Cheesy Fried Shrimp
Cheesy Fried Shrimp
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails on
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 4 cups vegetable oil, for frying, or as needed
For Serving (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- 1 lemon wedges
- 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed, for dipping
Instructions
- 1
Pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels. This is crucial for a crispy coating.
⏱️ 2 min
- 2
Set up a dredging station: In the first shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Whisk well to combine.
⏱️ 3 min
- 3
In the second shallow dish, whisk together the beaten eggs and milk.
⏱️ 1 min
- 4
In the third shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly.
⏱️ 1 min
- 5
Working in batches, dredge each shrimp first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, coat thoroughly in the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to ensure good adhesion.
⏱️ 8 min
- 6
Place the breaded shrimp on a clean plate or baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining shrimp.
⏱️ 5 min
- 7
Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. If you don't have a thermometer, a small piece of breading should sizzle immediately when dropped in.
⏱️ 5 min•🌡️ 350
- 8
Carefully add the breaded shrimp to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Shrimp cooks quickly, so watch them closely.
⏱️ 8 min•🌡️ 350
- 9
Using a slotted spoon or spider, remove the cooked shrimp from the oil and transfer them to a wire rack set over a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil.
⏱️ 2 min
- 10
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges and warm marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.
⏱️ 1 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Cheesy Fried Shrimp
For the Shrimp
- 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails on
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 4 cups vegetable oil, for frying, or as needed
For Serving (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- 1 lemon wedges
- 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed, for dipping
Instructions
- 1
Pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels. This is crucial for a crispy coating.
⏱️ 2 min - 2
Set up a dredging station: In the first shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Whisk well to combine.
⏱️ 3 min - 3
In the second shallow dish, whisk together the beaten eggs and milk.
⏱️ 1 min - 4
In the third shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly.
⏱️ 1 min - 5
Working in batches, dredge each shrimp first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, coat thoroughly in the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to ensure good adhesion.
⏱️ 8 min - 6
Place the breaded shrimp on a clean plate or baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining shrimp.
⏱️ 5 min - 7
Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. If you don't have a thermometer, a small piece of breading should sizzle immediately when dropped in.
⏱️ 5 min•🌡️ 350 - 8
Carefully add the breaded shrimp to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Shrimp cooks quickly, so watch them closely.
⏱️ 8 min•🌡️ 350 - 9
Using a slotted spoon or spider, remove the cooked shrimp from the oil and transfer them to a wire rack set over a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil.
⏱️ 2 min - 10
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges and warm marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.
⏱️ 1 min