Ingredients

For the shrimp:

  • 1½ lbs (700 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, optional
  • 1 large egg
  • ¾ cup cold buttermilk
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp hot sauce, optional
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

For serving:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges
  • Ketchup, cocktail sauce, or garlic aioli

Instructions

  1. Prepare the shrimp: Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick and become extra crispy.
  2. Make the seasoned flour: In a large bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, oregano, and cayenne pepper.
  3. Prepare the wet mixture: In another bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, lemon juice, and hot sauce.
  4. Coat the shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the buttermilk mixture, then immediately dredge it through the seasoned flour. Press the coating gently onto the shrimp so it sticks well.
  5. Rest the coating: Place the coated shrimp on a plate or wire rack and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This helps create a thicker, crunchier crust.
  6. Heat the oil: Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
  7. Fry: Carefully add the shrimp in small batches. Fry for approximately 2–3 minutes per side, or until deeply golden, crispy, and the shrimp are cooked through.
  8. Drain: Transfer the fried shrimp to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate. Avoid stacking them while they’re hot so they remain crispy.
  9. Finish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce.

🍋 Quick Garlic-Lemon Dip

Mix together:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Pinch of salt