Are you craving a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious dinner? Look no further! This panko shrimp recipe is your answer. It's packed with flavor, incredibly crispy, and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual get-together, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience the delightful crunch of panko-breaded shrimp – it's pure bliss!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup milk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a super crispy crust. Excess moisture is the enemy of crispy panko!
Prepare the Breading Station:
- Set up three shallow dishes. In the first, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. In the second, place the beaten egg mixed with the milk. In the third, pour the panko bread crumbs.
Bread the Shrimp:
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Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated.
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Dip the floured shrimp into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off.
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Finally, coat the shrimp thoroughly in the panko bread crumbs, pressing gently to help them adhere.
Fry the Shrimp:
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Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a pinch of panko sizzles immediately.
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Carefully place the breaded shrimp in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.
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Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The shrimp should be opaque and pink throughout.
Serve and Enjoy:
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Remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
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Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or a spicy mayo.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Panko Shrimp:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: This will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy shrimp. Fry in batches for best results.
- Use high-quality panko: Panko bread crumbs are coarser than regular bread crumbs, resulting in a lighter and crispier crust.
- Don't skip the drying step: Patting the shrimp dry is essential for achieving maximum crispiness.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile.
Variations:
- Spicy Shrimp: Add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for extra heat.
- Garlic Parmesan Shrimp: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the panko bread crumbs for a cheesy twist.
- Lemon Herb Shrimp: Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme to the flour mixture and a squeeze of lemon juice to the egg wash.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This panko shrimp recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. It's a delicious and healthy meal that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!