Description
Become skilled at creating perfectly crispy fried prawns with this simple yet delicious recipe that brings restaurant-quality results to your home kitchen.
This classic fried prawn recipe features a light, crispy coating that boosts the natural sweetness of the prawns. The buttermilk-based marinade will give tender, juicy meat while the seasoned flour coating creates that irresistible crunch you want.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound medium-sized prawns, peeled and deveined.
- 1 cup buttermilk.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour.
- 1½ tablespoons Old Bay seasoning.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Vegetable oil for frying.
Instructions
- Prepare the Prawns: Pat the prawns dry with paper towels. This step is vital to achieve an even sear.
- Make the Coating: Mix flour, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. Pour the buttermilk in a separate bowl.
- Coat the Prawns: Dip each prawn in the buttermilk, then dredge in the seasoned flour mixture. Shake off excess flour and place on a wire rack.
- Rest the Coating: Let the breaded prawns chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes so the coating sticks better.
- Heat the Oil: Add oil to a depth of 1 inch in a heavy skillet or Dutch oven. Heat to 375°F.
- Fry in Batches: Cook the prawns for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Small batches work best – avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Drain: Use a slotted spoon to transfer prawns to a paper towel-lined wire rack to drain excess oil.
Notes
– Your prawns will be crispiest when oil stays between 350-375°F.
– The refrigerator rest time makes a big difference – don’t skip it.
– Try cooking one prawn first to check timing and temperature.
– Make sure prawns reach 145°F internal temperature for safety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American Southern