These crispy shrimp are golden brown and perfectly fried, offering the perfect crunch in every bite. Paired with a creamy, tangy sauce that enhances the shrimp’s natural flavor, this dish is ideal as an appetizer or a main course. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying it as a quick weeknight dinner, these shrimp are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and crunchy: The shrimp are coated in a delicious mix of flour, cornstarch, and panko breadcrumbs, creating a perfectly crispy exterior.
- Tangy and creamy sauce: The sauce is a perfect blend of mayo, ketchup, honey, mustard, and a touch of paprika, offering a nice balance of sweetness and tang.
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights or entertaining guests.
- Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, over rice, or alongside vegetables for a complete meal.
- Customizable: Adjust the seasoning in the sauce to suit your taste, or add spices like chili flakes for an extra kick.
- Crowd-pleasing: Crispy shrimp paired with a flavorful sauce are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the shrimp:
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the sauce:
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- A pinch of paprika (optional)
directions
- Prepare the shrimp: In a bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Dip each shrimp first into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Fry the shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Fry the shrimp in batches for about 2–3 minutes on each side or until golden and crispy. Remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, honey, mustard, and paprika (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
- Serve: Arrange the crispy shrimp on a plate and drizzle with the sauce. Garnish with parsley or additional herbs for extra flavor.
Servings and timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 2-3 servings
- Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy shrimp: Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the batter or sauce for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with a gluten-free flour and breadcrumb mixture for a gluten-free option.
- Herb-infused: Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme or oregano to the breadcrumb coating for extra flavor.
- Lemon drizzle: For a fresh twist, drizzle the shrimp with a little lemon juice and zest after serving.
- Cheese option: Sprinkle grated parmesan over the shrimp after frying for an extra cheesy touch.
- Crispy potato coating: Add a layer of crushed potato chips to the breadcrumbs for an even crunchier coating.
- Alternative sauces: Try dipping the shrimp in a spicy mayo, garlic butter sauce, or a tangy barbecue sauce for a different flavor profile.
storage/reheating
Storage:
Store leftover crispy shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Freezing:
You can freeze the cooked shrimp by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag once frozen. Reheat by baking at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to re-crisp them.
Reheating:
Reheat leftover shrimp in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to retain their crispy texture. Avoid microwaving them as this can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before coating and frying to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
How do I make the shrimp extra crispy?
Make sure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F/175°C) before frying. You can also double-coat the shrimp with flour and breadcrumbs for an extra crispy layer.
Can I use a different type of oil for frying?
Yes, you can use oils with a high smoke point like canola oil, sunflower oil, or peanut oil for frying.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How do I make sure the shrimp are cooked properly?
Fry the shrimp until they are golden and crispy on the outside, and their internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). The shrimp will also curl up when cooked through.
Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for about 10–12 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even crispiness. However, frying gives the best crunchy texture.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, you can add vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms, coated in the same batter and fried alongside the shrimp for a complete dish.
How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming greasy?
Ensure that the oil is at the correct temperature (around 350°F/175°C), as frying at a lower temperature can cause the shrimp to absorb more oil. Also, drain the shrimp on paper towels after frying.
Can I use other types of seafood for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute shrimp with other seafood like calamari, fish fillets, or scallops for a variety of flavors.
Conclusion
Crispy Shrimp with Sauce is the ultimate combination of crispy, golden shrimp paired with a creamy, tangy sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish is perfect as an appetizer, a main course, or a party snack. With its satisfying crunch and delightful flavors, these shrimp are sure to become a favorite!
Crispy Shrimp with Sauce
These crispy, golden-brown shrimp are perfectly fried and topped with a creamy, tangy sauce, offering a delightful balance of crunch and flavor, perfect for appetizers or a main course.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- For the sauce:
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- A pinch of paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: In a bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Dip each shrimp first into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Fry the shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Fry the shrimp in batches for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden and crispy. Remove from the oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, honey, mustard, and paprika. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Serve: Arrange the crispy shrimp on a plate and drizzle with the sauce. Garnish with parsley or additional herbs for extra flavor.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- If you prefer, you can bake the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes for a healthier version.
- Pair this dish with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 140mg