Light and Extra Crispy Lemon Panko Fried Shrimp
I love this dish, it looks like it was made in a restaurant, but is easy and quick to prepare—it is ready in just 20 minutes. The lemony panko mixture provides crunch and color to the shrimp.
Frying shrimp can be intimidating, which is why I always stayed away from shrimp even though the kids loved shrimps. Remember not to overcook the shrimp, then everything will be fine.
Enjoy these as an appetizer, main course, or side dish.
Ingredients:
Vegetable oil, for frying (6-8 c.)
2 large eggs
1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 t. smoked paprika
1/2 t. garlic powder
1 ½ c. panko breadcrumbs
1 lb. extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 c. fresh parsley, chopped
1 lemon, sliced into wedges
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot to 350˚F.
2. Prepare the breading station: Whisk the eggs in a shallow dish. Season generously with salt and pepper, to taste.
3. In a second shallow bowl, whisk the flour, paprika and garlic powder, to combine.
4. In a third shallow bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs. Season the flour mixture and the panko generously with salt and pepper, to taste.
5. Rinse shrimp under cold running water and lightly pat dry. A small amount of moisture will help the coating stick to the shrimp.
6. Dredge each shrimp into the flour mixture first, making sure both sides are nicely coated. Next dip into the beaten eggs coating both sides. Allow excess egg mixture to drip off shrimp. Lastly, finish by dredging in the panko breadcrumbs. Lightly press the shrimp when dredging in the panko so the breadcrumbs will stick.
7. Working in batches and with no more than 8-10 shrimp at a time, fry the panko shrimp until nicely golden-brown, approximately 1 minute per batch.
8. Transfer shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil. Continue frying until all the shrimp are done.
9. Serve shrimp on a large serving plate and top with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Enjoy!