What is butterfly shrimp?

Butterfly shrimp or butterflied shrimp refers to how you cut the shrimp before baking or frying them. To butterfly the shrimp, you’ll carefully slice down the center of the shrimp to ensure even and quick cooking. This process is usually done on large or jumbo shrimp but can also be done on regular-sized shrimp.

What is the difference between butterfly shrimp and regular shrimp?

The main difference between a butterfly shrimp and a regular shrimp is the way ot is prepared before cooking. The term butterfly shrimp in culinary terminology means splitting a shrimp lengthwise so a thin strip keeps it whole. When the shrimp is spread open, the two sides are symmetrical, resembling a butterfly.

Why do you butterfly shrimp?

The reason for butterfly shrimp is for better cooking and a pretty presentation. Butterflying shrimp before frying helps the shrimp cook evenly and gives a fancy presentation . Cut the flesh along the back to butterfly shrimp, ensuring not to cut through the shrimp.

Can I make Butterfly Shrimp ahead of time?

Yes, you can make fried butterflied shrimp ahead of time. Once all shrimp have been coated and placed on the plate, place the plate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes and up to 5 hours. When ready to fry, take out the fridge and heat the oil.

Can you air fry breaded butterflied shrimp?

Yes! You can make this recipe for breaded butterflied shrimp in an air fryer. After the shrimp is coated in the breadcrumb mixture, preheat an air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Spray the tops with nonstick cooking spray and cook for 2-3 minutes. Using tongs, flip the shrimp over and spray the tops with nonstick cooking spray. Cook for 4 minutes more or until desired crispness.

What are the best shrimp to use for fried butterflied shrimp?

Large shrimp work best for frying these fried butterfly shrimp. Buy the largest shrimp you can find. 15 count size whenever possible but 16/20 and 21/25 sizes both work well too .

Can I use Frozen Shrimp for frying?

You can use frozen shrimp if you allow them to thaw entirely beforehand. Rinse and pat them dry once thawed so the breading and seasonings can stick. I do not recommend pre-cooked frozen shrimp for this recipe, only raw frozen shrimp.

How do you de-vein a shrimp?

To devein the shrimp, slice alongside the vein just enough to reveal the vein and remove it. The vein, or shrimp digestive tract, is not harmful if eaten; it’s unpleasant.

Fried Butterfly Shrimp Recipe (Easy and Crunchy)

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 pound large shrimp peeled, deveined, tails on
3 cups panko breadcrumbs
1/2 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons water
1 cup all-purpose flour (you can also use cornstarch)
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil for frying

For Serving

Lemon wedges
Cocktail sauce
Tartar Sauce
Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Rinse shrimp and pat dry with paper towels. Line a large baking sheet with paper towels and set aside to use for the cooked shrimp.
Butterfly each shrimp by carefully slicing through the center of the shrimp, making a lengthwise incision. Do not cut all the way through. Place butterflied shrimp on a large or medium serving platter coated with a bit of oil.
Place panko bread crumbs in a medium bowl or shallow dish.
In a medium bowl, add flour, salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning. Mix to combine.
In a small bowl, whisk together eggs and water.
Coat all sides of the shrimp in flour mixture, shaking to remove excess flour.
Then, dip the shrimp into the egg mixture bowl, allowing the excess egg to drip back into the egg bowl.
Place flour and egg-coated shrimp into panko bread crumbs, cover with panko, and press lightly, ensuring the shrimp is coated with panko on both sides and the butterflied shrimp stay open at the top.
Place breaded shrimp on the plate and continue this process until all shrimp are breaded.
Optional: Once all shrimp have been coated and placed on the plate, place the plate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes and up to 5 hours. This helps the crunchy topping stick to the shrimp better, but you can still cook them right after coating them.
Heat the oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium until shimmering and hot, about 350 degrees F.
Place shrimp into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan and cook in batches of about 7.
Cook for about 2 minutes on each side. Remove with a slotted spoon. Place the cooked shrimp on the baking sheet lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Serve hot with fresh lemon wedges, your favorite tartar sauce, or cocktail sauce. Sprinkle a little chopped parsley, if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

The shrimp will cook quickly. Do not overcook them, or they will become rubbery.
When dipping the shrimp in the coating, hold them by the tail and shake off any excess as you dip them.

Author: Elena Davis
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Savory
Method: American
Cuisine: American