lemon for an extra burst of freshness.
This dish pairs beautifully with French fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it as an appetizer for parties — it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that disappears in minutes.
Tips for Perfect Fried Shrimp
• Always dry your shrimp before coating — it helps the batter stick better.
• Don’t skip the cornstarch; it’s the key to that light, crispy texture.
• Keep your oil hot enough so the shrimp fry quickly and stay crisp.
• Avoid overcooking — shrimp cook fast and can turn rubbery if fried too long.
• For an even deeper flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mix.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe combines simplicity with a satisfying crunch that makes fried shrimp irresistible. The mix of flour and cornstarch ensures the shrimp are crispy but not heavy, while the garlic and paprika add just enough flavor without overpowering the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
The garlic dip complements the dish perfectly — creamy, tangy, and slightly sharp. It cuts through the richness of the fried shrimp and ties everything together beautifully.
Home-Cook Review
“I’ve made this recipe many times for my family, and it never fails! The shrimp come out perfectly crispy, and that garlic dip is addictive. I always double the dip recipe because everyone keeps asking for more. It’s so easy and always a hit at dinner.”
Final Touch
Crispy Golden Fried Shrimp with Garlic Dip is the kind of recipe that proves simple ingredients can create something amazing. It’s quick, flavorful, and satisfying, delivering that perfect bite of crunch and tenderness every single time. Whether you enjoy it as a main dish or an appetizer, this golden shrimp recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.
Serve it fresh, share it with loved ones, and enjoy the comforting sound of that first crispy bite — a true taste of home and happiness.