Golden Panko Shrimp Recipe: Irresistibly Crispy Bites

Seafood enthusiasts adore this quick panko shrimp recipe that delivers restaurant-quality crunch in minutes.

Golden-brown breading creates an irresistible exterior that seals in tender, succulent shrimp.

The crispy panko coating adds a delightful texture that makes each bite extraordinary.

Light, airy breadcrumbs provide the perfect golden shell for these delectable morsels.

Salt and pepper enhance the natural sweetness of the shrimp, creating a balanced flavor profile.

Simple ingredients transform an ordinary meal into something spectacular.

These shrimp will become your new favorite go-to appetizer or main course.

Plating Shrimp for Parties or Appetizers

• Beachside Picnic Platter: Arrange crispy panko shrimp on a rustic wooden board with fresh lemon wedges, colorful coleslaw, and homemade tartar sauce for a perfect seaside dining experience.
• Cocktail Party Appetizer: Serve bite-sized panko shrimp on small skewers with dipping sauces like sweet chili, sriracha mayo, or classic cocktail sauce for elegant party snacking.
• Tropical Salad Topper: Slice the golden shrimp and sprinkle over a bed of mixed greens, mango chunks, cucumber, and drizzle with a light citrus vinaigrette for a refreshing meal.
• Family-Style Dinner Spread: Create a fun interactive meal by placing shrimp in a large central platter with various sides like rice, roasted vegetables, and multiple dipping sauces for everyone to enjoy together.

Keep Fried Shrimp Crunchy After Cooking

• Store crispy shrimp in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for maximum 2 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to maintain crispiness and prevent sticking.
• Revive cold shrimp in a preheated oven at 375F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy texture and preserve original crunchiness.
• Wrap cooled shrimp individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze up to 1 month for future enjoyment. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Chop cold shrimp and toss into salads, use as protein topping for grain bowls, or create delicious shrimp tacos for quick meal repurposing.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 120 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Crisp Panko Shrimp

• Flour: Helps breading stick and creates a crispy outer layer, choose all-purpose flour for best results.
• Eggs: Provides binding for breading, use fresh eggs at room temperature for smoother coating.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates ultra-crispy texture, look for Japanese-style breadcrumbs with light, airy consistency.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor, use fine sea salt for even distribution.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth, freshly ground provides more robust taste.
• Garlic Powder: Introduces savory undertones, choose high-quality powder for intense flavor.
• Paprika: Contributes warm color and mild sweetness, sweet or smoked varieties work well.

• Shrimp: Delivers tender seafood centerpiece, select medium-large size with firm, translucent appearance and fresh ocean scent.

• Vegetable Oil: Enables deep frying and crispy exterior, choose neutral oil with high smoke point like canola or peanut oil.
• Paper Towels: Helps drain excess oil and maintain crispiness, use multiple layers for best absorption.

Tools That Make Frying Panko Shrimp a Breeze

• Large Skillet: Essential for evenly frying shrimp with golden crispy coating.
• Slotted Spoon: Perfect for safely removing shrimp from hot oil and draining excess oil.
• Three Bowls: Ideal for creating separate stations for flour, egg, and panko breadcrumb coating.
• Paper Towels: Great for absorbing extra oil after frying shrimp.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Helpful for precise seasoning and ingredient proportions.
• Thermometer: Optional but recommended to check oil temperature for perfect frying.

How to Bread and Cook Golden Shrimp

• Create Seasoned Coating

Mix panko breadcrumbs with aromatic spices to develop a crispy, flavorful shell that will transform ordinary shrimp into a mouthwatering dish.

• Dunk and Dress Shrimp

Gently roll each shrimp through flour, then bathe in beaten eggs, and finally wrap in the seasoned panko mixture, ensuring a complete and even coverage.

• Sizzle to Golden Perfection

Pour vegetable oil into a spacious skillet and warm it until it shimmers with heat, signaling it’s ready for frying. Carefully slide shrimp into the hot oil, allowing them to dance and turn a gorgeous golden brown.

• Drain and Rest

Transfer the crispy shrimp onto paper towels, letting excess oil melt away. This crucial step ensures a crunchy exterior and prevents sogginess, creating a restaurant-quality seafood experience right in your kitchen.

Dipping Sauces That Pair Well With Crunchy Shrimp

• Press panko breadcrumbs firmly onto shrimp to ensure a thick, extra-crispy coating that won't fall off during frying.
• Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain consistent 350F oil temperature, preventing soggy or overly greasy shrimp.
• Swap wheat flour for cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free panko for celiac-friendly version.
• Replace traditional panko with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly breading that delivers similar crunch.
• Prepare breaded shrimp in advance and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before frying, which helps coating set and stick better.

Crispy Panko Shrimp Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Crispy panko shrimp delivers a golden-crusted seafood sensation that whisks diners straight to coastal culinary bliss. Succulent shrimp wrapped in crunchy panko breadcrumbs promises a perfect harmony of texture and flavor for weekend dinner excitement.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) shrimp, large, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
• 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)
• Dipping sauce of choice (cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or spicy mayo)

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Instructions

1. Coating Preparation: Arrange three seasoned stations – flour for initial dusting, whisked eggs for binding, and spice-infused panko breadcrumbs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Shrimp Transformation: Methodically enrobe each shrimp by first rolling in flour, then immersing in egg wash, and finally encasing with seasoned panko, gently pressing to ensure complete coverage.
3. Oil Calibration: Warm a large skillet with oil, monitoring temperature until it reaches precise 350F (175C), creating optimal frying conditions for crisp exterior and tender interior.
4. Culinary Execution: Strategically fry shrimp in controlled batches, achieving golden-brown perfection within approximately 2 minutes per side, then transfer to paper towels for excess oil absorption, ensuring a delicate, crunchy texture.

Notes

• Maintain consistent 350F to prevent soggy or burnt panko coating, ensuring crispy, golden-brown exterior without greasy texture.
• Fry shrimp in small batches to maintain oil temperature and prevent shrimp from sticking together, guaranteeing even, crisp coating.
• Remove excess moisture before coating to help panko adhere better and create crunchier, more uniform breading.
• Incorporate spices directly into panko breadcrumbs for more intense, evenly distributed flavor throughout the crispy coating.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg