If you're craving a crispy, golden shrimp dish that packs a punch of flavor, look no further than this Bubba Gump Shrimp recipe. Inspired by the iconic Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, this recipe combines tender shrimp with a perfectly seasoned crispy coating. It’s an easy-to-make seafood dish that will have your taste buds dancing. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a seafood feast, this recipe brings the coastal flavors straight to your kitchen.
Ingredients
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 large egg
½ cup buttermilk
Vegetable oil for frying
Lemon wedges, for serving
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
I start by preheating the oil in a large frying pan or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
In a shallow bowl, I whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
In another bowl, I beat the egg and combine it with the buttermilk until smooth.
I then dip each shrimp into the egg mixture, ensuring it's coated, before dredging it in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat evenly.
I carefully lower the shrimp into the hot oil, cooking in batches if needed. I fry them for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Once fried, I remove the shrimp from the oil and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
To serve, I dish out the shrimp with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
Spicy Shrimp: For a spicy kick, I love adding cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or serving with a spicy dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Version: If I want to make a lighter version, I can use an air fryer. Just spray the shrimp with oil and cook at 400°F for 7-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Coconut Shrimp: For a tropical twist, I sometimes add shredded coconut to the flour mixture for a coconut shrimp variation.
Storage/Reheating
I find this dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, I place them in a hot oven (about 375°F) for 5-7 minutes to regain some of their crispiness. Avoid microwaving them, as that can make the shrimp soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, I can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before peeling and deveining them.
How do I get the shrimp crispy?
To ensure the shrimp come out crispy, I make sure the oil is at the right temperature (375°F). A thermometer helps me achieve that perfect crispy texture.
Can I use a different type of oil for frying?
I like to use vegetable oil for frying because it has a neutral flavor and can withstand high heat, but I can also use canola oil or peanut oil if I prefer.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make the dish lighter, I can skip the frying and opt for a healthier method, like baking the shrimp at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, or using an air fryer.
What can I serve with Bubba Gump Shrimp?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic butter pasta, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad. I also love serving it with some crispy fries for a more indulgent meal.
Conclusion
This Bubba Gump Shrimp recipe is my go-to whenever I want a delicious and easy-to-make seafood dish. The combination of crispy, flavorful shrimp with the fresh zest of lemon and parsley makes for a fantastic meal, whether it’s for a casual dinner or a special occasion. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that seafood lovers will adore, and it’s versatile enough to customize to my liking. Every time I make it, I can’t help but savor the crispy goodness with each bite!
Recipe:

Bubba Gump Shrimp
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- Author: Cheryl
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This Bubba Gump Shrimp recipe delivers crispy, golden shrimp with a flavorful seasoning blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, inspired by the iconic Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. It's quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight meal or seafood feast.
Ingredients
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 large egg
½ cup buttermilk
Vegetable oil for frying
Lemon wedges, for serving
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oil in a large frying pan or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- In another bowl, beat the egg and combine it with the buttermilk until smooth.
- Dip each shrimp into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s coated, then dredge it in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat evenly.
- Carefully lower the shrimp into the hot oil, cooking in batches if needed. Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the shrimp from the oil and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Serve with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish.
Notes
For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or serve with a spicy dipping sauce.
For a lighter version, use an air fryer at 400°F for 7-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
For a tropical twist, add shredded coconut to the flour mixture to make coconut shrimp.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat by placing the shrimp in a hot oven (375°F) for 5-7 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 145mg