Oven Fried Shrimp

4 servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 20 m Total: 1 h 35 m Beginner
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Have you ever marinated seafood in mayo & mustard (tangy mustard) and egg and prepared oven fried shrimp? I’ve been doing this for years & our family loves it. I don’t fry anymore so I had to do something for our “fry cravings” every so often. The shrimp get wonderfully crispy with a tangy coating.

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 1 1/2 to 2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup tangy mustard
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • Cajun seasoning to taste
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornmeal
  • Cooking spray (PAM)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Season the shrimp with Cajun spices, then let them sit in a mixture of one beaten egg, mayo & mustard for at least an hour in the refrigerator.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray (PAM).
  3. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour and cornmeal in equal parts (half and half).
  4. Remove shrimp from marinade and roll each one in the flour-cornmeal mixture until well coated.
  5. Place coated shrimp on the prepared cookie sheet in a single layer.
  6. Bake at 350 degrees F until golden brown, approximately 20 minutes, turning once halfway through for even browning.
  7. Serve hot with tartar sauce or shrimp remoulade sauce. Great alongside coleslaw and hush puppies.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why isn't my coating staying on the shrimp?

A: Make sure the shrimp are completely dry before seasoning, and let them marinate the full hour so the mayo-mustard mixture acts as a glue for the breading. Don't skip patting them with paper towels after removing from marinade.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?

A: You can bread the shrimp up to 2 hours ahead and keep them refrigerated on the baking sheet, but bake them right before serving for the crispiest texture.

Q: How do I know when they're done?

A: Shrimp are done when they're opaque throughout and reach 145°F internally. The coating should be golden brown and crispy - usually about 20 minutes total.

Tips and Techniques

For extra crispy shrimp, spray the tops lightly with cooking spray before baking. If your shrimp are large, they may need a few extra minutes in the oven. The marinade time is important - don’t rush it or the coating won’t stick as well.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • tangy mustard: Creole mustard or spicy brown mustard
  • cornmeal: panko breadcrumbs or all flour
  • shrimp: catfish nuggets or oysters

Equipment Needed

  • Cookie sheet or baking sheet
  • Shallow dish for breading
  • Mixing bowl

Historical Context

Oven-frying became popular in Louisiana homes as a lighter alternative to traditional deep-fried seafood, letting families enjoy the taste and texture of fried shrimp without heating up a pot of oil.