Description
Creating a shrimp basket at home is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. With the right ingredients and a few simple techniques, you can craft a restaurant-quality dish that your family and friends will love. Let’s break down the steps to make the perfect shrimp basket.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients You’ll Need
To prepare a shrimp basket, gather these essentials:
- For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb fresh or frozen shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal or breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Vegetable oil for frying
- For the Sides:
- French fries or sweet potato fries
- Coleslaw (pre-made or homemade with shredded cabbage and a tangy dressing)
- Hushpuppies (cornmeal batter, fried to golden perfection)
- For the Sauces:
- Cocktail sauce (ketchup and horseradish blend)
- Tartar sauce (mayonnaise, pickles, and lemon juice)
- Spicy remoulade (mayonnaise, mustard, hot sauce, and Cajun spices)
Instructions
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Prep the Shrimp:
Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry. Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. - Coat the Shrimp:
Dip each shrimp into the flour, ensuring a light coating, then into the beaten eggs, and finally into the cornmeal mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks. - Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain the temperature, as this ensures an even, crispy fry. - Fry the Shrimp:
Fry the shrimp in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. - Prepare the Sides:
While the shrimp cool slightly, prepare your sides. Fry or bake the French fries, whip up a quick coleslaw, and fry the hushpuppies. - Assemble the Basket:
Line a basket or plate with parchment paper. Arrange the fried shrimp, fries, coleslaw, and hushpuppies neatly. Add a small bowl of dipping sauce for each person.
Notes
Tips for Seasoning Perfection
- For an extra kick, add a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to your breading mix.
- If you prefer a lighter option, consider grilling or air-frying the shrimp instead of deep-frying.
- For added crunch, mix panko breadcrumbs into the coating.
Nutrition
- Calories: 650–700 kcal
- Sugar: 3–5 g
- Sodium: 950–1100 mg
- Fat: 35–40 g
- Saturated Fat: 6–8 g
- Carbohydrates: 50–55 g
- Protein: 30–35 g
- Cholesterol: 175–200 mg