Hey there! I’m Thomas, and today I’ll show you my foolproof method for making restaurant-quality panko-breaded shrimp that’s super crunchy on the outside and perfectly juicy on the inside. Trust me, once you master this technique, you’ll never want to order takeout again!
Picking the Right Shrimp
Before we dive into the breading process, let’s talk about choosing the right shrimp:
- Go for large or jumbo shrimp (U12 or U15 size)
- Make sure they’re raw, not pre-cooked
- Get them peeled and deveined
- Keep the tails on – they make perfect handles!
Setting Up Your Breading Station
Here’s what you’ll need for the perfect three-stage breading setup
Bowl 1 Seasoned Flour
- All-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: garlic powder
Bowl 2 Egg Wash
- Beaten eggs
- Optional: splash of milk
Bowl 3: Panko Breadcrumbs
- Plain panko breadcrumbs
- Optional: dried herbs or seasonings
The Breading Process
-
Prep the Shrimp:
- Rinse under cold water
- Pat completely dry with paper towels
- Make small cuts along the underside to help them lay flat
- Season with salt and pepper
-
The Breading Technique:
- Dredge in flour – shake off excess
- Dip in egg wash – let extra drip off
- Press firmly into panko breadcrumbs
- Place on a baking sheet without stacking
Pro tip: Let the breaded shrimp rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking – this helps the coating stick better!
Cooking Methods
Deep Frying (My Favorite Method)
- Heat oil to 350°F
- Fry 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown
- Work in small batches
- Drain on paper towels
- Season with salt while hot
Baking (Healthier Option)
- Preheat oven to 400°F
- Place on parchment-lined baking sheet
- Bake 5 minutes per side
- Finish under broiler for extra crispiness
Serving Suggestions
These crispy bites are super versatile! Try them:
- As an appetizer with dipping sauces
- In tacos or po’ boys
- On top of salads
- With rice and veggies
My Favorite Dipping Sauces
- Sriracha mayo
- Sweet chili sauce
- Classic cocktail sauce
- Tartar sauce
Troubleshooting Tips
If your breading isn’t sticking:
- Make sure shrimp are completely dry
- Press panko firmly onto shrimp
- Don’t skip the resting period
- Maintain proper oil temperature
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this guide in more detail?
What to Serve With Panko Shrimp
Looking for a delicious side dish to serve with your fried shrimp? Here are some tasty options!
Of course, simple sides like fries, rice, or a green salad work nicely, too.
Store panko fried shrimp in the fridge for up to 3 days. Enjoy them cold or reheat them in an air fryer for a couple of minutes or a hot oven until the shrimp are warmed through. I don’t recommend reheating in the microwave because the breading can get soggy and the shrimp may become rubbery.
Panko shrimp can be frozen for up to 3 months in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
How to Make Fried Shrimp With Panko
This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.
Step 1: Pour 3 inches of oil into your deep fryer or Dutch oven. Preheat to 350°F.
Step 2: Pat the raw shrimp dry with paper towels while the oil heats.
Step 3: Grab a gallon sized bag, and add the flour and seasonings. Shake to combine.
Step 4: Add the shrimp to the bag of flour and seasonings. Close the top, and shake the bag to coat the shrimp. Set aside.
Step 5: Whisk your eggs and water in a shallow bowl until combined.
Step 6: Add your panko breadcrumbs to another shallow dish.
Step 7: Take a few shrimp at a time out of the bag, and place them in the egg mixture, turning until they are coated.
Step 8: Let the excess egg wash drip off, then place the shrimp into the breadcrumbs. Coat them completely with the breadcrumbs, gently pressing them into the shrimp so they stick.
Step 9: Place the breaded shrimp on the prepared sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining shrimp.
Step 10: Once the oil is hot, carefully add shrimp to the hot oil in batches. Don’t crowd the pan. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes, until golden brown. Your meat thermometer should read that the shrimp has an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 11: Remove the shrimp from the fryer, and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Immediately transfer them to a wire rack set on top of a baking sheet to catch any drips. The wire rack allows for air circulation, which will keep the shrimp crispy.
Step 12: Repeat steps 10 and 11 with the remaining shrimp. Serve the breaded shrimp with chopped parsley, lemon wedges, and cocktail sauce.
How to Make Panko Fried Shrimp!! – Crispy Breaded Shrimps Recipe
FAQ
How do I get breading to stick to shrimp?
Use a Cornstarch or Flour Coating: Before dipping the shrimp in the batter, lightly coat them in cornstarch or flour. This creates a dry surface for the batter to stick to.
How to use panko for breading?
This. It’s a 3-step process: first a dredge in flour, then a dip in egg, then finally a coating of panko.
Why is my panko not sticking to my shrimp?
Recipe Tips for Panko Shrimp
You want to make the shrimp as dry as possible and remove any excess moisture prior to seasoning and frying. Once the shrimp are dredged in the seasoning mix, let them rest for 10-15 minutes while the oil heats up. This helps the batter stick to the shrimp when frying!
How to add panko to shrimp?
Mix flour and paprika together in a shallow bowl. Place eggs in a second bowl and panko in a third bowl. Heat oil in a deep fryer or deep skillet to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Dip each shrimp into flour mixture, then into egg, and finally into panko crumbs to coat.
How to cook Panko shrimp?
Garlic Powder: Garlic powder infuses a mild, savory note that complements the sweetness of the shrimp. Cooking Oil: Cooking oil, used for frying, is key to achieving that golden, crispy exterior. A high smoke point oil is preferred for the best results. Cooking Panko Shrimp is a straightforward process that results in a delicious, crispy dish.
Can you cook shrimp breaded with panko in a deep fryer?
Cooking shrimp breaded with Panko in a deep fryer is a great way to achieve a crispy, golden exterior. Here’s how to do it: Prepare the Shrimp: Clean and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on for easy handling. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture, which is key for the breading to adhere properly.
How do you cook shrimp in panko crumbs?
Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and seasoning salt. Put panko crumbs in a shallow dish. Add seasonings to taste and mix well. Put flour in a separate shallow dish. Beat the eggs and water together. Dip the shrimp in the egg-water mixture. Add the shrimp to the flour. Toss to coat. Dip again in egg-water mixture. Toss shrimp in panko crumbs.
What to eat with panko shrimp?
These crunchy panko shrimp are seasoned with spices, coated with panko breadcrumbs, and fried to perfection! Enjoy these as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. Serve this with cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, honey mustard, spicy aioli, or by itself with lemon wedges. Want to save this recipe?
What is Panko bread?
Panko is a Japanese-style breadcrumb traditionally used as a coating for making tonkatsu or chicken katsu. Panko is made with bread without crust. The crustless bread is costly ground into large airy flakes. resulting in a crunchier texture after deep-frying. 1. Cleaned and seasoned the shrimp
How long does Panko shrimp last?
Cook for 8 minutes, flipping halfway. These panko shrimp are best enjoyed immediately while the panko breading is still hot and crispy but any leftovers will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Looking For What To Serve With These Panko Shrimp?