What To Know
- Carefully place the shrimp in the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer the fried shrimp to a serving dish and drizzle with the Nashville hot sauce.
- Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a spicy treat, these crispy, flavorful shrimp will hit the spot.
Calling all spice enthusiasts and seafood lovers! This Nashville hot shrimp recipe will ignite your taste buds with its fiery kick and tantalizing flavor. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey where crispy shrimp meets the inferno of Nashville’s signature spice blend.
Ingredients for the Nashville Hot Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup vegetable oil, for frying
Ingredients for the Nashville Hot Sauce
- 1 cup cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup paprika
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup vegetable oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Shrimp
1. In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, buttermilk, hot sauce, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the shrimp.
2. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
Making the Nashville Hot Sauce
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cayenne pepper, paprika, brown sugar, white sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Slowly whisk in the vegetable oil until a thick paste forms.
Cooking the Shrimp
1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Remove the shrimp from the marinade and dredge them in the flour. Shake off any excess flour.
3. Carefully place the shrimp in the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Remove the shrimp from the oil and drain them on paper towels.
Serving the Nashville Hot Shrimp
1. Transfer the fried shrimp to a serving dish and drizzle with the Nashville hot sauce.
2. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, fries, or hush puppies.
Tips for the Perfect Nashville Hot Shrimp
- Use large shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Marinate the shrimp for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying the shrimp.
- Fry the shrimp until they are golden brown and cooked through, but don’t overcook them.
- Serve the shrimp immediately with plenty of Nashville hot sauce.
Variations on the Nashville Hot Shrimp
- For a milder version, use less cayenne pepper in the hot sauce.
- For a spicier version, add more cayenne pepper or use a hotter hot sauce.
- Add other spices to the hot sauce, such as cumin, oregano, or thyme.
- Serve the shrimp with different sides, such as macaroni and cheese, green beans, or cornbread.
Summary: Nashville Hot Shrimp – A Culinary Delight
This Nashville hot shrimp recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will satisfy even the most discerning palates. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a spicy treat, these crispy, flavorful shrimp will hit the spot. So gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and prepare to experience the culinary magic of Nashville hot shrimp.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Can I make the Nashville hot sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, the Nashville hot sauce can be made up to a week ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Q: What if I don’t have buttermilk?
A: You can make your own buttermilk by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Thaw them completely before marinating and cooking.
