There’s something magical about the perfect plate of fried shrimp crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside. Inspired by the famous Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, this fried shrimp recipe brings restaurant quality flavor straight to your kitchen. The combination of Creole seasoning, lemon pepper, and a kick of hot sauce makes these shrimp utterly irresistible.
Whether you’re hosting a seafood feast or simply craving a comforting Southern classic, this recipe is quick, easy, and packed with bold flavors. Pair it with coleslaw, hush puppies, or a side of tartar sauce for the ultimate dining experience. Get ready to impress your guests with a dish that delivers the crunch and spice of a true New Orleans favorite!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs. large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and butterflied
- 2 cups plain bread crumbs
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp lemon pepper
- 1 tsp sazon seasoning
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp Creole seasoning
- 2 tbsp red hot sauce
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Lemon wedges for serving
Directions:
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Prepare the Shrimp:
- Butterfly the shrimp by making a shallow cut along the back and opening them slightly.
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Season the Shrimp:
- In a bowl, beat the eggs. Add onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, lemon pepper, and sazon. Mix well.
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Add Hot Sauce:
- Pour the hot sauce into the shrimp mixture and stir to coat.
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Prepare the Flour Mixture:
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour with Creole seasoning. Lightly dredge the shrimp in this mixture.
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Bread the Shrimp:
- Press the flour coated shrimp into the bread crumbs, ensuring an even coating.
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Heat the Oil:
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan or deep fryer to 325°F (165°C).
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Fry the Shrimp:
- Fry in batches for about 3 minutes or until golden brown, turning occasionally.
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Drain and Serve:
- Transfer cooked shrimp to a wire rack to drain excess oil. Serve hot with lemon wedges.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 500 kcal | Servings: 4
Pappadeaux Fried Shrimp – A Southern Classic You Can Make at Home
There’s something undeniably satisfying about biting into a perfectly fried shrimp golden, crispy, and bursting with flavor. Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen has long been celebrated for its signature fried shrimp, a dish known for its crunchy coating and rich, seasoned taste. Now, you can bring that same restaurant quality experience to your kitchen with this homemade Pappadeaux Fried Shrimp recipe. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking to try a new Southern style dish, this recipe is sure to impress.
Why Pappadeaux Fried Shrimp Is So Popular
Pappadeaux is a beloved name in the world of seafood, known for its bold flavors, Cajun influences, and high quality ingredients. Their fried shrimp has a devoted following because of its perfect texture crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The secret to their success lies in a well seasoned coating, a balanced blend of spices, and a careful frying technique that ensures the shrimp remains juicy and flavorful.
At Pappadeaux, fried shrimp is often served with classic Southern sides like coleslaw, hush puppies, French fries, or a tangy cocktail sauce. The combination of spicy Creole seasoning and a crunchy exterior makes this dish irresistible. Fortunately, with a few simple techniques and the right ingredients, you can recreate this iconic dish in your own kitchen.
The Secret to Perfectly Fried Shrimp
Achieving that signature crunch while keeping the shrimp tender is all about the right preparation and technique. Here are a few key factors that contribute to the perfection of Pappadeaux style fried shrimp:
1. Quality of Shrimp
Start with fresh, high quality shrimp. Large shrimp are best for frying because they maintain their texture and don’t overcook too quickly. If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry to prevent sogginess.
2. Butterflying for Better Texture
Butterflying the shrimp (making a small cut along the back and slightly opening them) ensures even cooking and a more visually appealing presentation. It also allows the seasoning and breading to adhere better.
3. The Right Seasonings
What makes Pappadeaux’s fried shrimp stand out is the bold Creole inspired seasoning. A mix of onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, lemon pepper, and Creole seasoning adds depth and a slightly spicy kick. The seasoning is applied not only in the flour coating but also in the egg mixture, ensuring every layer is packed with flavor.
4. The Three-Step Breading Process
For the best crunch, shrimp should be coated in three layers:
- Flour mixture: Helps the egg adhere to the shrimp.
- Egg wash with seasoning: Locks in flavor and helps the breadcrumbs stick.
- Breadcrumb coating: Creates that signature crispy outer layer.
5. The Right Frying Temperature
One of the biggest mistakes when frying shrimp is not maintaining the right oil temperature. The oil should be heated to 325°F (165°C) before adding the shrimp. If the oil is too cold, the shrimp will absorb excess oil and become greasy. If too hot, the outside will burn before the shrimp is fully cooked.
6. Frying in Batches
To ensure even cooking, avoid overcrowding the pan. Frying too many shrimp at once lowers the oil temperature, leading to a less crispy texture. Cook in small batches, allowing each shrimp to cook evenly.
7. Proper Draining
Instead of placing fried shrimp on paper towels (which can make them soggy), let them drain on a wire rack. This keeps them crisp and ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions for Fried Shrimp
Fried shrimp is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and dipping sauces. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
Classic Southern Sides:
- Coleslaw: A cool, tangy coleslaw balances the richness of the fried shrimp.
- French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: A crispy side that complements the shrimp’s texture.
- Hush Puppies: Deep fried cornmeal bites that are a staple in Southern seafood meals.
- Rice Pilaf: A flavorful rice dish that adds a hearty element to the meal.
- Corn on the Cob: A buttery, slightly sweet side that pairs well with seafood.
Dipping Sauces:
- Cocktail Sauce: A mix of ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce, offering a tangy and slightly spicy kick.
- Tartar Sauce: A creamy, mayo based sauce with pickles and capers for a tangy contrast.
- Remoulade Sauce: A Cajun inspired sauce made with mustard, mayo, hot sauce, and spices for extra heat.
- Garlic Butter Sauce: A simple yet flavorful option for those who love rich, buttery dips.
Tips for Storing and Reheating Fried Shrimp
If you have leftovers (which is rare because this dish is so delicious!), here’s how to store and reheat them without losing their crispiness:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Avoid microwaving, as it makes the shrimp soggy. Instead, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. An air fryer also works well for restoring crispiness.
- Freezing: If you want to freeze them, arrange the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Homemade fried shrimp is not only delicious but also more affordable than dining out. Making it at home allows you to customize the flavors, adjust the spice level, and choose your favorite dipping sauces. Plus, the satisfaction of cooking restaurant quality seafood in your own kitchen is unmatched!
If you love Cajun and Creole cuisine, this dish is a must try. It embodies the bold flavors of the South while offering a satisfying crunch that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a special occasion, or a seafood feast with friends, Pappadeaux style fried shrimp is always a hit.
Conclusion:
Pappadeaux Fried Shrimp is more than just a dish it’s a celebration of Southern flavors and classic seafood indulgence. By following a few key techniques, you can achieve the same crispy, flavorful shrimp that makes this dish a favorite among seafood lovers. From the perfect seasoning blend to the three step breading process, every element contributes to the ultimate fried shrimp experience.
Whether served with classic sides, dipped in your favorite sauce, or enjoyed on its own, this recipe is sure to become a go to for any seafood enthusiast. Try it out, and bring the taste of Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen right into your home!