Best Gullah Fried Shrimp Recipes

KARDEA'S GULLAH STYLE SHRIMP AND GRITS

Steps:

• Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet (preferably cast-iron) over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook until crispy. Remove and set aside, reserving the drippings. Add the onions to the skillet and cook on medium-low, stirring, until slightly tender and the skillet has browned bits, about 3 minutes.
• Meanwhile, sprinkle the uncooked shrimp with a few pinches of salt and pepper in a large bowl, then sprinkle with 1/4 cup flour and the garlic powder and toss. Set aside.
• Turn the skillet up to medium-high heat and add the canola oil. Test the oil temperature by dropping in a dab of flour. When it sizzles, add the remaining 1/4 cup flour. Brown the flour and onions, adding more oil if too dry, until slightly dark brown. Add the shrimp and bacon, breaking the bacon into small pieces, and stir with a wooden spoon. Slowly whisk in the hot water and bring to a slight boil, then stir and reduce the heat to a simmer until the gravy thickens and browns, 5 to 10 minutes. Taste the gravy and add more salt, pepper or garlic powder if needed.
• Serve the shrimp over the prepared grits topped with green onions.

FRIED SHRIMP BASKETS

Steps:

• For the Gullah seasoning: Combine the paprika, salt, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, white pepper, thyme, sugar and cayenne in a paper bag and shake to mix up well.
• For the shrimp: Line a baking sheet with butcher or parchment paper. Pour the buttermilk in a bowl.
• Mix together the flour and 1 1/2 tablespoons Gullah seasoning in a bowl (reserve the remaining seasoning for another use).
• Dip the shrimp in the buttermilk, then dredge in the flour mixture, shaking the bag to coat. Shake off the excess flour and place on the prepared baking sheet. Discard the buttermilk mixture but reserve the flour mixture.
• Place the oil in a Dutch oven or heavy pan and heat to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with paper towels and set a wire rack on top.
• Fry half the shrimp until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Remove to the prepared wire rack to drain. Repeat with the remaining shrimp.
• Reduce the heat of the oil to 325 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with paper towels and set a wire rack on top.
• For Mom's fries: Slice the potatoes into 1/2-inch-wide sticks. Add the potatoes to the flour mixture and shake until the potatoes are coated. Drop a few in the oil. Fry in batches until golden brown, flipping and stirring frequently, 7 to 10 minutes. Remove to the prepared wire rack to drain in a single layer.
• For the fry sauce (if using): Whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, dill and hot sauce in a medium bowl. Transfer to a serving dish and serve alongside the fries and shrimp.