Southern-Style Fried Shrimp with Spicy Remoulade
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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 3: Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F, about 5 minutes.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep all-purpose flour from drying out.
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My family devoured these in 10 minutes flat. The remoulade recipe is a keeper for summer cookouts.
- ★★★★★
This recipe saved my Sunday dinner party. The remoulade was a hit with my guests, and the shrimp cooked up golden every time.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! The shrimp were perfectly crispy and the remoulade added just the right kick.