Crispy Fried Shrimp with Spicy Mayo and Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy crispy, golden fried shrimp that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-make recipe combines a crunchy coating with a zesty dipping sauce, making it a family favorite or impressive appetizer.

Ingredients

• Canola oil for frying
• 24 ounces large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3/4 cup mayo
• 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 1/2-inch of canola oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Line a large plate with paper towels and set aside for draining the fried shrimp.
2. Step 2: In a cake pan or pie plate, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk. Add 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to the mixture.
3. Step 3: In another cake pan, combine the flour, cornmeal, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
4. Step 4: Dip the shrimp into the egg mixture, coating them thoroughly. Then, a few at a time, coat the shrimp completely in the flour mixture. Place the breaded shrimp on a clean plate as you prepare the rest.
5. Step 5: Carefully add the shrimp to the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Fry for about 3 minutes or until the shrimp are crispy and golden brown. Drain on the prepared paper towel-lined plate. Repeat until all shrimp are fried.
6. Step 6: To make the dipping sauce, mix the mayo and sweet chili sauce together in a small bowl.
7. Step 7: Serve the crispy fried shrimp hot with the sweet chili mayo dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, double-dip the shrimp by repeating the egg and flour coating steps before frying.
• Use fresh shrimp for the best texture, but frozen shrimp can be used if fully thawed and patted dry.
• Adjust cayenne pepper in the coating to control the heat level to your preference.
• Try swapping sweet chili sauce with sriracha or a spicy remoulade for a different dipping experience.

Storage

Store leftover fried shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry to ensure the coating sticks well and fries properly.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, use regular milk mixed with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar per cup. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Crispy Fried Shrimp with Spicy Mayo and Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 68 reviews

This Fried Shrimp recipe features large, crispy shrimp coated in a flavorful blend of flour and cornmeal, seasoned with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. The shrimp are dipped in an egg and buttermilk mixture before being fried to golden perfection in canola oil. Served with a tangy sweet chili mayo dipping sauce, this dish is perfect for a delicious appetizer or a main course.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Shrimp and Coating

• Canola oil for frying
• 24 ounces large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (for egg mixture)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (for egg mixture)
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt (for flour mixture)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (for flour mixture)
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Dipping Sauce

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce

Instructions

1. Heat the oil: Pour about 1/2-inch of canola oil into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet and heat over medium heat until it reaches frying temperature. Prepare a large plate lined with paper towels to drain the fried shrimp.
2. Prepare egg mixture: In a wide, shallow dish such as a cake or pie pan, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk. Season this mixture with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper for flavor.
3. Prepare dry coating: In another separate cake pan, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper, mixing thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly.
4. Coat the shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the egg and buttermilk mixture, tossing to coat completely. Then, working in batches, dredge the shrimp in the flour and cornmeal mixture, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Place the breaded shrimp on a clean plate while you continue breading the rest.
5. Fry the shrimp: Carefully add the coated shrimp to the hot oil in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd to maintain oil temperature. Fry the shrimp for about 3 minutes or until they turn crispy and golden brown. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on the prepared paper towel-lined plate. Repeat until all shrimp are fried.
6. Make the dipping sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce until smooth and well combined. Serve this flavorful sauce alongside the hot fried shrimp for dipping.

Notes

• Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to ensure crispy shrimp and prevent sogginess.
• Adding buttermilk to the egg wash tenderizes the shrimp and helps the coating adhere better.
• You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to make the coating more or less spicy according to your taste.
• Drain fried shrimp on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep them crispy.
• This recipe can be doubled or halved depending on serving needs.

Keywords: fried shrimp, crispy shrimp, shrimp appetizer, breaded shrimp, seafood frying recipe, sweet chili mayo sauce