Inspired by the famous Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., this recipe brings a fun and flavorful way to enjoy crispy fried shrimp at home. The combination of tender shrimp coated in a seasoned flour mixture, dipped in eggs, and rolled in crunchy breadcrumbs with an optional coconut twist delivers a satisfying dish. Whether you’re hosting a seafood night or craving some restaurant-style fried shrimp, this recipe is simple enough to whip up in no time. Serve them with a side of your favorite dipping sauce and lemon wedges for that perfect tang.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Preparation:
Step 1: Start by preparing the shrimp. Peel and devein them if they aren’t prepped already. Pat them dry using paper towels to remove any moisture, which helps the coating stick better.
Step 2: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients—flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Whisk them together to evenly distribute the spices throughout the flour mixture.
Step 3: In another bowl, beat the eggs until fully mixed. Set up a breading station by placing the flour mixture in one bowl, the beaten eggs in another, and the breadcrumbs in a third bowl. If you want to add a tropical flair to your shrimp, mix in the shredded coconut with the breadcrumbs for a slightly sweet and crispy finish.
Step 4: Dredge each shrimp into the flour mixture, making sure it’s well-coated. Shake off the excess flour, then dip the shrimp into the beaten eggs, coating both sides.
Step 5: Next, roll the egg-coated shrimp into the breadcrumbs (and coconut, if using). Press lightly to make sure the breadcrumbs adhere well to the shrimp. Repeat this process for each shrimp, placing them on a tray once coated.
Step 6: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to about 350°F (175°C). If you’re using a skillet, ensure the oil is deep enough to submerge at least half the shrimp. Once the oil is hot, gently place the shrimp into the skillet in small batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
Step 7: Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat the frying process for all the shrimp.
COOKING Note:
- Ensure that the oil temperature stays consistent while frying the shrimp to achieve that perfect crispness. Too low a temperature will result in soggy shrimp, while too high may burn the exterior before the inside is fully cooked.
- If you are unsure whether the shrimp are cooked through, they should be opaque and slightly firm when done.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Bubba Gump Shrimp with lemon wedges for a zesty flavor boost.
- For dipping sauces, consider cocktail sauce for a classic touch, or spice things up with sriracha mayo or a sweet chili sauce.
- You can also pair the shrimp with a side of coleslaw or French fries to make it a full meal.
Tips:
- If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the shrimp instead of frying. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and spray the shrimp lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until crispy and golden, flipping halfway through.
- Add a bit of grated parmesan to the breadcrumb mixture for a savory kick.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of cayenne pepper, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Sodium: 570mg
FAQs:
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp? A: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. Excess moisture will make it harder for the coating to stick and may result in soggy shrimp.
Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? A: Yes! You can bread the shrimp and refrigerate them for up to a few hours before frying. This makes it easy to prepare the shrimp in advance if you’re hosting a party or gathering.
Q: What can I substitute if I don’t have cornstarch? A: You can use more all-purpose flour if you don’t have cornstarch. However, cornstarch helps to achieve a lighter, crispier texture, so it’s a good ingredient to include if possible.
Q: How do I prevent the breading from falling off while frying? A: Make sure your shrimp are dry before breading them, and avoid overcrowding the pan while frying. Overcrowding causes the temperature of the oil to drop, making the coating less likely to adhere properly.
Q: Can I add other spices to the breading mix? A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the seasoning by adding herbs like thyme or basil, or spices like smoked paprika or chili powder for an extra kick.
Conclusion:
This Bubba Gump Shrimp recipe brings a taste of restaurant-quality fried shrimp to your home kitchen. With its perfect blend of seasonings, crunch from the breadcrumbs, and optional sweetness from coconut, it’s a delightful dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing for a seafood feast, these shrimp are the perfect go-to. Don’t forget to squeeze fresh lemon over them just before serving for a burst of freshness, and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!
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Bubba Gump Shrimp
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1: Start by preparing the shrimp. Peel and devein them if they aren’t prepped already. Pat them dry using paper towels to remove any moisture, which helps the coating stick better.
Step 2: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients—flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Whisk them together to evenly distribute the spices throughout the flour mixture.
Step 3: In another bowl, beat the eggs until fully mixed. Set up a breading station by placing the flour mixture in one bowl, the beaten eggs in another, and the breadcrumbs in a third bowl. If you want to add a tropical flair to your shrimp, mix in the shredded coconut with the breadcrumbs for a slightly sweet and crispy finish.
Step 4: Dredge each shrimp into the flour mixture, making sure it’s well-coated. Shake off the excess flour, then dip the shrimp into the beaten eggs, coating both sides.
Step 5: Next, roll the egg-coated shrimp into the breadcrumbs (and coconut, if using). Press lightly to make sure the breadcrumbs adhere well to the shrimp. Repeat this process for each shrimp, placing them on a tray once coated.
Step 6: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to about 350°F (175°C). If you’re using a skillet, ensure the oil is deep enough to submerge at least half the shrimp. Once the oil is hot, gently place the shrimp into the skillet in small batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
Step 7: Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat the frying process for all the shrimp.
Notes
COOKING Note:
- Ensure that the oil temperature stays consistent while frying the shrimp to achieve that perfect crispness. Too low a temperature will result in soggy shrimp, while too high may burn the exterior before the inside is fully cooked.
- If you are unsure whether the shrimp are cooked through, they should be opaque and slightly firm when done.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sodium: 570mg
- Protein: 22g