If you enjoy a good shrimp appetizer, this crispy garlic Parmesan shrimp is worth trying. A golden, crunchy coating wraps around tender shrimp, and a creamy garlic dip on the side makes for a delicious combination that’s perfect for seafood night.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A crunchy Parmesan panko coating. Fries up golden and crisp around tender, juicy shrimp.
- That creamy garlic dip. Tangy and rich, it’s the perfect partner for the crispy shrimp.
- Ready in 30 minutes. A fast appetizer that’s great for sharing.
- Simple, classic flavor. Garlic, Parmesan, and lemon come together in a familiar, crowd-pleasing combination.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails left on
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Oil, for frying
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
For the Creamy Garlic Dip
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make Crispy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp with Creamy Dip
1. Season the shrimp. Pat the shrimp completely dry. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Prepare the coating. In one bowl, combine the flour, Parmesan, panko, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. In another bowl, whisk the eggs and milk. Dip each shrimp into the egg mixture, then coat with the Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to help it stick.
3. Fry until golden. Heat about 1 inch of oil in a skillet to 350°F. Fry the shrimp in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes, turning as needed, until golden, crisp, and cooked through. Drain on a rack or paper towels.
4. Make the creamy garlic dip. Stir together the mayonnaise, sour cream, grated garlic, lemon juice, Parmesan, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Chill briefly while the shrimp finish cooking.
5. Garnish and serve. Arrange the crispy garlic Parmesan shrimp on a serving plate. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with the creamy garlic dip and lemon wedges.
Tips for the Best Crispy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp completely dry before seasoning. This helps the coating adhere properly and fry up crisp.
- Press the coating on firmly. This helps it stick and creates a more even, crunchy crust.
- Fry in small batches. Crowding the oil drops the temperature and leads to soggy, unevenly cooked shrimp.
- Keep the oil at a steady 350°F. Too hot and the coating burns before the shrimp cooks through; too cool and it turns greasy.
What to Serve with Crispy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
These shrimp pair well with the included creamy garlic dip, but they’re also great with cocktail sauce or a simple squeeze of extra lemon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 425°F on a well-oiled sheet for about 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway, though the coating won’t be quite as crispy as frying.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat very dry before seasoning and coating.
Can I make the dip ahead of time?
Yes, the creamy garlic dip can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp with Creamy Dip
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the shrimp completely dry. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- In one bowl, combine the flour, Parmesan, panko, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. In another bowl, whisk the eggs and milk. Dip each shrimp into the egg mixture, then coat with the Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to help it stick.
- Heat about 1 inch of oil in a skillet to 350°F. Fry the shrimp in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes, turning as needed, until golden, crisp, and cooked through. Drain on a rack or paper towels.
- Stir together the mayonnaise, sour cream, grated garlic, lemon juice, Parmesan, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Chill briefly while the shrimp finish cooking.
- Arrange the crispy garlic Parmesan shrimp on a serving plate. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with the creamy garlic dip and lemon wedges.