1 lb raw shrimp, peeled, tails intact
1 cup cornmeal
1 egg
2 tablespoons Old Bay
salt
black pepper
canola oil
Directions:
Whisk together the salt, pepper, Old Bay, and cornmeal. Pour into a shallow bowl and set aside. Beat an egg in a second bowl. Heat about 1 1/2 inches of oil in a large saucepan or skillet, enough to cover the shrimp. Dredge the shrimp in egg, then dip into the cornmeal mixture. Make sure all sides are coated. Heat about 1/2 in oil in a large pan. Drop in a single layer into the hot oil and cook about 3 minutes or until crisp and cooked through. They should sink then you put them in, then float when cooked. Drain on paper towel lined plates. Serve hot.
My thoughts:
To me, nothing says “Summer” like Old Bay whether it is in steamed crabs, potato salad, shrimp salad, sprinkled on french fries or deviled eggs. I had never made fried shrimp before but it couldn’t be easier. I used a large fairly shallow skillet and was able to cook most of the shrimp at the same time and they didn’t need to be flipped so it was even easier than most things to pan-fry. As for the shrimp themselves? The greaseless* outside was perfectly spiced by the Old Bay, is crisp while the inside is bursting with sweet juicy shrimp flavor.
*The trick is to make sure the oil is really hot before adding the shrimp. If it is too cool, the food will absorb the oil.
Looks delicious, and the recipe is simple. Yum!
I love Old Bay – I use it when I make homemade potato chips.
I too am a big fan of old bay. am wondering, since i am used to putting corn meal in the oven (when making bread, etc) if these shrimp could be baked?
Hanni-I’ve never baked shrimp, but I am sure it is worth a shot.
Hey! There’s this recipe for potatoe wedges “recipe free” on Chow.com. You season them with Old Bay. 🙂 I gotta get some. I have never tried it before.
ohh man! i just got home from my beach vacation and these shrimp would have been amazing to try while i was there. but hey, that’s not going to stop me from trying the recipe here at home. thanks for sharing…old bay makes just about everything taste better 🙂
I think it’s ‘cuz my family is from Louisiana or something but I was like 12 before I found out that anything could actually be made without Old Bay. But really… why would you?
Looks great! Old bay is my favorite spice mix.
Shrimp and Old Bay are a perfect combination. I think I will get some myself. Old Bay is wonderful.
Company coming this weekend, this may just be our snacky appetizer!
That’s a great photo! I’ve never thought of using cornmeal. I’ll have to try this.
I made these tonight and they were fantastic! The cornmeal made them so light and the Old Bay seasoning was perfect. I can’t wait to make them again. Thanks for such a great recipe.