There’s something special about a basket of freshly fried shrimp — lightly crisp, full of flavor, and the kind of snack that disappears faster than you expect. I’ve always had a soft spot for shrimp, and this simple Southern-style version is one of those recipes I turn to when I want something quick and satisfying. It takes only minutes to make, but it tastes like a treat you’d get from a small seaside kitchen where the fryers stay busy all day.
A Little Story From My Kitchen
My shrimp obsession started years ago when I used to pick up small paper trays of fried shrimp from a tiny food stall near a coastal bus stop. They weren’t fancy, just lightly coated and fried to a perfect crunch. That memory stayed with me, and when I began cooking more at home, I tried recreating that same comforting taste.
Over time, I discovered that I preferred shrimp fried in plain flour instead of panko or cornmeal. The flour gives that classic light, crisp texture that feels nostalgic and lets the shrimp flavor shine through. Now, whenever I’m hosting friends or craving something quick with a cold drink on the side, this is the recipe I reach for without thinking twice.
Why This Fried Shrimp Works So Well
A New Heading: What Makes This My Go-To Shrimp Recipe
This recipe became a regular in my home for a few simple reasons:
-
It cooks in minutes, so it’s perfect for busy evenings.
-
The flour coating keeps the shrimp crisp without feeling heavy.
-
The seasoning soaks in beautifully during the short milk soak.
-
You don’t need fancy ingredients — everything is pantry-friendly.
-
It works as a snack, a main dish, or even for sandwiches.
Once you make it a few times, you get into a rhythm: soak, coat, fry, snack. It’s one of those kitchen joys that never gets old.
Ingredients You’ll Need (Shuffled)
-
1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
-
1 cup milk
-
1 cup flour
-
1 tsp granulated garlic
-
1 tsp paprika
-
1 tsp dried oregano
-
1 tsp black pepper
-
1 tsp salt
-
Oil for frying
These simple ingredients come together so well that you don’t need anything extra. The paprika adds color, the garlic gives a warm flavor, and the oregano brings a soft herbal note that compliments the shrimp nicely.
How I Make These Crispy Shrimp
A New Heading: Step-By-Step for Perfect Fried Shrimp
-
In a bowl, mix milk with half the salt, half the granulated garlic, half the paprika, and half the oregano. Add the black pepper.
-
Add the shrimp and let them soak for about ten minutes.
-
On a plate, mix the flour with the remaining spices.
-
Remove each shrimp from the milk and coat them generously in the flour mixture. I usually press them lightly into the flour so the coating sticks well.
-
Heat your oil to about 375°F.
-
Fry the shrimp in small batches for one to two minutes, just until crisp.
-
Drain on a rack so they stay crunchy.
That moment when the shrimp hit the hot oil and puff slightly — it’s a small pleasure every time.
Helpful Tips From My Kitchen
A New Heading: Little Tricks That Keep Them Crispy
Here are a few things I’ve learned from making these often:
-
Use raw shrimp. They soak up flavor better and cook up juicier.
-
Coat generously — you should barely see the shrimp under the flour.
-
Fry in batches to keep the oil temperature steady.
-
If you like extra crunch, double-coat: dip back into the milk briefly, then into the flour again.
-
Serve with your favorite dip — mine is honey mustard on most days.
This recipe is quick, but these little tweaks make it even better.
Serving Ideas
A New Heading: What I Pair With Fried Shrimp
Fried shrimp can be the star of so many meals. Here are a few things I often serve alongside:
-
Coleslaw or a simple salad for freshness
-
Corn on the cob or creamed corn
-
Biscuits or hush puppies
-
Mac and cheese or crispy potatoes
-
A soft roll to make a shrimp po’boy
-
Honey mustard, tartar sauce, or a simple spicy mayo
There are endless ways to enjoy shrimp, which is probably why it disappears so quickly in my house.
Can You Fry Pre-Cooked Shrimp?
You can, but for this recipe, raw shrimp give a much better result. The milk soak and spices work their way inside raw shrimp, and the quick frying locks in the flavor beautifully. Pre-cooked shrimp work in a pinch, but they won’t taste quite the same.
Storage Notes
A New Heading: Keeping Leftovers Fresh (If You Have Any)
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and reheat them in an oven or air fryer so they stay crisp. The microwave will soften the coating, so I usually avoid that.
FAQs
Can I make these shrimp spicier?
Yes, add a pinch of cayenne to the flour mixture.
Can I use buttermilk instead of milk?
Absolutely — it adds a slight tang and helps with tenderizing.
How do I keep the shrimp from getting soggy?
Let them cool on a rack instead of a plate. Steam makes the coating soften.
Can I air fryer them?
You can, but the texture won’t match deep frying. Lightly spray the shrimp with oil before air frying.
Southern Fried Shrimp
Crispy, golden fried shrimp is one of those Southern staples that never disappoints.
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons granulated garlic, divided
- 2 teaspoons paprika, divided
- 2 teaspoons oregano, divided
- ½ cup whole milk
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Pour the milk into a bowl and stir in half of the salt along with portions of the oregano, paprika, and granulated garlic. Add the shrimp and let them sit for about 10 minutes so they take on the seasoning.
- In a separate bowl mix the flour with the remaining salt, black pepper, paprika, oregano, and granulated garlic, giving the mixture an even distribution of spices.
- Lift the shrimp from the milk mixture and press each piece into the seasoned flour, coating them thoroughly until no shrimp color shows through.
- Heat oil to about 375°F and carefully lower the shrimp into the hot oil. Fry until they turn crisp and golden, usually about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Transfer the shrimp to a paper towel–lined plate to drain briefly before serving. Enjoy them hot with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside your usual Southern sides.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 266Total Fat 3gSaturated Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 162mgSodium 1274mgCarbohydrates 38gFiber 3gSugar 0gProtein 23g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thought
This Southern-style fried shrimp is one of those recipes that brings instant comfort and joy to the table. It’s quick to make, full of flavor, and perfect for busy evenings or weekend snacking. Whether you pair it with dips, tuck it into a sandwich, or enjoy it straight from the pan, it’s a dish that always feels special without requiring much time.
