Butterfly Shrimp

Total Time Prep: 30 min. Cook: 5 min./batch
Yield 4 servings
Test Kitchen Approved
Learning how to butterfly shrimp is easy, and it creates tender, crispy shrimp that fry quickly. Serve them as an appetizer with lemon wedges and cocktail sauce or add them to pasta, salads or stir-fries.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound uncooked shell-on shrimp (26-30 per pound)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup 2% milk
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • Oil for deep-fat frying
  • Optional: Seafood cocktail sauce and lemon wedges

Directions

  1. Peel and devein shrimp, leaving the tails on. Butterfly each shrimp along the outside curve. Open shrimp flat.
  2. In a shallow bowl, mix flour, salt, seafood seasoning and pepper. In a separate shallow bowl, whisk eggs and milk. Place bread crumbs in a third shallow bowl. Open shrimp flat. Dip shrimp in flour to coat both sides; shake off excess. Dip in egg mixture, then in bread crumbs, patting to help adhere.
  3. In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 375°. Fry shrimp in batches until golden brown, 2-3 minutes. Drain on paper towels. If desired, serve with cocktail sauce and lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts

about 7 shrimp: 295 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 182mg cholesterol, 571mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.

This refreshing, lightly seasoned, fried butterfly shrimp is easy to make and extremely versatile! Have it with a side of cocktail sauce, or serve it with steamed vegetables, rice or potatoes for a well-balanced meal. If you really want something special, place this tender, crispy shrimp on your favorite pasta! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Recipe Creator

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