Calabash Shrimp Recipe: How to Make Light and Crispy Southern-Style Fried Shrimp
This Calabash shrimp recipe creates light, crispy shrimp with a golden coating, perfect for any Southern-inspired meal. Simple yet flavorful, it’s ideal for serving with traditional sides like hush puppies and coleslaw.
Equipment
- Deep fryer or large frying pan
- tongs
- Wire rack
- Mixing bowls
Ingredients
- 1 lb Shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 cup Cornmeal
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Thaw the shrimp if frozen, then pat them dry with paper towels.
- Make the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the buttermilk, then dredge in the cornmeal mixture until fully coated.
- Fry the Shrimp: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 375°F (190°C). Fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
- Drain: Remove the shrimp from the oil and drain on a wire rack to keep them crispy.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp hot with your favorite dipping sauce and side dishes.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the coating mixture for a mild heat.
- Serve with classic Southern sides like coleslaw and hush puppies for the perfect meal.