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Southern-Fried Shrimp with Cocktail Sauce
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Southern-Fried Shrimp with Cocktail Sauce

This is one of our most popular recipes on the blog, and for good reason. It's easy and scrumptious.

We love a fine breading for shrimp, similar to the breading for our New England-Style Crab Cakes, but there is something incredibly satisfying about the extra-crunchy batter for this Southern delight. The homemade cocktail sauce and fresh lemon wedges put this basket of deliciousness over the top! And it comes together in no time at all!

A close-up view of Southern-fried shrimp in a basket that is lined with red checkered paper and a bowl of cocktail sauce in the background.

How to Make Southern-Fried Shrimp

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The Ingredients You Will Need

When you dig into this fried shrimp, you will be amazed that such a handful of ingredients will produce such amazing flavor and texture. Here's what you'll need to have on hand:

Shrimp - We think large shrimp, even extra-large or jumbo, work best. Go for quality. Gulf shrimp are wonderful!
Seasonings - Salt and pepper is all you need for the shrimp.
Flour - All-purpose.
Cayenne pepper - Add extra for more spice level.
Buttermilk - Well shaken.
Mustard - Whole grain, or Country-Style is recommended. Dijon will work, but not be quite as flavorful.
Oil - Vegetable or shortening, for frying.
Cocktail sauce - Homemade is best
Lemon wedges - For serving.

EXPERT TIP: You don't need to soak the shrimp in the buttermilk for long. Just for about as long as it brings the oil to temperature. If you marinad=te them too long, they could begin to break down and be mushy.

A person pouring a buttermilk marinade over uncooked shrimp in a large glass bowl.

Tips for Making Perfect Southern-Fried Shrimp

Marinate for Flavor and Tenderness - Soak the shrimp in the buttermilk and stone ground mustard for about 30 minutes (up to 1 hour). This not only infuses the shrimp with flavor but also helps tenderize them, resulting in a juicy and flavorful bite. Don't marinate for over an hour.

Season According To Taste - We add just enough cayenne pepper to give the shrimp a bit of kick, but not too much. If you prefer things spicier, double the amount of cayenne. Remember the cocktail sauce has a little kick to it, too.

Maintain the Right Oil Temperature - Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy skillet to about 350°F (175°C) before frying the shrimp. This temperature is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior without overcooking the shrimp. Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature.

Serve At Once - This shrimp is best fresh out of the fryer, nice and crispy. They are still good once they cool off, but they will lose some of their crispiness. The homemade cocktail sauce is essential for the best flavor.

EXPERT TIP: Be sure to allow most of the marinade to drip from the shrimp before adding to the seasoned flour. You can toss in the flour again as it becomes absorbed by the clinging marinade on the shrimp.

A person tossing seasoned shrimp in all-purpose flour on a large oval platter.

How To Serve

We love to serve them how they do in fried fish shacks all around the country: In plastic food baskets lined with checkered wax paper!

These make a wonderful appetizer before the main course, or as an appetizer at a party or gathering of friends.

To make it a spectacular meal, serve them with homemade french fries and plenty of homemade cocktail sauce and tartar sauce.

EXPERT TIP: Fry the shrimp until they are deep golden color. They only take about 4 minutes. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan and allow the oil to get back to frying temperature (350°F) before frying the next batch.

An overhead view of three Southern-fried shrimp that are being raised from hot oil in a metal spider.

Other Fried Fish RecipesTo Try

We just love fried fish. It's comfort food at its very best. Here is a collection of some of our favorites that we are certain you and your family will love, too!

These are all amazing in their own way, but in the meantime, are these gems calling your name?

An overhead view of a basket lined with a red checkered paper and filled with Southern fried shrimp with a container of cocktail sauce and lemon wedges nearby.

Practically everyone loves fried shrimp, and this version is about as good as they come!

They are fun, festive, and addictively delicious!

Don't forget to make the homemade cocktail sauce and prepare for rave reviews!

A close-up view of a person plunging a Southern fried shrimp into a small metal bowl of homemade cocktail sauce.

Ready to make the best fried shrimp this side of New Orleans? Go for it!

And when you do, be sure to take a photo of it, post it on Instagram, and tag @HowToFeedaLoon and hashtag #HowToFeedaLoon!

A close-up view of a small white bowl filled with homemade cocktail sauce surrounded by fried shrimp and lemon wedges.

Southern-Fried Shrimp with Homemade Cocktail Sauce

Southern-Fried Shrimp with Homemade Cocktail Sauce is about as delicious as they come. We love using large (or even extra-large) shrimp here. The buttermilk and whole-grain mustard batter make them extra crunchy and SO amazingly delicious!

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