We can’t get enough of Osteen’s Fried Shrimp. It’s known for its golden crunch and tender bite and it’s become our favorite seafood treat.
We combine a few pantry staples with succulent shrimp for a crispy creation that tastes like a seaside vacation. We’ll walk you through each step so you can whip up this savory specialty in your own kitchen with confidence.
Ingredients For Osteens Fried Shrimp
We gather our essential items for Osteens Fried Shrimp using simple pantry staples that give us a crisp golden crust and tender bite.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Peeled and deveined shrimp (tails on) | 1 lb |
| All purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Cornmeal | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1 tsp |
| Old Bay seasoning (optional) | 1 tsp |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Vegetable or canola oil | For frying |
We set out our shrimp first so they come to room temperature for even cooking. We whisk the milk and egg in a separate bowl. We combine flour cornmeal salt pepper and optional Old Bay in another dish. We want our oil at 350°F so the shrimp fry fast without absorbing too much oil. We keep a wire rack ready for draining. That helps keep every piece of shrimp crisp.
Recommended Tools And Equipment
We rely on specific items to keep our Osteen’s Fried Shrimp golden and tender. Each tool helps us fry the shrimp evenly and maintain crispness with minimal effort.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Heavy-Bottomed Dutch Oven | Holds a consistent oil temperature which ensures even cooking |
| Deep-Fry Thermometer | Tracks the exact oil heat level for steady frying temperature |
| Wire Rack | Lets excess oil drain to keep the shrimp crispy and prevents sogginess |
| Mixing Bowls | Holds our flour and cornmeal mixes when we coat the shrimp |
| Long-Handled Tongs | Flips and lifts the shrimp safely without disturbing the crispy crust |
We place the wire rack over a tray or baking sheet. That step prevents our countertop from getting oily. We also make sure to have enough space around the burner. That helps us avoid spills once we drop our breaded shrimp into hot oil.
Prep
We begin by ensuring our shrimp are fresh and ready for a golden crunch. Let’s handle them with care so our Osteen’s Fried Shrimp turns out tender and delicious.
Cleaning And Deveining The Shrimp
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water to remove any surface debris
- Peel off the shells leaving the tails on if we want an appealing presentation
- Make a shallow cut along the back of each shrimp with a paring knife
- Lift out the vein using our knife tip and discard it
- Rinse again to ensure any residue is removed then pat the shrimp dry
| Shrimp Size | Approx Count Per Pound | Recommended Deveining Time |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 40 to 50 | About 5 minutes per pound |
| Medium | 30 to 35 | About 6 minutes per pound |
| Large | 20 to 25 | About 7 minutes per pound |
Seasoning The Shrimp
- Sprinkle the cleaned shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper
- Add a light dusting of paprika or cajun spice for extra flavor
- Toss the shrimp to distribute the seasonings evenly
- Keep them at room temperature for a few minutes so the flavors can penetrate before we coat and fry
Directions
We bring our shrimp to life with a crunchy breading and a quick fry. Follow these steps for a golden finish every time.
Breading The Shrimp
- Combine 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup cornmeal 1 teaspoon salt and half teaspoon black pepper in a mixing bowl. Stir to distribute the seasonings.
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Dip each shrimp in the dry mixture and gently press to ensure an even coat.
- Transfer breaded shrimp to a tray lined with parchment paper. Let them sit for about 2 minutes to set the breading.
Frying The Shrimp
- Pour enough vegetable oil or canola oil into a deep heavy-bottomed pot to submerge the shrimp.
- Heat the oil to around 350°F using a deep-fry thermometer.
- Place the shrimp into the oil in batches. Do not overcrowd the pot.
- Fry the shrimp until they turn golden and crispy. Refer to the chart below for timing:
| Oil Temperature (°F) | Frying Time (minutes) |
|---|---|
| 350 | 2 to 3 |
- Remove the cooked shrimp using long-handled tongs and place them on a wire rack to drain.
Serving Suggestions
We serve our Osteens Fried Shrimp while they are hot and golden. We like to pair each crispy bite with a bold dipping sauce such as cocktail sauce or tartar sauce. We often add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright tang. We arrange the shrimp on a platter lined with leafy greens or fresh parsley for an appealing look.
We also provide classic sides to complete this seafood feast. We recommend coleslaw sweet potato fries or hush puppies as a crowd-pleasing accompaniment. We sometimes toss a light green salad on the table for balance. We find that these options harmonize with the savory crunch of our Osteens Fried Shrimp.
Below is a quick reference for suggested portions and pairings:
| Dish | Recommended Portion (Per Person) |
|---|---|
| Fried Shrimp | 6-8 shrimp |
| Coleslaw | 1/2 cup |
| Hush Puppies | 3 hush puppies |
| French Fries | 1 cup |
| Tartar Sauce or Cocktail Sauce | 2 tablespoons |
We encourage everyone to experiment with their favorite sauces and sides. We enjoy the warm aroma and satisfying crunch of our freshly cooked shrimp as we share a delicious meal together.
Conclusion
We trust Osteen’s Fried Shrimp will add a taste of coastal charm to your table. Our aim is to empower you to fry these tender morsels with confidence letting you savor the sweet crunch in every bite. It’s a fried shrimp that captures the classic golden crispiness we crave. We hope this recipe sparks joy in your kitchen and encourages you to perfect your technique every time you fry up a batch.