Fried shrimp with garlic and parmesan is a luxurious yet simple seafood dish that delivers a bold punch of flavor with every bite. The crispy texture of perfectly fried shrimp pairs harmoniously with the robust taste of garlic and the nutty, salty essence of freshly grated parmesan cheese.
This recipe is ideal for seafood lovers looking for a quick, restaurant-quality dish to prepare at home. Whether served as an appetizer, a main course, or a savory addition to pasta or salad, this dish is guaranteed to impress. The recipe balances the freshness of shrimp with a crunchy coating and a touch of spice, enhanced by the richness of garlic and the savory depth of parmesan. Easy to cook and incredibly satisfying, fried shrimp with garlic and parmesan is the perfect choice for any occasion, from casual dinners to festive gatherings.
Ingredients
• 500 grams (1.1 lb) of large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated preferred)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1½ cups breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying (about 2–3 cups)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp – Begin by rinsing the peeled and deveined shrimp under cold water. Pat them dry thoroughly using a paper towel to remove any moisture, which helps ensure a crispy fry. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Set up the breading station – In three separate shallow bowls, place the flour in the first bowl, beat the eggs in the second bowl, and combine breadcrumbs with half of the parmesan, paprika, and cayenne in the third. Mix the breadcrumb mixture thoroughly.
- Coat the shrimp – Dredge each shrimp first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the parmesan-breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Heat the oil – In a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, heat about 2–3 cups of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop in a small piece of bread or batter — it should sizzle and turn golden in about 30 seconds.
- Fry the shrimp – Fry the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook each batch for about 2–3 minutes per side or until the coating is golden brown and the shrimp are cooked through. Remove the shrimp using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Sauté the garlic – In a separate small pan, add a tablespoon of oil and sauté the minced garlic on low heat until golden and aromatic. Do not let it burn.
- Add parmesan and garlic – While the shrimp are still warm, sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese over them. Then drizzle or toss them gently with the sautéed garlic to coat the shrimp evenly.
- Garnish and serve – Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a refreshing citrus kick. Optionally, you can serve these crispy garlic parmesan shrimp with a light dipping sauce such as garlic aioli, marinara, or lemon butter.