Buttermilk Fried Shrimp

Crispy, seasoned shrimp coated in a spiced buttermilk batter and fried to golden perfection. Served with optional rémoulade sauce, this Southern-style dish combines the perfect blend of herbs and spices with succulent shrimp.

6 servings
40 min

Ingredients

  • teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 4 cups vegetable oil
  • pounds medium shrimp
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • to taste Rémoulade Sauce
  • to serve

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Whisk salt, cayenne, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, thyme, black pepper, and onion powder in a small bowl to blend.

    3 min

  2. 2.

    Attach a deep-fry thermometer to side of a heavy wide pot. Add enough oil to measure 2". Heat over medium heat to 350°F.

    10 min

  3. 3.

    Meanwhile, place shrimp and 2 tablespoons spice mix in a medium bowl and toss to coat. Pour buttermilk into another medium bowl. Whisk flour and cornmeal in another medium bowl.

    5 min

  4. 4.

    Dip seasoned shrimp briefly in buttermilk, then coat with flour mixture. Working in batches, fry shrimp, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and just cooked through, about 4 minutes per batch. Transfer to paper towels to drain.

    20 min

  5. 5.

    Serve shrimp with rémoulade sauce.

    2 min