How to Make Turkish Fried Shrimp
Turkish fried shrimp, known for their delightful crunch and rich flavor, are a popular dish that can bring a taste of the Mediterranean right to your home. This recipe will guide you through the steps to create this delectable treat, perfect for appetizers or as a main course. Let’s dive into how to make Turkish fried shrimp!
Ingredients
- 1 pound medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko for extra crunch)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying (vegetable or olive oil)
- Fresh lemon wedges (for serving)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, ensuring that they fry up crisp.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
In three separate shallow dishes, prepare your breading station. In the first dish, place the flour, adding salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. In the second dish, beat the eggs. In the third dish, add the breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Bread the Shrimp
To bread the shrimp, first dip each shrimp into the flour mixture, coating it evenly. Shake off any excess flour before moving it to the beaten eggs. Finally, roll the shrimp in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Set them aside on a plate, and repeat this process until all shrimp are coated.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat about an inch of oil over medium-high heat. To check if the oil is hot enough, drop in a small piece of bread; if it sizzles and turns golden, the oil is ready for frying.
Step 5: Fry the Shrimp
Carefully add the breaded shrimp to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp from the oil and drain them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the Turkish fried shrimp hot, garnished with chopped parsley and accompanied by lemon wedges for squeezing over the top. They can be enjoyed alone or with a variety of dipping sauces such as garlic yogurt, tartar sauce, or a spicy harissa dip.
Conclusion
Making Turkish fried shrimp at home is a simple yet rewarding process. With its crispy exterior and succulent interior, this dish is sure to impress family and friends. Enjoy this culinary delight as part of a meze platter or as a standalone treat for your next gathering!