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A plate of golden, crispy fried shrimp with lemon wedges and cocktail sauce.

Walt’s Favorite Shrimp

tasty vibes recipes
Have you ever wondered what makes Walt’s Favorite Shrimp so irresistibly delicious? With a golden-brown crunch, perfectly seasoned coating, and a juicy, tender bite, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Learn how to recreate this Southern-style shrimp with a light, crispy batter and savory dipping sauce in your own kitchen!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
30 minutes (for marinating shrimp) 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Main Course, Appetizer
Cuisine Southern, American
Servings 4 People
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Breading:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

For Frying:

  • 2 cups vegetable oil for deep frying

For Serving:

  • Lemon wedges
  • Cocktail sauce or tartar sauce

Instructions
 

Marinate the Shrimp:

  • In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the shrimp, ensuring they’re fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.
  • Prepare the Breading Station:

Set up three bowls:

  • Bowl 1: Mix flour and cornstarch
  • Bowl 2: Beat 1 egg (optional)
  • Bowl 3: Combine panko breadcrumbs and Old Bay seasoning

Coat the Shrimp:

  • Remove shrimp from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, dip into the egg wash (if using), and coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs.

Fry to Perfection:

  • Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or heavy skillet. Fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden-brown and crispy. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.

Serve & Enjoy:

  • Transfer shrimp to a plate, garnish with lemon wedges, and serve with cocktail sauce or tartar sauce.

Notes

  • Extra Crunch: Double-dip the shrimp in the buttermilk and panko mixture for an even crunchier coating.
  • Baking Option: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Air Fryer Alternative: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for extra heat.
Keyword Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, fried shrimp, crispy shrimp, Southern-style shrimp, restaurant-style shrimp