Fried BBQ Shrimp

Fried BBQ Shrimp


My father-in-law is a huge fan of fried shrimp. The last time he came to visit we decided to dust off the deep fryer and make some fried shrimp. We started with some fresh shrimp, dredged them in egg wash and coated them with bbq rub seasoned bread crumbs. The results were fantastic!  The tastiest shrimp that I have ever had!

Fried BBQ Shrimp

Fried BBQ Shrimp

The key to fried shrimp is having the right sized shrimp.  We have found that a size 24 shrimp, basically 24 shrimp to a pound, is the perfect size for making fried shrimp.  They are not too large and not too small. Basically the Goldilocks of shrimp.

Butterfly the shrimp

Prepping the Shrimp

Peel the shrimp leaving on the tail.  Remove the vein and then butterfly the shrimp.  This not only makes the shrimp look pretty, it allows for more surface area for the breading to attach to.  Basically more crunchy goodness!

Butterflied Shrimp

The Dredging Station

Before we get to making the fried shrimp, we have to set up our dredging station.  This includes one bowl for seasoned flour, one bowl for seasoned egg mixture and one bowl for the bbq seasoned bread crumbs.  If you notice, the key to the ultimate fried bbq shrimp is to season each and every ingredient.

Seasoned flour

To make the seasoned flour, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper.

Seasoned Egg Wash

Mix 2 eggs with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper and 2 tbs milk.  Whisk until blended.

Seasoned Panko Bread Crumbs

Mix 1 cup unseasoned bread crumbs with 2.5 Tbs bbq rub.  You can use your favorite rub, but we really love our basic bbq rub.

Breading the Shrimp

Dip the peeled and butterflied shrimp into the flour.  Make sure to knock off the excess flour.

Dredge in flour

Dip the floured shrimp into the egg wash.

Dip into the egg wash

Coat with the shrimp with the perfectly bbq seasoned bread crumbs.

Dredge in the seasoned bread crumbs

Frying the shrimp

Fry the shrimp in preheated 375 degree oil for 1 to 2 minutes or until golden brown.  We use a table top fryer with a easy drain feature.  They are easy to use and most importantly easy to clean.

Fry the shrimp

Remove the shrimp and allow the grease to drain.

Fry till golden brown

Then serve with ranch dressing.

Perfectly fried bbq shrimp

5 from 1 vote
Fried BBQ Shrimp
Fried BBQ Shrimp
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
3 mins
Total Time
13 mins
 
The ultimate fried shrimp.
Course: American
Cuisine: Southern
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Rex
Ingredients
  • 1 pound shrimp
  • 1 cup flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup unseasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3/4 tsp flour
  • 2 tbs milk
  • 2.5 tbs BBQ Rub
  • Peanut Oil for frying
Instructions
  1. The key to fried shrimp is having the right sized shrimp. We have found that a size 24 shrimp, basically 24 shrimp to a pound, are the perfect size for making fried shrimp. They are not too large and not too small. Basically the Goldilocks of shrimp.
Prepping the Shrimp
  1. Peel the shrimp leaving on the tail. Remove the vein and then butterfly the shrimp. This not only makes the shrimp look pretty, it allows for more surface area for the breading to attach to. Basically more crunchy goodness!
The Dredging Station
  1. Before we get to making the fried shrimp, we have to set up our dredging station. This includes one bowl for seasoned flour, one bowl for seasoned egg mixture and one bowl for the bbq seasoned bread crumbs. If you notice, the key to the ultimate fried bbq shrimp is to season each and every ingredient.
  2. To make the seasoned flour, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper.
  3. Mix 2 eggs with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper and 2 tbs milk. Whisk until blended.
  4. Mix 1 cup unseasoned bread crumbs with 2.5 Tbs bbq rub. You can use your favorite rub, but we really love our basic bbq rub.
Breading the Shrimp
  1. Dip the peeled and butterflied shrimp into the flour. Make sure to knock off the excess flour.
  2. Dip the floured shrimp into the egg wash.
  3. Coat with the shrimp with the perfectly bbq seasoned bread crumbs.
Frying the shrimp
  1. Fry the shrimp in preheated 375 degree oil for 1 to 2 minutes or until golden brown.
  2. Remove the shrimp and allow the grease to drain.
  3. Then serve with ranch dressing.

Rex

Rex is an avid griller, barbecuer and bacon enthusiast. He is the Pitmaster for the Rex BBQ competition team. Rex was also featured on the TV show American Grilled. If you have any questions or wish to have Rex decode your favorite dish, click on the ASK REX link in the menu above.

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One thought on “Fried BBQ Shrimp

  1. 5 stars
    These are so delicious! Super simple to make. I’ve made these twice now. They are great for snacking…but don’t last long! Thanks for sharing.

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