Osteens Fried Shrimp is a popular Southern dish that gives you crunchy, tasty shrimp every time. It comes from a famous seafood restaurant in St. Augustine, Florida, which is known for making shrimp light and crispy.
Even if you have never fried food before, this osteens fried shrimp recipe is simple to follow. There is no tricky batter, just a few easy steps. To make this dish, the shrimp are cut open a little and then rolled in crushed crackers with seasoning. This makes the shrimp crispy on the outside and soft and juicy inside.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Tasty Shrimp from Florida: This osteens fried shrimp recipe helps you make shrimp that taste like they came from the beach in Florida. It is based on a dish from a popular seafood restaurant in St. Augustine called Osteen’s. The shrimp are covered in a light breading and fried until they are crispy on the outside but still soft and juicy inside. Every bite is crunchy and full of flavor.
- Easy Ingredients: You do not need any special or hard-to-find ingredients to make this osteens fried shrimp recipe. This dish uses simple things you may already have at home like flour, eggs, crushed crackers, and some spices.
- Fast and Fun to Make: It takes only 25 minutes to make this recipe. It is great for a quick dinner or a weekend snack.
Why You Will Love Osteens Fried Shrimp Recipe
You’ll really enjoy this recipe because it brings the flavor of a seaside restaurant to your own kitchen. The shrimp have just the right amount of spice from a little cayenne pepper, and the cracker coating gets super crispy without being too oily.
Even if you have not fried food before, do not worry, the steps are easy to follow, and there is no tricky batter to deal with. The shrimp turn out juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside, which makes them really tasty. You can serve them as a starter with dipping sauce or as a full meal with fries and coleslaw. No matter how you serve them, everyone will love these fried shrimp.
Osteens Fried Shrimp Recipe
4
servings15
minutes10
minutes300
kcal25
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
36 extra-large shrimps
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons water
1 cup cracker meal
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Peanut oil, for frying
Step by Step Instructions
- Prepare the Dredging Stations: Place the flour in a shallow bowl or dish. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the water to create an egg wash. In a third bowl, combine the cracker meal with the salt and cayenne pepper. These will be your three coating stations.
- Heat the Oil: Pour about 2 inches of peanut oil into a deep skillet or large heavy-bottomed pot. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Coat the Shrimp: Dredge each shrimp in the flour and lightly coat all sides. Next, dip the shrimp into the egg wash. Make sure it is fully moistened. Finally, press the shrimp into the seasoned cracker meal and turn it to coat evenly.
- Fry the Shrimp: Carefully place the breaded shrimp into the hot oil. Cook in small batches and avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry each batch for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until the shrimp are golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried shrimp from the oil and drain excess oil from them by placing them on a plate lined with a paper towel. Your Osteens Fried Shrimps are ready. Serve them hot and enjoy.
Chef Recommendations
- Keep the Oil at the Right Temperature: To make sure your shrimp turn out crispy and not soggy, keep the oil around 350°F. If the oil is too cool, the shrimp will soak up too much oil and get greasy. If it is too hot, the outside might burn before the shrimp are cooked through. Try using a thermometer and let the oil heat back up before frying each new batch.
- Pick the Right Crackers: The kind of crackers you choose will change how the shrimp taste and feel. Saltine crackers make the shrimp light and a little salty, while buttery crackers like Ritz give a richer flavor. Crush the crackers really small for a smooth coating or leave them a bit chunky for more crunch.
- Do not Overfill the Pan: Fry a few shrimp at a time, about 5 or 6, depending on the size of your pan. If you put in too many shrimp at once, the oil cools down and the coating might fall off or not get crispy. Leaving space around each shrimp helps them cook better and get nice and crunchy.
What are some Creative Variations of Osteens Fried Shrimp Recipe
- Coconut Fried Shrimp: For a sweet and tropical flavor, mix shredded coconut into the cracker crumbs. The shrimp will be crunchy outside with a light coconut taste. These go great with sweet chili sauce or orange marmalade for dipping.
- Panko-Crusted Shrimp: If you do not have crackers, you can use panko breadcrumbs instead. They make the shrimp extra crispy and light. Just add salt and cayenne pepper to the panko before frying.
- Sauces and Sides: Dipping sauces and side dishes make these shrimp even better. You can use cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or a creamy remoulade. The original restaurant uses a tasty pink sauce made from mayo, ketchup, and spices. For sides, try coleslaw, French fries, hush puppies, or cheesy grits to enjoy a classic Southern-style meal.
Can I Meal Prep Osteens Fried Shrimp
Yes, you can get some parts of this recipe ready early to make cooking easier later. If you want to start ahead, you can get the shrimp and coating ready. Peel, clean, and cut the shrimp a few hours before and keep them in the fridge. You can also crush the cracker crumbs and mix them with spices early. Just store this dry mix in a sealed container until you are ready to cook.
It’s best to coat and fry the shrimp right before you eat them so they stay crispy. But if you have leftovers, let the shrimp cool down first. Then, put them in a sealed container and keep them in the fridge. To warm them up, do not use the microwave because it can make them soft. Instead, place them on a baking sheet and heat them in the oven at 350°F for 5 to 10 minutes. You can also use an air fryer for a few minutes to make them crispy again.
The Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
4 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories300
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
18g
24%
- Saturated Fat 3.5g 15%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 120mg 40%
- Sodium 480mg 21%
- Total Carbohydrate
15g
6%
- Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
- Total Sugars 1g
- Protein 20g 40%
- Vitamin D 10mcg 50%
- Calcium 5mg 1%
- Iron 8mg 45%
- Potassium 190mg 5%
- Vitamin A 17mcg 2%
- Vitamin C 10mg 12%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
The nutritional values provided are approximate estimates based on ingredients. Values may vary depending on the used ingredients, and portion sizes. This information serves for general guidance only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dietary advice.
The Nutritional Benefits
- High in Lean Protein: Shrimp are packed with lean protein. They are a great choice for building and repairing muscles while helping you feel full without adding too many calories or fat.
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Shrimp provide important nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, iodine, phosphorus, iron, and zinc. These support thyroid health, energy levels, and immune function. This makes the shrimp both delicious and nourishing.
FAQs
What type of cracker meal works best for Osteen’s Fried Shrimp?
The best cracker meal for Osteen’s Fried Shrimp is made from finely crushed saltine crackers. They give a light, salty crunch that does not overpower the shrimp. You can also use buttery crackers like Ritz for a richer flavor.
How do I prevent the shrimp from sticking to the pan?
To keep the shrimp from sticking, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding them. Also, do not overcrowd the pan with shrimps and avoid moving the shrimp too soon. Let them cook for a minute or two until the bottom of the shrimp turns golden before flipping.
