Zesty Shrimp Delight

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 4 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Welcome to a delightful culinary adventure with our Zesty Shrimp Delight! This recipe combines the perfect blend of spice and crunch, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your guests with this easy-to-follow guide.

Ingredients for Zesty Shrimp Delight

Shrimp are the star of the show here, offering a mild, sweet flavor and firm texture that crisps up beautifully when fried. The coating of all-purpose flour and cornstarch creates a light, crispy exterior. A touch of salt and black pepper seasons the shrimp without overpowering them. Buttermilk ensures the flour mixture adheres well and adds a slight tang. For the sauce, mayonnaise provides a creamy base, while sweet chili sauce and sriracha contribute a perfect balance of sweetness and heat. A splash of lime juice brightens the flavors, while vegetable oil is ideal for frying due to its neutral taste. Finally, chopped green onions add a fresh, vibrant finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature, ensuring even cooking.
  • For an extra crunchy texture, double dip the shrimp—flour, buttermilk, then flour again.
  • Adjust the sriracha level according to your spice preference—less for mild, more for fiery.
  • Dry your shrimp thoroughly before dipping to ensure the coating adheres well.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Zesty Shrimp Delight over a bed of warm jasmine rice or alongside a fresh garden salad for a light, refreshing meal. A squeeze of extra lime over the top adds a zesty kick. Pair with a cool, crisp white wine or a chilled lager to complement the rich flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before cooking.
Is there a substitute for buttermilk?
Mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a quick substitute.
Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispness.

Zesty Shrimp Delight Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preparing your coating mixture. In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Give it a quick whisk to ensure everything is evenly distributed.

Now, move on to the shrimp. Dip each piece into the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it thoroughly in the flour mixture. You might want to press lightly to ensure the coating sticks well.

Heat your vegetable oil to 350°F in a deep fryer or a large pot. If you don't have a thermometer, drop a small piece of coated flour into the oil; it should sizzle and float to the top. Fry the shrimp in batches, careful not to overcrowd the pot, for about 3-4 minutes until they're golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

While the shrimp are frying, prepare the sauce. In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice. Whisk until smooth and taste to adjust the heat level if necessary.

Once all the shrimp are fried, toss them in the sauce until well-coated. Make sure each piece is generously covered for maximum flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to prepare and cook—perfect for weeknight dinners.
  • A balance of crispy texture and zesty flavor.
  • Customizable spice levels to suit your taste.
  • Uses everyday ingredients you probably have in your pantry.

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
1 tbsp sriracha
1 tsp lime juice
Vegetable oil for frying
Chopped green onions for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
2. Dip shrimp in buttermilk, then coat in flour mixture.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F.
4. Fry shrimp in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
5. In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice to make the sauce.
6. Toss fried shrimp in the sauce until well coated.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

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