Southern Style Fried Shrimp with Spicy Cocktail Sauce

The batter is crisp. The shrimp is tender. The flavor is so yummy, you'll want to pop them again and again. The cocktail sauce is packed with so much horseradish, it will open your sinuses.

Battered fried shrimp reminds me of my Papa. It was one of the last family meals we had all together with my Mother, and he was eating fried shrimp and this spicy cocktail sauce. He was laughing about how the sauce had so much horseradish that it was a shock to his sinuses and really opened them up. It is a great memory for me because it was a uniquely happy time. Little did I know that it would be the last time I saw him. I see this memory as a great gift.

So for father's day this is my perfect recipe. It reminds me of the last super fun time I had with my father. And also what isn't to like about perfectly cooked shrimp?

These little shrimps are flavored nicely and throughout. Make sure you don't overcook the shrimp. If you overcook them they will become rubbery and chewy. Overcooked shrimp is the worst. Flash frying these shrimp will help you to keep them delicious. It doesn't matter if you've making this dish for family or for a party for friends. You can entertain and make it look effortless with delicious food and great conversation.

Try this recipe for Southern style fried shrimp as a good start to hosting parties at home.

Southern Fried Shrimp

Serves 8

Ingredients

2 lbs shrimp, peeled, deveined

2 tsp Dijon mustard

2 cups Buttermilk

1/2 tsp Salt

1/2 tsp Pepper

2 cups All purpose flour

1 tsp Garlic powder

1 1/2 tsp Onion powder

1/2 tsp Cayenne pepper

Salt & Pepper, to taste

Canola oil, for frying

1. Preheat oil in a deep fryer to 350 degrees.

2. Pat dry shrimp. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. In a large bowl, mix buttermilk and Dijon mustard.

3. In another medium size bowl mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper until evenly mixed.

4. Working in batches, dip shrimp into buttermilk mixture and then into the flour mixture.

5. Allow the battered shrimp to rest for at least 2 minutes and up to 10 minutes before frying.

6. Once oil is heated, working in batches carefully place battered shrimp in hot oil. Cook for 3 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from oil. Drain on a paper towel lined plate. Enjoy with spicy cocktail sauce!

Spicy Cocktail Sauce

Ingredients

1 Cup Ketchup

4 Tbsp Prepared Horseradish, drained

1 Tbsp Lemon juice, fresh

1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp Hot Sauce

1/4 tsp Salt

Pepper, to taste

Step

Mix all ingredients together until combined. Enjoy with fried shrimp!