Crispy Panko Fried Shrimp Recipe

Name: Crispy Panko Fried Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Ingredients: 16 ounces large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tail on; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 3/4 cup flour; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 1/4 cup Panko bread crumbs; 2 -3 cups vegetable oil

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This succulent crispy panko fried shrimp recipe is delicately coated in a golden armor of panko breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch with every bite. With its irresistible combination of flavors and textures, crispy fried panko shrimp is pure seafood bliss. Best of all, it's so easy to make this classic restaurant-style dish at home.

Shrimo after being cooked on on a wire rack.

Shrimp is one of my favorite foods, and its versatility in the kitchen never fails to amaze me. It's fun to experiment with different shrimp recipes exploring different ways to savor its delicate flavors. One dish that has become a personal favorite shrimp recipe is crispy fried panko shrimp. There's something incredibly satisfying about transforming tender shrimp into delectable morsels with a delightful crunch. The simplicity of the process only adds to its appeal, making it a go-to recipe whenever I'm in the mood for a quick snack, a satisfying dinner, or even when entertaining guests.

Panko breaded shrimp dish never fails to impress, whether I'm indulging solo or sharing it with friends and family. The versatility of crispy fried panko shrimp ensures that it can be enjoyed as a delightful snack, served alongside a tangy dipping sauce, or transformed into a mouthwatering main course when paired with a fresh salad or fluffy rice. Whatever the occasion, this dish never disappoints, always leaving me eager to savor every crispy bite.

If you like shrimp, you might also like Old Bay shrimp, Pan Grilled Paprika Shrimp or Greek shrimp appetizer skewers.

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Ingredients
How to make Panko Fried Shrimp
Variations/ Substitutions
Equipment
Storage/ Reheating Leftovers
Cooking Tips
FAQ
Serving Suggestions
RECIPE

Ingredients

Shrimp – Look for large shrimp or jumbo fresh or frozen shrimp that are peeled and deveined. If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely before cooking. You can use smaller shrimp but will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Sea Salt – Sea salt enhances the overall taste of the shrimp, adding a subtle briny flavor. If you don't have sea salt, you can substitute it with kosher salt or regular table salt.
Black pepper – Freshly ground black pepper adds an earthy, very mild spiciness that enhances the flavor.
Flour – All-purpose flour is used to create a light coating for the shrimp, adding a subtle crispness. Experiment with alternative flours like rice flour or cornstarch for a gluten-free option.
Egg – Beaten egg acts as a binding agent, helping the panko crumbs adhere to the shrimp.
Bread Crumbs – Panko bread crumbs are larger and lighter than traditional breadcrumbs, resulting in an extra crispy coating. These Japanese style bread crumbs provide a satisfying crunch to the shrimp. If you don't have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs or even crushed cornflakes as a substitute.
Oil - Vegetable oil or canola oil are both good choices for frying shrimp. Olive oil, peanut oil and avocado oil can also be used but they are much pricier than vegetable and canola oils are.

See recipe card for quantities.

How to make Panko Fried Shrimp

Combine salt, pepper and flour in a small bowl. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and coat with the flour mixture.

Flour coated shrimp is dipped in an egg mixture.

2. Transfer the shrimp to a bowl of beaten egg and turn to coat.

3. Then, coat the shrimp in the panko, lightly pressing to help it adhere to the shrimp.

4. Fry the shrimp in a large skillet until golden brown and crispy, about 2 minutes on each side.

Hint: Heat the oil to 375 degrees F before adding the shrimp to the hot oil. Keeping the oil at a constant temperature will prevent the coating from coming off while cooking.

Variations/ Substitutions

Gluten Free - Use gluten free flour and gluten free breadcrumbs to make these shrimp suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
Spicy - Add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper to the flour mixture and add a splash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for spicy panko shrimp.
Swap The Breadcrumbs - Substitute the panko with regular bread crumbs, crushed crackers or crushed cornflakes.
Add additional seasonings - To make the delicious shrimp even more flavorful, add garlic powder, onion powder and/or dried herbs to the flour mixture.

A batch of crispy shrimp are on a baking rack.

Equipment

When it comes to frying shrimp, you have a couple of options: using a skillet or a deep fryer. Both methods have their advantages and can yield deliciously crispy results. A skillet provides a more accessible and versatile option, allowing you to fry the shrimp on the stovetop with just a few cups of oil. It's ideal for small to medium-sized batches and the perfect option for most home cooks.

A deep fryer is specifically designed for frying and provides consistent heat distribution, making it suitable for larger quantities of shrimp. It also minimizes the risk of splattering oil.

Whichever method you choose, a few additional tools can come in handy. Using a wire rack allows the excess oil to drain away, preventing the shrimp from becoming overly greasy and soggy. Alternatively, you can place the fried shrimp on a plate lined with paper towels, which will absorb the excess oil and help maintain their crispiness.

Storage/ Reheating Leftovers

These shrimp are best enjoyed right away but leftover shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.

You can also flash freeze the shrimp on a baking tray for a few hours before transferring them to a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 2 months.

Reheat the shrimp in a 374 degrees F oven or air fryer until warm and crispy. Shrimp can be reheated from frozen without thawing.

Cooking Tips

Before coating the fresh shrimp, make sure to pat them dry using paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the coating adhere better and promotes crispiness.
Properly season the flour to add flavor to the shrimp.
Coat the raw shrimp by dipping them first in the flour mixture, then the beaten egg, and finally the panko breadcrumbs to ensure a thick and crunchy coating.
After dredging in panko, press the breadcrumbs onto the shrimp gently but firmly. This helps them adhere better and creates a more even and crispy crust.
Heat the oil in the skillet or deep fryer to 375 degrees F before adding the shrimp. If the oil is not hot enough, the shrimp may absorb more oil and become greasy.
Avoid overcrowding the pan or fryer which can lower the oil temperature and result in less crispy shrimp. Fry the shrimp in several small batches if necessary.
After frying, drain the cooked shrimp on a wire rack set over a baking sheet or a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.
While the shrimp are hot, you can add additional seasoning to bump up the flavor of the shrimp.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and lemon wedges for more flavor.

FAQ

Can shrimp be cooked in the air fryer?

Yes! Check out my recipe for Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp. These are a bit smaller and they are not fried in oil which means they are less calories.

Can you use regular bread crumbs?

If you don't have panko, you can coat the shrimp with regular bread crumbs. You can even use crushed crackers or cornflakes as a coating. The preparation and cooking instructions remain the same.

How long does it take to fry shrimp?

Shrimp will fry in about 4-6 minutes. The shrimp should curl and the flesh will be opaque in color when the shrimp is cooked through.

A fork dips a piece of fried shrimp into tarter sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Panko shrimp make the perfect appetizer or tasty main dish. Serving fried shrimp with a dipping sauce like tartar sauce, honey mustard dressing or cocktail sauce is a great way to add flavor to your meal. Some of my favorite dips include:

I love making a sandwich by serving these shrimp on a hoagie roll then piling it high with this Sweet Vinegar Coleslaw recipe.

Turning shrimp into a full meal is as simple as adding a tasty side dish or two. Fortunately, shrimp is versatile and can be paired with many things. These are my favorite side dishes to serve with this:

A plate of Panko Fried Shrimp with dipping sauce. Photo has text overlay for social media.

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RECIPE

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