Oven Fried Shrimp

3 servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 15 m Total: 1 h 30 m Beginner
5.0/5 (3)
Oven Fried Shrimp
As most of us are watching how we eat, when it comes to frying I have learned to experiment with different ways to fix our favorite foods. This oven-fried shrimp is really good and so much leaner than the old stand by method - crispy, seasoned just right with cayenne and Tabasco, and guilt-free.

Ingredients

3 servings
  • 1 to 2 lbs of shrimp, peeled & deveined
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp of mustard
  • Salt, black pepper and cayenne to taste
  • Tabasco to taste
  • Fish fry (store bought)
  • Bread crumbs

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Mix the egg, mayonnaise and mustard thoroughly in a bowl.
  2. Add the shrimp, seasoning (salt, black pepper, cayenne) and Tabasco to the egg mixture. Marinate for an hour in the refrigerator.
  3. Mix equal parts of fish fry and breadcrumbs together in a shallow dish.
  4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cover a cookie sheet with foil then spray with cooking spray (like Pam).
  5. Remove shrimp from marinade and dip each one in the fish fry and breadcrumb mixture, coating well. Place on the prepared cookie sheet.
  6. Bake at 350 degrees F for 12 to 15 minutes until the shrimp are cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my coating falling off the shrimp?

A: Make sure your shrimp are patted dry before marinating, and that they sit in the marinade for the full hour. The egg mixture needs time to adhere properly. Also press the breading mixture onto each shrimp firmly before baking.

Q: Can I skip the marinating time?

A: You can reduce it to 30 minutes if you're in a rush, but the full hour lets the seasonings penetrate the shrimp better and helps the coating stick.

Tips and Techniques

For extra crispy shrimp, lightly spray the coated shrimp with cooking spray before baking. You can also broil them for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully so they don’t burn.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • fish fry: seasoned cornmeal or panko breadcrumbs
  • mayonnaise: plain Greek yogurt

Equipment Needed

  • Cookie sheet or baking sheet
  • Aluminum foil
  • Mixing bowls
  • Shallow dish for breading

Historical Context

Oven-baking seafood became popular in Louisiana home cooking as a way to enjoy traditional fried favorites while cutting back on oil, without sacrificing the crispy texture and bold seasonings.