If you're craving something crispy and flavorful, this recipe for Panko Breaded Shrimp is just what you need. Each shrimp is coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs and pan-fried until golden brown. Each bite is perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Served with lemon wedges, marinara or your favorite dipping sauce., this recipe is simple but feels like something you'd order at a restaurant.
It's quick enough to make for a weeknight dinner and impressive enough to serve as an appetizer when entertaining. No matter how you serve it, this is a recipe everyone will love. If you are looking for more shrimp recipes, check out our: Blackened Shrimp Bowls with Cilantro Rice, Shrimp Luciano or Spicy Shrimp Lettuce Wraps.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Crispy: The panko breadcrumbs give the shrimp a light, golden coating that fries up perfectly crunchy. Every bite has that satisfying crisp texture that makes this recipe so perfect.
- Quick: With just a few simple steps and pantry staples, this recipe comes together in about 20 minutes. It's an easy option for busy nights when you want something homemade without the fuss.
- Versatile: Serve these shrimp as an appetizer with dipping sauces, pair them with fries for a fun dinner or add them to salads and pasta. However you enjoy them, they fit into so many meals perfectly.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need for this recipe:
- Shrimp: Use large, raw shrimp that are peeled and deveined. Tails can be left on for presentation or removed if you prefer.
- Eggs: Two eggs beaten lightly to help the panko coating stick.
- Flour: All-purpose flour works best for the first dredge.
- Panko breadcrumb
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt & black pepper
- Olive oil: Use light or regular olive oil for frying; avoid extra virgin since it has a low smoke point.
See recipe card below for quantities.
Instructions
Let's make these crunchy shrimp together!
- Step 1: Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs and one with panko mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Step 2: Dredge each shrimp in flour, then dip in egg, and coat evenly in the panko mixture.
- Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp in batches in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp.
- Step 4: Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and serve hot with lemon wedges, marinara, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this recipe:
- Shrimp: Use this same breading method with chicken tenders or fish fillets.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Swap panko for regular breadcrumbs if that's what you have on hand (they'll be less crispy but still tasty).
- Additions: Add paprika, cayenne, Italian seasoning, or Old Bay to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor. Mix shredded coconut into the panko for a sweeter, tropical-style shrimp.
Top Tips
Here are some expert tips to make this panko shrimp recipe:
- Dry the shrimp well: Pat shrimp with paper towels before coating so the breading sticks better.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Fry shrimp in batches so they crisp up evenly instead of steaming.
- Keep the oil hot: Make sure the oil is shimmering before adding shrimp; this ensures a golden crust.
- Serve immediately: The shrimp are at their crispiest right after frying.
- Dipping sauce options: These pair perfectly with classic dipping sauces like tartar and cocktail sauce, but you can also serve them with marinara, garlic aioli or a spicy sriracha mayo for extra flavor.
FAQ
Yes! You can bake the shrimp at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes or air fry them at 375°F for 7-8 minutes. They won't be quite as golden as pan-fried shrimp, but they'll still be crispy and delicious.
Large raw shrimp are the best choice since they hold up well to the breading and frying. Make sure they're peeled and deveined before starting the recipe.
Yes, you can leave the tails on if you'd like, it makes them easier to grab as an appetizer and gives a nice presentation. If you're serving them as part of a main dish, you may prefer to remove the tails for easier eating.
Pairing
Looking for the perfect pairing? Try these:
The Best Panko Breaded Shrimp Recipe
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Spider Strainer
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup panko
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons olive oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the coating: Set up three bowls - one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the shrimp: Dredge shrimp first in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat evenly in the panko mixture.
- Fry the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp in batches and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Serve hot with lemon wedges, marinara, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Did You Make This Recipe?
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