Southern-Style Fried Shrimp with Spicy Remoulade

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Delight in lightly battered shrimp fried to golden perfection, served with a zesty homemade remoulade sauce that adds a spicy kick reminiscent of Southern classics. This southern american-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, all-purpose flour, cornstarch for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Southern American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the dredge.
  2. Step 2: Pour 1 cup buttermilk into another bowl. Dip 1 lb large shrimp into the buttermilk, then dredge in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F, about 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  5. Step 5: For the remoulade, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp hot sauce, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika in a small bowl. Mix until smooth.
  6. Step 6: Serve the fried shrimp hot alongside the spicy remoulade sauce for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Southern-Style Fried Shrimp with Spicy Remoulade take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Southern-Style Fried Shrimp with Spicy Remoulade?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Southern-Style Fried Shrimp with Spicy Remoulade?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Southern-Style Fried Shrimp with Spicy Remoulade for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Southern-Style Fried Shrimp with Spicy Remoulade?

Southern American seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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