Let me tell you about the time I decided to take on the challenge of making Deep South Cornmeal Fried Shrimp with a twist—a creamy lemon gravy to go alongside. Now, I’m not a stranger to frying up some good shrimp, but this was a whole new ball game. I remember standing in my kitchen, cornmeal in one hand, a bowl of raw shrimp in the other, and thinking, “Can I really pull this off?” My family’s skeptical looks didn’t help either. But let me just say, the aroma of shrimp sizzling in the hot oil and the tangy zest of lemon cutting through the richness, it was worth every anxious moment. And the kids? They devoured it before I could even set the table properly.
So, I’m here to share this little piece of my kitchen adventures with you. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just dabbling in the culinary arts, this recipe is a game changer, especially when you want to impress some Southern taste buds (or just treat yourself to some good ol’ comfort food).
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Now, about those ingredients… Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this Southern delight:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil for frying
- For the Creamy Lemon Gravy:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Alright, here we go. And remember—if I managed to nail this after a few tries, you’ve got this too.
- In a shallow dish, combine cornmeal, flour, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
- Beat the eggs in a separate bowl.
- Dip each shrimp into the egg, then dredge in the cornmeal mixture, coating it well.
- In a deep skillet, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
- Fry the shrimp in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- For the gravy: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then whisk in the flour to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly until smooth.
- Add lemon juice and zest, and season with salt and pepper. Continue to cook, stirring, until the gravy thickens.
- Serve the hot shrimp with the creamy lemon gravy on the side or drizzled on top.
Tips & Tricks
Here’s the lowdown on making this dish a standout. (Trust me on this.)
- Don’t skip the cornmeal—it’s what gives the shrimp that irresistible crunch.
- If you’re not a fan of too much heat, reduce the cayenne pepper, or leave it out altogether.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the shrimp; otherwise, they’ll absorb too much oil and won’t be as crispy.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half in the gravy instead of heavy cream. (Learned this the hard way, but it actually works!)
FAQ
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: Store the shrimp and gravy separately in airtight containers in the fridge. They’ll last for up to 2 days.
Q: Are there any variations I can try?
A: Sure thing! Try adding some grated Parmesan to the cornmeal mix for a cheesy twist, or swap out the lemon for lime for a different citrus kick.
So there you have it, my Deep South Cornmeal Fried Shrimp with Creamy Lemon Gravy Recipe. It’s a dish that’s close to my heart because it reminds me of warm Southern hospitality and the joy of sharing food with loved ones. Whether it’s a Sunday family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. And honestly, seeing my family’s reaction when they first tasted these golden beauties—priceless. Go ahead, give it a try, and let your kitchen be filled with the sounds and smells of the Deep South. Happy cooking, y’all!
