Searching for a crowd-pleasing dish that will make your next party, BBQ, or picnic a hit? These Crispy Lemon Panko Fried Shrimp are golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with fresh, zesty flavor!
Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just having a fun get-together, this dish is easy to make and perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces.
Ingredients You’ll Need For This Recipe:
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- Vegetable oil, for frying (6-8 c.)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
- 1 t. smoked paprika
- 1/2 t. garlic powder
- 1 ½ c. panko breadcrumbs
- 1 lb. extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 c. fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, sliced into wedges
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Step-by-step Guide:
1 – Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot to 350˚F.
2 – Whisk the eggs in a shallow dish. Season generously with salt and pepper, to taste.
3 – In a second shallow bowl, whisk the flour, paprika and garlic powder, to combine.
4 – In a third shallow bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs. Season the flour mixture and the panko generously with salt and pepper, to taste.
5 – Rinse shrimp under cold running water and lightly pat dry. A small amount of moisture will help the coating stick to the shrimp.
6 – Dredge each shrimp into the flour mixture first, making sure both sides are nicely coated. Next dip into the beaten eggs coating both sides.
Allow excess egg mixture to drip off shrimp. Lastly, finish by dredging in the panko breadcrumbs.
Lightly press the shrimp when dredging in the panko so the breadcrumbs will stick.
7 – Working in batches and with no more than 8-10 shrimp at a time, fry the panko shrimp until nicely golden-brown, approximately 1 minute per batch.
8 – Transfer shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil. Continue frying until all the shrimp are done.
9 – Serve shrimp on a large serving plate and top with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success:
- Use a thermometer to check oil temperature – This ensures the shrimp cook perfectly and don’t get soggy.
- Double coat the shrimp for extra crunch – Coat your shrimp in the flour and egg mixture, then again in the panko breadcrumbs for that extra crispy texture.
- Make it gluten-free – Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for a dish everyone can enjoy.
These crispy fried shrimp are a fantastic way to add flavor and fun to any gathering! Serve with a tangy dipping sauce, and you’ve got a snack that’ll disappear in no time.
Whether it’s a holiday party, tailgate, or family BBQ, this recipe is sure to impress!