Tired of greasy takeout? Craving crispy, juicy shrimp but don't want the guilt of deep-frying? Then you've come to the right place! This oven-fried shrimp recipe delivers all the flavor and satisfying crunch of your favorite fried shrimp, but with a significantly healthier twist. It's a quick dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights, and a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest. Get ready to experience a delicious dish that's both easy and satisfying!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels; this is crucial for achieving a crispy crust.
Step 2: Make the Breading
In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Step 3: Bread the Shrimp
Dip each shrimp into the milk or buttermilk, then dredge it thoroughly in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Place the breaded shrimp on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one for even cooking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Lightly spray the shrimp with cooking spray. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, and the breading is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your oven-fried shrimp immediately. They're fantastic on their own, with a dipping sauce (cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or even a spicy mayo are all great options), or as part of a larger meal.
Tips for Oven-Fried Shrimp Success:
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: This ensures even cooking and prevents steaming. Work in batches if necessary.
- Pat the shrimp dry: Moisture is the enemy of crispy breading. Make sure your shrimp are completely dry before breading.
- Adjust the spices: Feel free to customize the spice blend to your liking. Add more cayenne for extra heat, or experiment with other spices like Old Bay seasoning or Italian seasoning.
- Use panko breadcrumbs: For an extra-crispy coating, try substituting half of the all-purpose flour with panko breadcrumbs.
Variations:
- Lemon Herb Shrimp: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 1 teaspoon of dried herbs (such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary) to the flour mixture.
- Spicy Shrimp: Increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Garlic Parmesan Shrimp: Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the flour mixture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of the shrimp and the amount of cooking spray used. However, a general estimate per 3-4 oz serving is:
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Fat: Approximately 5-10g
This oven-fried shrimp recipe is a simple, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy this classic dish. It's a perfect example of how easy it is to create healthy meals without sacrificing flavor. Enjoy!