Red Lobster Fried Shrimp Recipe Made Easy and Crispy

If you’re a fan of crispy, golden shrimp with a burst of flavor in every bite, then the Red Lobster Fried Shrimp recipe is a must-try in your kitchen. This iconic dish has won the hearts of seafood lovers everywhere, combining perfectly seasoned shrimp coated in a crunchy batter that delivers the ultimate comfort food experience.

Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a special occasion, or just craving a delicious seafood treat, this recipe brings restaurant-quality fried shrimp right to your table.

With simple ingredients and clear instructions, you’ll be able to whip up this mouthwatering dish in no time. No need to wait for a special outing to enjoy that beloved Red Lobster taste—make it fresh, hot, and just the way you like it at home.

Get ready to impress your guests and savor every crispy, juicy bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Red Lobster Fried Shrimp recipe stands out because it perfectly balances a light, crunchy coating with juicy, tender shrimp inside. It’s easy enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for entertaining guests.

The secret lies in the seasoned batter and a quick fry that locks in moisture while creating an irresistible crispy shell.

Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—serve it with your favorite dipping sauces or pair it with classic sides. It’s a crowd-pleaser that delivers that authentic restaurant taste without the hassle or expense of dining out.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to frying, this recipe is straightforward and guarantees delicious results.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, based on preference)
• 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil or canola oil for frying (about 4 cups)
• Fresh lemon wedges, for serving
• Optional: tartar sauce or cocktail sauce for dipping

Equipment

• Large mixing bowls for batter and marinating
• Deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot for frying
• Slotted spoon or frying spider to remove shrimp
• Paper towels for draining excess oil
• Thermometer to monitor oil temperature (recommended)
• Wire rack for draining fried shrimp
• Tongs or chopsticks for handling shrimp

Instructions

1. Prepare the shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. If desired, leave the tails on for better grip and presentation.
2. Marinate: Place the shrimp in a large bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Stir gently to coat all shrimp evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to tenderize and add flavor.
3. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
4. Heat the oil: Pour about 3-4 inches of oil into your skillet or pot. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy; maintaining the right temperature is key to crispy shrimp.
5. Coat the shrimp: Remove shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the dry mixture, pressing gently to adhere a thick, even coating. Shake off excess flour.
6. Fry in batches: Carefully place the shrimp in the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding. Fry each batch for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, flipping once halfway through cooking.
7. Drain and rest: Using a slotted spoon, transfer shrimp to a wire rack set over paper towels to drain excess oil. This helps keep the coating crisp.
8. Serve immediately: Serve hot with lemon wedges and your choice of dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

“For the crispiest shrimp, make sure your oil stays hot and don’t overcrowd the pan. Also, try adding a teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning or Cajun spice to the dry mix for a flavor twist!”

• Make it spicier: Add more cayenne or hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with rice flour or a gluten-free blend.
• Extra crunch: Add crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs to the dry mixture for an even crunchier coating.
• Air fryer: For a healthier twist, try cooking the shrimp in an air fryer at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This fried shrimp pairs wonderfully with classic sides like coleslaw, steamed vegetables, or creamy macaroni and cheese. You can also serve it atop a fresh green salad or alongside crispy French fries for a seafood platter feel.

For sauces, try traditional tartar sauce, zesty cocktail sauce, or a tangy remoulade to complement the shrimp’s crispy texture. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a bright, refreshing finish that cuts through the richness perfectly.

Conclusion

Making Red Lobster Fried Shrimp at home is easier than you might think and incredibly rewarding. This recipe captures the crispy, flavorful essence of the restaurant classic with straightforward ingredients and simple steps.

It’s perfect for seafood lovers who want to enjoy a beloved dish anytime without leaving the comfort of home.

With a golden, crunchy coating and tender shrimp inside, every bite is pure satisfaction. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is bound to become a favorite.

Don’t forget to check out our other delicious seafood recipes for more inspiration and tasty meals to add to your repertoire!

Looking for more seafood delights? Try our Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe, Classic Crab Cakes, or Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon for easy, flavorful dishes that complement your fried shrimp perfectly.

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Red Lobster Fried Shrimp”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “Crispy, golden fried shrimp coated in a flavorful seasoned batter, just like the classic Red Lobster style. Perfectly tender on the inside with a crunchy exterior.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT10M”, “totalTime”: “PT25M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined”, “1 cup all-purpose flour”, “1/2 cup cornstarch”, “1 teaspoon baking powder”, “1 teaspoon paprika”, “1/2 teaspoon garlic powder”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1/4 teaspoon black pepper”, “1 large egg”, “3/4 cup cold water”, “Vegetable oil, for frying”, “Lemon wedges, for serving”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a separate bowl, whisk together egg and cold water.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Dip each shrimp into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the flour mixture.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Carefully fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve hot with lemon wedges.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “320 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “25 g”, “fatContent”: “18 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “15 g”}}