Crunchy, salty, and conveniently bite-sized, theyre the chicken nuggets of the sea.

Youll want to file thetartar saucerecipe away, too.

Learn ho to make fried shrimp, and serve platter after platter at your next gathering.

Southern Living Southern Fried Shrimp on a tray to serve with dipping sauce

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

What Makes Southern Fried Shrimp Unique?

Influenced by Southern culinary traditions, Southern friedshrimpis unique in its preparation and flavor.

A flavorful blend of spicesin this caseCreole seasoninginfuses flavor into the shrimp from the get-go.

Southern Fried Shrimp ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Double coated, the exterior of the shrimp fries up thick and crisp.

Southern fried shrimp is typically deep-fried until golden brown and crispy.

The hot oil keeps the interior of the shrimp juicy and tender.

Southern Living Southern Fried Shrimp heating the oil for the shrimp

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Tails are left on for easy grabbing, and visual appeal.

Ingredients for Fried Shrimp

All of these ingredients work together to create a full-flavored, balanced result.

With a quick fry, you’ll be ready to serve this crowd-pleasing dish in under 45 minutes.

Southern Living Southern Fried Shrimp tartar sauce ingredients in a bowl

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Can I Make Fried Shrimp Ahead?

Set Tartar Sauce aside.

Transfer to milk mixture, submerging shrimp completely.

Southern Living Southern Fried Shrimp stirring together the tartar sauce

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Remove from milk mixture; let excess drip off.

Return shrimp to flour mixture, tossing to coat.

Transfer to a baking sheet; repeat with remaining shrimp.

Southern Living Southern Fried Shrimp stirring together the flour mixture for coating the shrimp

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Repeat with remaining shrimp.

Serve with Tartar Sauce and additional chopped chives.

Frequently Asked Questions

The fried shrimp should be golden brown and firm to the touch when ready.

Southern Living Southern Fried Shrimp whisking together the egg and milk mixture to coat the shrimp

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If in doubt, cut one open or check that the internal temperature is at least 145F.

We prefer tail-on shrimp for easy grabbing and the best presentation.

Southern Living Southern Fried Shrimp coated and ready to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Southern Fried Shrimp after frying

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Fried Shrimp ready to serve with tartar sauce

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox