Roadside Seafood Fried Shrimp

CRISPY FRIED SHRIMP RECIPE

Steps:

• In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, 1 tablespoon salt, Old Bay seasoning, and black pepper.
• Place the buttermilk in a separate shallow bowl.
• Pour the oil into a medium Dutch oven or cast iron skillet and warm over medium-high heat until it reaches 375 degrees F.
• Meanwhile, pat the shrimp dry and dredge them in the flour mixture first, then coat with buttermilk, and dredge in the flour mixture again. Shake the shrimp after each coating to get off any excess flour or batter.
• Working in batches, fry shrimp until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes). Use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp to a paper towel-lined tray. Season with additional salt, to taste. You may need to increase the heat to keep the oil at a steady temperature between 350 degrees F and 375 degrees F as the shrimp fry.
• Keep the fried shrimp warm in a 200 degree F oven while you fry the remaining batches.

ALMOST-FAMOUS SPICY FRIED SHRIMP

Steps:

• Make the sauce: Mix the mayonnaise, chili sauce, honey, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon water in a large bowl; set aside.
• Prepare the shrimp: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 350 degrees F. Meanwhile, whisk the eggs in a shallow bowl. Whisk the flour, cornstarch and 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper in another shallow bowl.
• Working in batches, dredge the shrimp in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess, dip in the beaten eggs, then return to the flour mixture, turning to form a thick crust. Fry the shrimp in the hot oil until lightly golden, 1 to 2 minutes, adjusting the heat as needed to maintain the oil temperature. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate with a slotted spoon.
• Toss the shrimp with the prepared sauce. Arrange the lettuce in a shallow serving bowl or on individual plates. Top with the shrimp and garnish with scallions.