Are you tired of the same old French fries? Do you want to try something new and exciting? Look no further than shrimp fries! This recipe takes the classic French fry and adds a flavorful twist with succulent, juicy shrimp. In this article, we will guide you through a step-by-step process to make the perfect shrimp fries that will leave your taste buds craving more.
Ingredients
To make the perfect shrimp fries, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut into thin sticks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- Oil, for frying
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the potato sticks, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat the potatoes evenly.
- Spread the potatoes out on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown.
- While the potatoes are baking, prepare the shrimp. Place the flour in a shallow dish. Beat the eggs in another shallow dish. Place the panko bread crumbs in a third shallow dish.
- Dip each shrimp first in the flour, then in the beaten eggs, and finally in the panko bread crumbs, pressing to coat the shrimp evenly.
- Heat the oil in a deep fryer or a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the shrimp in batches and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
- Remove the shrimp from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve the shrimp immediately with the crispy baked potatoes on the side.
Tips and Tricks
- Make sure to dry the shrimp thoroughly before coating them in the flour, eggs, and bread crumbs to ensure that the coating sticks properly.
- To make the recipe even more flavorful, add some grated Parmesan cheese to the panko bread crumbs before coating the shrimp.
- If you don’t have a deep fryer, you can use a large pot to fry the shrimp. Make sure to use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature and keep it at around 350°F.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot when frying the shrimp. This will cause the temperature of the oil to drop, resulting in soggy shrimp.
Variations
- For a spicy kick, add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the coating mixture.
- Instead of using panko bread crumbs, you can use regular bread crumbs or even crushed cornflakes.
- If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the shrimp instead of frying them. Simply coat them in the bread crumb mixture and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Conclusion
Shrimp fries are a delicious and easy-to-make twist on classic French fries. With a crispy and flavorful coating, succulent shrimp, and crispy baked potatoes, this recipe is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
