Easy Breaded Shrimp Recipe

Name: Easy Breaded Shrimp
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 1 quart vegetable oil for frying; 4 cups shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 large egg, beaten; 2 cups dry bread crumbs

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

1 quart vegetable oil for frying
4 cups shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 large egg, beaten
2 cups dry bread crumbs

Directions

Follow these steps to prepare this delicious shrimp recipe:

Gather the ingredients.
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 350F (175C).
Working one at a time, dip shrimp into the beaten egg, allowing any excess egg to drip back into the bowl.
Press the shrimp into the bread crumbs, ensuring both sides are coated.
Place the breaded shrimp, unstacked, onto a plate. Repeat with the remaining shrimp.
Carefully lower the breaded shrimp into the preheated oil in batches. Fry until crispy and golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes.
Transfer the shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining shrimp.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	14g Fat	20g Carbs	17g Protein
281	14g	20g	17g

Nutrition Facts

Servings per Recipe: 8

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Total Fat	14g	18%
Saturated Fat	2g	11%
Cholesterol	121mg	40%
Sodium	301mg	13%
Total Carbohydrate	20g	7%
Dietary Fiber	1g	4%
Total Sugars	2g	-
Protein	17g	35%
Vitamin C	1mg	1%
Calcium	86mg	7%
Iron	3mg	17%
Potassium	180mg	4%

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note: Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. The amount is based on available nutrient data.

If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

History of Breaded Shrimp

Although shrimp has been a staple in various cuisines for centuries, breaded shrimp, as we know it today, is a relatively modern creation. The concept of breading food for frying dates back to ancient civilizations, but it became particularly popular in Western cuisine during the 18th and 19th centuries. Breaded shrimp likely emerged in the United States in the early 1900s, when the rise of deep frying and fast food culture made crispy, fried foods a favorite among consumers. This dish became a popular appetizer in seafood restaurants and home kitchens alike, thanks to its ease of preparation and satisfying crunch.

Regional Variations

In the U.S., breaded shrimp is a classic comfort food often found on Southern menus. The dish is particularly popular in coastal regions, where shrimp is abundant. In the Gulf Coast, the shrimp might be seasoned with Cajun spices or served alongside a tangy dipping sauce. In New England, breaded shrimp can often be found in seafood shacks, where it's served with French fries or coleslaw. The use of panko breadcrumbs is also common in Japanese and other Asian cuisines, which gives the shrimp a lighter, crunchier texture compared to traditional breadcrumbs.

How It Differs From Similar Dishes

Breaded shrimp differs from other fried seafood dishes like tempura shrimp or shrimp fritters due to its simple breading. While tempura shrimp is coated in a light batter made with flour, cornstarch, and water, breaded shrimp uses dry breadcrumbs, often seasoned for extra flavor. Shrimp fritters, on the other hand, are made by mixing shrimp with batter, creating a thicker, denser texture. Breaded shrimp is typically crisper on the outside, thanks to the dry breadcrumbs, and is usually served with a dipping sauce, such as cocktail sauce or a spicy mayo, for added flavor.

Where It's Typically Served

Easy breaded shrimp is a popular appetizer in seafood restaurants and is often served as part of a larger seafood platter. It can be found on menus at casual dining spots or at upscale restaurants offering coastal cuisine. In addition to being served as a standalone appetizer, it is often paired with salads, rice, or fries for a light yet satisfying meal. At home, breaded shrimp is an easy dish to prepare for dinner parties, seafood feasts, or simply as a quick family meal.

Interesting Facts

In Japan, panko bread crumbs were invented in the 20th century and are now used in many dishes, including breaded shrimp, because they produce a lighter and crunchier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
Deep-fried shrimp has been a favorite among sailors for centuries, with shrimp and other shellfish being abundant in coastal regions.
In the United States, shrimp is one of the most consumed seafoods, and breaded shrimp remains a popular dish in both restaurants and households.
While traditional breaded shrimp recipes use breadcrumbs, modern variations may incorporate spices such as paprika, garlic powder, or even coconut for a tropical twist.

With its crunchy exterior and tender shrimp interior, Easy Breaded Shrimp remains a beloved seafood dish that is enjoyed by people around the world. Whether served as an appetizer or part of a larger meal, this dish offers a simple yet delicious way to enjoy seafood.

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FAQ about Easy Breaded Shrimp Recipe

Leftover breaded shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To keep them as crispy as possible, it's best to reheat them in an oven or air fryer rather than a microwave.

Yes, you can freeze breaded shrimp before cooking. Lay the breaded shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer the shrimp to a freezer-safe bag or container. To cook, fry them directly from frozen, adjusting the cooking time as needed.

Yes, you can substitute panko breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs, whole wheat breadcrumbs, or even crushed crackers. Panko tends to give a lighter, crispier texture, but other breadcrumbs will work as well.

Peanut oil is often considered the best option for frying because it has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor. However, vegetable oil or canola oil can also be used as alternatives.

Yes, you can bake the breaded shrimp in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. For the best results, spray the shrimp lightly with cooking spray to help them crisp up.

The oil should be heated to 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying. If the oil is too hot, the shrimp may burn before cooking through. If it's too cool, the shrimp will absorb too much oil and become greasy.

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels before breading them. This will help the coating stick better and prevent excess moisture from affecting the texture.

Breaded shrimp pairs well with a variety of sides such as salads, coleslaw, French fries, or rice. You can also serve it with a dipping sauce, like cocktail sauce or a spicy aioli, for extra flavor.

Absolutely! You can add garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, or even dried herbs like oregano or thyme to the breading mixture to enhance the flavor. Many people also like to add a pinch of salt or Old Bay seasoning for an extra kick.

Frying the breaded shrimp takes about 4-5 minutes per batch, depending on the size of the shrimp. They should be golden brown and crispy when done. If you're baking them, it will take about 10-12 minutes at 400°F (200°C).

Comments

Thomas Lopez

09/28/2022 07:52:38 AM

I start by coating the shrimp in flour inside a plastic bag. Then, I follow the remaining steps and fry the shrimp in a skillet with a small amount of oil instead of deep-frying. This method results in less greasy shrimp, which I drain on paper towels before serving.

Karen Clark

06/04/2023 11:25:40 PM

I decided to bread the shrimp twice, incorporated garlic powder into the egg mixture, and added a splash of lemon juice after cooking. It could use a bit more flavor, but overall it was a big hit.

Brenda Roberts

11/14/2024 09:46:56 PM

Straightforward recipe, although I wish it had more flavor. Consider adding a mix of pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to enhance the taste. Cajun spice pairs nicely with a hint of lemon or lime. For an extra kick, try incorporating hot sauce into the egg mixture.

Katherine Clark

05/19/2025 11:49:09 AM

After peeling and deveining the shrimp, I coated them in flour and seasoned them with seasoned salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic. Following the recipe, I cooked them in a cast iron pan with peanut oil. The result was fantastic - crispy, flavorful, and light. I will definitely be making this dish again!

Benjamin Martinez

07/24/2024 07:47:44 AM

This recipe is missing cooking instructions, making it particularly helpful for beginners who are new to frying. For optimal frying outcomes, I suggest utilizing a cast iron skillet or dutch oven if available, or simply a heavy pan. Peanut oil is ideal, but vegetable oil can also be used. To ensure the oil reaches 350 degrees, a candy thermometer can be helpful. When frying shrimp, do so in small batches (4 or 5 at a time) for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown.

Anthony Edwards

10/28/2023 02:05:43 AM

I made a delicious dish using homemade brown pita breadcrumbs (made from stale pitas in the blender), seasoned with a tablespoon of curry powder, a hint of hot chili powder, and a sprinkle of sea salt. I also added baby prawns to the mix. The final result was nearly as tasty as the version my mom used to make! :) xx

Jose Roberts

05/24/2024 08:30:28 AM

I found this recipe to be incredibly simple and delicious. Following the advice of another reviewer, I added a touch of garlic salt, paprika, and a couple of tablespoons of flour to the bread crumbs. The addition of flour prevented the batter from becoming grainy and ensured it adhered well to the shrimp. I used small frozen shrimp (thawed and patted dry) and the result was reminiscent of popcorn shrimp. The flavor was on par with or even better than what you might find in a restaurant. My family and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Kevin Gonzalez

08/11/2024 06:07:46 AM

Fantastic! I prepare zucchini in a similar way, but I typically dip it in egg, flour, egg again (this helps the flour adhere better), and then a mixture of bread crumbs, salt, pepper, and paprika. As for the shrimp, I simply coat them in egg and a seasoning blend of bread crumbs, paprika, salt, and pepper before frying. After frying, I blot them dry with a paper towel. We served these with burritos and various fillings, and they were a hit!

Brandon Jones

11/30/2022 07:27:00 PM

Super simple and tasty recipe, with a couple of tweaks. I included garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika to the bread crumbs. I opted for small salad shrimp and enjoyed them breaded on top of our salads. Absolutely delicious!

Gregory Green

04/18/2023 01:41:22 PM

We decided to experiment with the seasoning directions by using a smaller saucepan and less oil, enough to fully submerge one shrimp at a time. We deep-fried small batches of 4 or 5 shrimp for approximately 30 seconds each. The result was fantastic!

James Lopez

11/19/2022 12:41:09 PM

I'm excited to give breaded shrimp a try, thanks for sharing the recipe!

Linda Wilson

03/03/2023 03:21:45 PM

This recipe was incredibly simple! I decided to enhance the flavor by adding a teaspoon of garlic powder and a dash of salt to the shrimp. I paired it with some delicious sautéed vegetables and wild rice.

Joyce Flores

03/27/2023 04:17:09 AM

Straightforward and refreshing, but the breading could use some seasoning. A sprinkle of salt would work wonders.

Melissa Mitchell

08/14/2024 11:44:17 PM

Followed the recipe exactly. It was quick and delicious!

James Hall

03/06/2025 10:49:50 AM

Fantastic! I decided to use panko crumbs instead of bread crumbs, as suggested by some reviews. This recipe will definitely be my new favorite for a quick dinner!

Ronald Taylor

08/04/2023 09:18:05 AM

Absolutely loved it! I was initially unsure whether to thaw the shrimp first, but discovered that the dish turned out better when I did. Thank you for sharing the recipe! My family absolutely adored it!

Kevin Cruz

04/14/2023 03:51:12 AM

I followed the recipe, but I'm not sure about the oil temperature. My dish turned out too light and slightly tough. What should the ideal oil temperature be?

Deborah Smith

01/02/2023 07:57:22 AM

Wonderful recipe! It was extremely simple to prepare and the taste is fantastic! I highly recommend trying out this recipe.

Benjamin Hill

07/18/2023 07:25:09 PM

It was excellent! I decided to enhance the flavor by adding Old Bay seasoning since my family and I are big fans of using it in seafood dishes.

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