✨🍤 Southern-Style Fried Shrimp & Grits 🌾✨
✨ I wanted shrimp & grits but decided to switch things up and make Southern-style fried shrimp instead of the usual sautéed shrimp and I don’t think I can make shrimp without making it this way too anymore 😂 The breading uses a combo of self-rising flour, corn flour, and yellow cornmeal, so you get a crispy, slightly textured coating without completely losing the shrimp under it
🛒 What you’ll need:
🍤 1 1/2-2lbs large shrimp, peeled & deveined
🌾 1 cup self-rising flour
🌽 1 cup corn flour
🌽 3/4 cup yellow cornmeal
🌶️ 2-3 tbsp Creole seasoning
🥛 1/2 cup whole buttermilk
🥚 2 large eggs
🛢️ Canola oil, for frying
🥣 And of course, you’ll need your favorite grits + shredded cheese to finish the meal! 🧀
👩🏾🍳 How I made the shrimp:
1️⃣ Make the breading
~ Mix the self-rising flour, corn flour, cornmeal and Creole seasoning together in a large bowl
2️⃣ Make the wet mixture
~ In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs. Scoop about 1/2 cup of your flour mixture into the wet mixture and stir it in. This creates more of a loose batter instead of you just dipping the shrimp into plain egg and buttermilk.
3️⃣ Get those shrimp seasoned & coated 🍤
~ Pat your shrimp dry first. I like mine WELL seasoned… as you should probably tell by now 😂 Toss them into the wet batter until they’re completely coated
4️⃣ Dredge ’em!
~ Let the excess batter drip off, then transfer a few shrimp at a time into the dry mixture. Press the breading onto them gently and shake off any excess
🛑 DON’T skip this next part: let your breaded shrimp rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes to cool
5️⃣ TIME TO FRY 🔥
~ Heat your oil and fry the shrimp in small batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan. They cook quick, about 2 minutes each side, just until they’re golden, crispy and cooked through. Let the oil come back up to temperature before you add in your next batch
6️⃣ Bring it all together 🤤
~ Spoon those hot grits into your bowl or meal-prep container, add some shredded cheese and butter if you’re feeling it, and pile those crispy shrimp RIGHT on top or beside it
✨ And THAT’S dinner (or breakfast 😉)
💬 Let’s chat! Would you rather have your shrimp & grits like THIS or with the traditional sautéed/saucy shrimp (cuz I whole made both 💀) And do you like your grits cheesy or plain? Let me know down below! 👇🏾
#lemon8challenge #cookwithlemon8 #shrimpandgrits #friedshrimp #comfortfood
If you're a fan of Southern cuisine, fried shrimp and grits is an absolute comfort food that delivers on both flavor and texture. The magic in this recipe truly lies in the breading mixture, combining self-rising flour, corn flour, and yellow cornmeal. This combo not only gives the shrimp an irresistible crunch but also a pleasing texture without overpowering the natural shrimp flavor. One trick I learned is to pat the shrimp dry thoroughly before dipping them into the wet batter made up of buttermilk, eggs, and a scoop of the dry mix. This step ensures the breading sticks nicely and creates that luscious crispy crust. Allowing the breaded shrimp to rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes before frying is essential. This chilling period helps the coating firm up so it doesn't fall off during frying. When frying, heat the oil to the right temperature and cook the shrimp in small batches. Crowding the pan can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy shrimp rather than crispy ones. Frying shrimp for about 2-4 minutes per side will achieve a gorgeous golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Pairing these crusty fried shrimp with a bowl of creamy grits topped with shredded cheese and butter makes for a soul-satisfying meal that's great for any time of day—whether breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can customize the grits with your favorite cheese type; sharp cheddar adds a nice tang, or you can keep it classic with creamy Monterey Jack. Adding a sprinkle of Creole seasoning to the breading mixture introduces a gentle heat and a depth of flavor reminiscent of New Orleans cooking traditions. From my experience, making this dish at home impresses guests and family alike. The combination of crunchy shrimp and smooth, cheesy grits is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s simple enough to prepare on a weeknight with accessible ingredients. Try serving with a side of sautéed greens or a fresh tomato salad to balance out the richness. Give this Southern-style fried shrimp and grits recipe a try and enjoy a delightful twist on a beloved classic comfort dish!
They were so good and I loved the crispiness... it took time to make but it was worth it!!