Calabash Shrimp Recipe: How to Make Light and Crispy Southern-Style Fried Shrimp

If you’ve ever visited the Carolinas, you might have come across Calabash shrimp, a seafood delicacy known for its light, crispy, and golden-brown coating. Unlike traditional deep-fried shrimp, which often have a thick, heavy batter, Calabash-style shrimp are coated in a delicate, seasoned flour mixture, giving them a perfectly crisp texture without overpowering the natural sweetness of the shrimp.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Crispy Yet Light: No heavy batter, just a thin, delicate coating for the perfect crunch.
✔️ Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.
✔️ Restaurant-Quality at Home: Learn the secrets to frying shrimp like a pro.
✔️ Perfect Pairings: We’ll guide you on the best sauces and side dishes to serve with it.

In this ultimate guide, you’ll learn everything about Calabash shrimp, from its history and essential ingredients to expert frying techniques and the best dipping sauces. By the end, you’ll be able to recreate this Southern classic in your own kitchen with guaranteed crispy, flavorful results.

What Makes Calabash Shrimp Unique?

• Thin, Crispy Coating – Instead of thick batter, Calabash shrimp are lightly dusted in seasoned flour, allowing the natural shrimp flavor to shine.
• Quick Frying Method – The shrimp are fried at a high temperature (375°F) for just a couple of minutes, resulting in a light, crisp texture.
• Fresh, Simple Ingredients – Traditional Calabash-style seafood relies on fresh shrimp, a simple flour coating, and minimal seasoning—no eggs, breadcrumbs, or heavy spices.
• Served with Classic Southern Sides – Calabash shrimp are often accompanied by coleslaw, hush puppies, fries, and tartar or cocktail sauce.

Why Calabash Shrimp is a Southern Favorite

Calabash-style frying isn’t just about taste, it’s about tradition. This cooking method has been passed down through generations, preserving the simple, no-fuss flavors of coastal Carolina seafood. The result? A dish that’s crunchy, flavorful, and perfect for seafood lovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Authentic Calabash Shrimp

To achieve perfectly crispy and light Calabash shrimp, you need simple, fresh ingredients. This recipe stays true to the traditional Calabash-style frying method, using a delicate flour coating instead of heavy breading.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Shrimp:

✔️ 1 lb fresh shrimp (small to medium, peeled and deveined)
✔️ 1 cup all-purpose flour (for the signature light coating)
✔️ ½ teaspoon salt (to enhance flavor)
✔️ ½ teaspoon black pepper (a mild seasoning boost)
✔️ ½ teaspoon paprika (adds a subtle golden color)
✔️ ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for a slight savory depth)

For Frying:

✔️ Vegetable oil (or peanut oil) – High smoke point for crisp frying
✔️ Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan – Ensures even cooking
✔️ Paper towels or a wire rack – Drains excess oil

For Serving:

✔️ Lemon wedges – Brightens up the flavor
✔️ Tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or remoulade – Classic dipping sauces
✔️ Coleslaw, hush puppies, or fries – Traditional side dishes

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

🔹 Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes! Make sure to fully thaw the shrimp and gently pat them dry before applying the coating.
🔹 What if I don’t have paprika? You can skip it or substitute with a pinch of cayenne for heat.
🔹 Is peanut oil necessary? No, but it gives a more authentic Southern flavor. Canola or vegetable oil works too!

How to Make Calabash Shrimp (Step-by-Step Guide)

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to make the perfect Calabash shrimp! Follow these easy steps to achieve that light, crispy coating and tender shrimp everyone loves.

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Before you start frying, it’s crucial to prepare the shrimp properly. Fresh shrimp is key to getting that sweet, succulent flavor that makes Calabash shrimp so special.

1. Peel and devein the shrimp if they aren’t already prepped. You can leave the tails on for extra crunch and presentation, but it’s totally up to you.
2. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This ensures the batter sticks well, resulting in a crispier finish.

Step 2: Make the Light Batter

The batter is what makes Calabash shrimp so unique! You want it to be light and crispy, not thick and doughy. Here’s how to make it:

1. In a shallow bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, ½ teaspoon of paprika, and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder (optional).
2. Mix the ingredients together until well combined. The batter should be thin enough to lightly coat the shrimp but not drown them. If the batter is too thick, add a little more flour, or if it’s too thin, add a pinch of flour to thicken it.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Next, it’s time to fry the shrimp! For the best results, you’ll need to fry at a high temperature (around 375°F).

1. Pour enough vegetable or peanut oil into a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan to submerge the shrimp.
2. Heat the oil until it reaches 375°F (you can use a thermometer to be precise). This high temperature ensures the shrimp fry up quickly, maintaining a crispy texture without absorbing too much oil.
3. If you’re frying in a pan, be sure to leave space between the shrimp so they don’t stick together or crowd the pan. Frying in small batches is key!

Step 4: Coat and Fry the Shrimp

1. Dredge the shrimp in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure they’re evenly coated. Gently shake off any excess flour.
2. Carefully place the shrimp in the hot oil one at a time. Don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
3. Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp from the oil, and drain them on a wire rack (not paper towels) to maintain that crispy texture.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once your shrimp are fried to perfection, it’s time to plate them up!

1. Serve the Calabash shrimp with your favorite dipping sauces, tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or remoulade.
2. Add some lemon wedges for a fresh burst of flavor.
3. Pair with classic Southern sides like hush puppies, fries, or coleslaw for a complete meal.

Tips for the Perfect Crispy Calabash Shrimp

Achieving the perfect crispy Calabash shrimp isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about mastering the frying technique and paying attention to detail. Here are some expert tips that will help you make restaurant-quality shrimp every time.

1. Use Fresh, High-Quality Shrimp

The best Calabash shrimp start with fresh shrimp. Fresh shrimp has a natural sweetness and tender texture that is vital for this dish. If possible, opt for wild-caught shrimp, which tend to have a better flavor than farmed shrimp.

• Tip: Always buy shrimp that is peeled and deveined to save time. If you’re using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels to prevent the batter from becoming soggy.

2. Make Sure the Oil is Hot Enough

The key to getting crispy shrimp lies in frying them at the right temperature. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the shrimp will absorb too much oil, leading to a greasy result.

• Tip: Heat your oil to 375°F (190°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of the batter. If the batter bubbles and rises to the top right away, the oil is at the perfect temperature for frying.

3. Fry in Small Batches

To ensure the oil temperature remains consistent, don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry the shrimp in small batches, so they cook evenly and maintain their crispy texture.

• Tip: If frying in a pan, be sure the shrimp are in a single layer and have enough space to cook without touching each other. This prevents them from steaming rather than frying.

4. Don’t Overcoat the Shrimp

For Calabash shrimp, you want a light dusting of flour, not a thick batter. Too much flour will result in a heavy crust instead of the desired crispy, airy texture.

• Tip: After dredging the shrimp in the flour mixture, gently shake off excess flour before frying to ensure the coating stays light.

5. Drain on a Wire Rack, Not Paper Towels

After frying the shrimp, you want to drain the excess oil without sacrificing that perfect crispiness. The best way to do this is by placing the shrimp on a wire rack instead of paper towels.

• Tip: Paper towels can cause the shrimp to steam and lose their crispness. A wire rack allows the oil to drain off while keeping the shrimp crispy.

6. Keep the Shrimp Warm (Optional)

If you’re frying in multiple batches, you may want to keep the shrimp warm while you finish frying the rest. To do this, preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and place the fried shrimp on a baking sheet in a single layer.

• Tip: Use this trick to prevent the shrimp from getting cold and soggy while you’re frying the remaining batches.

7. Serve Immediately for Maximum Crispiness

For the best experience, serve your Calabash shrimp immediately after frying. The crispy texture is at its best when it’s fresh out of the oil.

• Tip: Prepare all your sides and sauces ahead of time, so you can serve the shrimp right away while they’re at their crispiest.

8. Experiment with Seasonings

While the traditional seasoning for Calabash shrimp is quite simple (salt, pepper, paprika), don’t hesitate to get creative with your spices. A pinch of cayenne pepper or Old Bay seasoning can add an extra layer of flavor to your shrimp.

• Tip: Keep it balanced. A little spice goes a long way, so be cautious when adding heat or extra seasoning to your flour mixture.

How to Serve Calabash Shrimp (Best Pairings & Sides)

Calabash shrimp is delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right sides and accompaniments can take your meal to the next level. Whether you’re making this dish for a casual dinner or a special gathering, here are some classic Southern side dishes and ideas to serve with your crispy Calabash shrimp.

1. Classic Coleslaw (Cool and Crunchy)

Nothing beats the refreshing crunch of a classic coleslaw to balance the crispy texture of fried shrimp. The cool, tangy dressing contrasts beautifully with the shrimp’s golden crust, making it a perfect Southern pairing.

Ingredients for Coleslaw:
✔️ 3 cups shredded cabbage (green or purple, or both for color)
✔️ 1 cup shredded carrots
✔️ ½ cup mayonnaise
✔️ 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
✔️ 1 tablespoon sugar
✔️ 1 teaspoon mustard
✔️ Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the cabbage and carrots.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and mustard.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Coleslaw provides a crunchy contrast to the shrimp, while its tangy flavor helps cut through the richness of the fried batter.

2. Hush Puppies (Southern Comfort Food)

No Southern seafood meal is complete without hush puppies! These crispy cornmeal fritters are a beloved side that pairs perfectly with fried shrimp, offering a light crunch and a hint of sweetness.

Ingredients for Hush Puppies:
✔️ 1 cup cornmeal
✔️ 1 cup all-purpose flour
✔️ 2 tablespoons sugar
✔️ 1 tablespoon baking powder
✔️ 1 teaspoon salt
✔️ 1 large egg
✔️ ¾ cup buttermilk
✔️ 1 small onion, finely chopped
✔️ Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Stir in the egg, buttermilk, and chopped onion to form a thick batter.
3. Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C) in a deep pan or fryer.
4. Using a spoon, drop small spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Fry for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
5. Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with Calabash shrimp.

The soft, slightly sweet hush puppies complement the shrimp perfectly, creating the ultimate Southern seafood experience.

3. French Fries (Crispy and Golden)

Sometimes, you can’t go wrong with the classic combo of crispy fries and fried shrimp. Whether you like them thin and crispy or thick-cut, fries are a beloved side for any Southern fried dish.

Pro Tip: To make your fries extra crispy, double fry them. Fry once at a lower temperature (325°F) to cook through, then fry again at 375°F to crisp them up.

4. Fried Green Tomatoes (Southern Delicacy)

Fried green tomatoes are another Southern favorite that pairs wonderfully with Calabash shrimp. The tartness of the green tomatoes balances out the richness of the fried shrimp, while their crispy exterior adds texture to your meal.

Ingredients for Fried Green Tomatoes:
✔️ 2 large green tomatoes, sliced
✔️ 1 cup cornmeal
✔️ 1 cup flour
✔️ 1 teaspoon salt
✔️ 1 teaspoon black pepper
✔️ 1 large egg, beaten
✔️ Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions:

1. Slice the green tomatoes into ¼-inch thick slices.
2. In one bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each tomato slice into the beaten egg, then coat with the cornmeal mixture.
4. Heat oil in a pan and fry the tomato slices for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden and crispy.
5. Drain on paper towels and serve with the shrimp.

Fried green tomatoes bring a tangy, crispy component that enhances the Southern flavors in your meal.

5. Southern Biscuits (Flaky & Buttery)

For a true Southern feast, biscuits are an absolute must. Their buttery, flaky texture makes them perfect for dipping into sauces and adds a delicious contrast to the fried shrimp.

Ingredients for Biscuits:
✔️ 2 cups all-purpose flour
✔️ 1 tablespoon baking powder
✔️ 1 teaspoon salt
✔️ 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
✔️ ¾ cup buttermilk

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Gradually add the buttermilk and stir until just combined.
5. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, gently knead, and roll it out to about 1-inch thickness.
6. Cut into rounds and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Serve warm with butter and your fried shrimp.

Flaky biscuits add a comforting, buttery flavor that pairs wonderfully with the shrimp.

6. Fresh Lemon Wedges (For a Burst of Freshness)

Sometimes, the best thing you can pair with fried shrimp is a simple squeeze of fresh lemon juice. It brightens the flavor and adds a burst of freshness, making the dish feel light and refreshing.

• Pro Tip: Keep lemon wedges on the side so that everyone can squeeze as much or as little as they like.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Perfect Calabash Shrimp Feast

There you have it, your ultimate guide to making Calabash shrimp that is perfectly crispy, golden, and flavorful every time. From selecting the best shrimp to pairing them with delicious Southern sides and sauces, you now have all the tools to recreate this iconic dish in your own kitchen.

Whether you’re serving this crispy shrimp at a family dinner or hosting a Southern-inspired feast, these expert tips and tricks will help you achieve that perfect texture and taste. The combination of light, crispy shrimp with refreshing sides like coleslaw, hush puppies, and fried green tomatoes will surely impress your guests and make your meal memorable.

Don’t forget to experiment with dipping sauces to find your favorite combination. Whether you prefer tartar sauce, a spicy cocktail sauce, or a creamy aioli, these sauces will enhance the flavors of the shrimp and make each bite even more satisfying.

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