This loaded shrimp fries recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines two classic favorites: seafood and fries.
With crispy fries and lightly-spiced, tender, juicy shrimp, this dish is the perfect combination of textures and flavors.
The shrimp are peeled and deveined and seasoned with spices, such as garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper, and the potatoes are cut thinly, to produce the crispiest fries to complement the juicy, tender shrimp.
The shrimp and fries are usually served together as a dish, sometimes with a dipping sauce on the side.
Table of Contents
LOADED SHRIMP FRIES Ingredients
To make shrimp fries, you will need the following ingredients:
- raw shrimp
- large potatoes
- garlic powder
- paprika
- cayenne pepper
- Salt
- pepper
- all-purpose flour
- cornstarch
- baking powder
- cold water
- Oil for frying
Tips for crispy fries and perfect shrimp
Here are some tips to ensure that your fries are crispy and your shrimp is cooked to perfection:
For the potatoes:
- Cut the potatoes into uniform thin strips to ensure that they cook evenly and become crispy.
- Rinse the potato strips in cold water to remove excess starch, which can make them soggy. Dry them thoroughly with a paper towel before frying.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the fries. You can use a thermometer to check the temperature of the oil.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot or fryer with too many fries at once. This will lower the temperature of the oil and result in soggy fries.
- Season the fries with salt while they are still hot and serve them immediately to preserve their crispiness.
For the shrimp:
- For the shrimp, make sure to pat them dry with a paper towel after rinsing them to remove any excess water, which can also make them soggy.
- Don’t over-batter the shrimp. The batter should be thin enough to allow the shrimp to cook through and become crispy.
- Fry the shrimp in small batches to ensure they cook evenly and remain crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and fries from the hot oil to allow the excess oil to drain off.
Keep the cooked fries warm in the oven while you cook the shrimp to ensure they stay crispy.
How to serve loaded shrimp fries
Serve shrimp fries on a large platter with a side of dipping sauce, such as cocktail sauce or tartar sauce.
Serve shrimp fries in individual baskets or bowls for each person, with a side of ketchup or mayonnaise.
Add a twist to your shrimp fries by serving them with a spicy aioli or garlic butter sauce.
Serve shrimp fries as a side dish with your favorite seafood dishes, such as grilled salmon or steamed clams.
For a fun party appetizer, serve shrimp fries in a cone or paper cup for easy grab-and-go snacking.
Create a shrimp fry bar with various toppings and sauces, such as shredded cheese, and chipotle mayo, allowing guests to customize their own shrimp fries.
Turn shrimp fries into a full meal by adding a side salad or coleslaw.
How to store loaded shrimp fries
Shrimp fries are best enjoyed when served hot and fresh. However, if you have leftovers, here are some tips on how to store them:
Store the shrimp and fries separately: To prevent the fries from becoming soggy, store the cooked shrimp and fries in separate containers.
Refrigerate promptly: Place the cooked shrimp and fries in separate airtight containers and refrigerate them promptly within two hours of cooking.
Make sure to let them cool down first before placing them in the fridge.
Use within three days: Shrimp and fries are best consumed within three days of cooking.
How to reheat shrimp fries
If you have leftover shrimp fries that you’d like to reheat, here are a few options:
Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Spread the fries out on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes until they are crispy and hot.
Add the leftover shrimp to the baking sheet during the last few minutes of baking to warm them up.
Air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Add the fries to the air fryer basket and cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are hot and crispy.
If you have leftover shrimp, add them to the air fryer during the last few minutes of cooking to warm them up.
Microwave: Place the shrimp fries on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel.
Microwave on high for 30-second intervals, checking after each interval until they are heated through. However, this method may not result in crispy fries.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the fries and cook for a few minutes on each side until they are hot and crispy.
Add the shrimp to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking to warm them up.
Toppings for shrimp fries
Shredded cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese over the hot fries and shrimp. The heat from the fries and shrimp will melt the cheese and create a delicious cheesy crust.
Garlic butter: Melt some butter in a saucepan with minced garlic and drizzle it over the hot shrimp and fries. This adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish.
Green onions: Garnish the dish with chopped green onions or chives for a pop of freshness and color.
Jalapenos: For some heat, add sliced jalapenos or chili flakes over the dish.
Old Bay seasoning: Sprinkle some Old Bay seasoning over the fries and shrimp for a classic seafood flavor.
Lemon wedges: Serve the shrimp fries with lemon wedges on the side for a refreshing burst of citrus.
These toppings can add a new dimension of flavor and texture to your shrimp fries and take them to the next level!
Dipping sauces for shrimp fries
Cocktail sauce: A classic seafood sauce made with ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. It adds a tangy and slightly spicy flavor to the shrimp and fries.
Tartar sauce: A creamy sauce made with mayonnaise, pickles, capers, and herbs. It complements the seafood flavor of the shrimp and adds a rich and tangy flavor.
Garlic aioli: A garlicky and creamy sauce made with mayonnaise, garlic, and lemon juice. It adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish.
Chipotle mayo: A spicy sauce made with mayonnaise, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, and lime juice. It adds a smoky and spicy flavor to the shrimp fries.
Sriracha mayo: A spicy sauce made with mayonnaise and sriracha sauce. It adds a tangy and spicy kick to the dish.
Remoulade sauce: A creamy sauce made with mayonnaise, mustard, pickles, capers, and herbs. It has a tangy and slightly spicy flavor that complements the shrimp and fries.
These dipping sauces can enhance the flavor of the shrimp fries and provide a delicious accompaniment to the dish.
We hope you try making this recipe and enjoy it with your loved ones. Don’t forget to experiment with different toppings and dipping sauces to make it your own!
Loaded Shrimp Fries Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound of raw shrimp peeled and deveined
- 4-5 large potatoes cut into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup cold water
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the vegetable oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the potato fries to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the seasoned potato fries to the skillet. Cook the fries, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes or until they are crispy and cooked through.
- While the fries are cooking, prepare the shrimp. In a separate bowl, season the shrimp with salt and pepper.
- Once the fries are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
- In the same skillet, add the seasoned shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, add the cooked fries back to the skillet and toss them together with the shrimp.
- Serve the stovetop shrimp fries hot with lemon wedges on the side.
