Winter means comfort food. My comfort food is unusual ……fried shrimp. As a child this was hands down my favorite food. Whenever we went to a restaurant I ordered fried shrimp. I considered myself a young connoisseur of sorts, comparing  my fried shrimp food experiences from place to place. So no surprise here, that I take my version of fried shrimp seriously. I like the fried breading to be slightly and crispy. This requires very hot oil to fry the shrimp quickly without over cooking the interior. To that end I just received for Christmas a deep fryer, but without s deep fryer I was always able to accomplish the right results in a frying pan. All I can add is that you will love discovering this comfort food recipe.

From by the bay, wishing you deep fried shrimp food memories!

Maryann

Homemade Tartar Sauce

Ingredients

1 cup good quality mayonnaise

2 tablespoons chopped capers

1/2 cup chopped cornichons or pickles

dash of hot sauce

1 teaspoon dijon mustard

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

In a small mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Chill before serving to let the flavors combine together.

Breaded Fried Shrimp

1 pound raw shrimp, peeled, deveined and tails removed

1 cup flour

2 eggs lightly beatened

2 cups plain bread crumbs

1 teaspoon fine sea salt

1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

canola oil for frying

Directions

Use paper towels to pat the shrimp dry. Gather three shallow dishes. I like to use pie pans. In one pan, add flour, salt and pepper and combine. In another pan add the eggs and beat lightly. In the third pan add bread crumbs. Dip each shrimp in flour, then egg, then bread crumbs. Use your fingers to press the bread crumbs onto each piece of shrimp. Place breaded shrimp on a baking sheet. Heat about two inches of canola  in a deep pot to around 350 degrees or use a deep fryer according to instructions. Deep-fry the shrimp in batches, frying about 6 shrimp at a time. The shrimp will cook very quickly! When they are golden brown, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the pan, and transfer them to a paper towel lined plate. Continue cooking the shrimp in batches until all shrimp are fried and golden brown. Serve with lemon slices and homemade tartar sauce.