Southern Fried Shrimp with Red Beans and Rice

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Southern Fried Shrimp with Red Beans and Rice 🍤🍛 — A Louisiana Staple You Can’t Miss
If there’s one dish that instantly transports you to the vibrant streets of New Orleans, it’s this Southern Fried Shrimp served alongside hearty Red Beans and Rice. This meal is the perfect blend of crispy, savory, and soul‑warming comfort — a celebration of bold Cajun flavors that make every bite unforgettable.

Whether you’re planning a weekend feast, feeding a crowd, or simply craving a hearty dinner, this recipe will guide you through every step. You’ll also get chef‑tested tips, nutrition insights, and answers to the most common questions so you can cook with confidence.

🍤 What Makes This Dish Special?
This Southern classic stands out for its combination of textures and flavors:

🔥 Crispy, golden fried shrimp coated in a seasoned flour and cornmeal mixture.
🍲 Rich red beans simmered with smoky sausage and Cajun spices.
🍚 Fluffy white rice that ties everything together.
🌿 Optional parsley adds bright freshness to the plate.
As Chef Gordon Ramsay always says, “Balance is the heart of every great dish.” This recipe brings together crunchy, creamy, smoky, and spicy elements in perfect harmony.

📋 Ingredients You’ll Need
🦐 For the Southern Fried Shrimp
1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all‑purpose flour + ½ cup cornmeal
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
🍲 For the Red Beans
2 cups cooked red beans (or 2 cans, drained and rinsed)
1 cup smoked sausage, sliced
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or to taste)
🍚 For the Rice
2 cups cooked white rice
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
This lineup of ingredients makes this dish robust, satisfying, and deeply flavorful — perfect for feeding hungry family or guests.

🔪 Step‑by‑Step Instructions
1️⃣ Marinate the Shrimp
Begin by placing your peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Toss gently until all shrimp are coated. Set aside for at least 10 minutes. The buttermilk helps tenderize and lightly flavor the shrimp.

2️⃣ Prepare the Dredge
In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This seasoned coating will give your shrimp an irresistible crunch and depth of flavor.

3️⃣ Heat the Oil
Pour oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven — enough to reach about 2 inches deep. Heat over medium‑high until the oil reaches about 350°F (175°C). Use a candy thermometer if available.

4️⃣ Fry the Shrimp
One by one, dredge the buttermilk‑soaked shrimp in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off excess. Carefully place the shrimp in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and crispy — about 2–3 minutes total. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel‑lined plate to drain.

Chef Bobby Flay suggests keeping your oil temperature steady — dropping too low will make the shrimp greasy instead of crisp.

5️⃣ Make the Red Beans
In a separate large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and garlic until fragrant — about 4 minutes. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook another 3 minutes until lightly browned.

Stir in the cooked red beans, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let cook for 15‑20 minutes. The beans will absorb the flavors and become rich and creamy.

Chef Emeril Lagasse says, “Simmer with patience — that’s where the magic happens.”

6️⃣ Prepare the Rice
While the beans simmer, prepare your white rice according to package directions. Fluffy, warm rice is essential for serving under the saucy beans and crispy shrimp.

7️⃣ Plate and Serve
To serve, spoon a generous portion of rice onto each plate, ladle the red beans alongside or over the rice, then arrange the crispy fried shrimp on top. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for color and freshness.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🧀 Cornbread or Hush Puppies for added Southern flair.
🥗 A side garden salad to balance richness.
🍷 A chilled Riesling or light beer to complement the spice.
🍹 Classic sweet tea or lemonade for a refreshing touch.
This meal makes a complete dinner that’s perfect for family nights, weekend dinners, and celebrations alike.

👨‍🍳 Chef Tips for Success
Maintain oil temperature: Too cool and the shrimp will absorb oil; too hot and they’ll burn before cooking through.
Don’t skimp on seasoning: Cajun spice brings signature flavor — adjust to your heat tolerance.
Use day‑old rice: It fries up better and stays fluffy under the beans.
Add lemon wedges: A squeeze of lemon on the fried shrimp brightens the dish beautifully.
As Chef Ina Garten says, “Great food comes from fresh ingredients treated with respect,” and in this recipe, every ingredient plays its part.

🥗 Nutrition & Health Info
➡️ Estimated nutrition per serving (shrimp, beans, and rice):

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 650 kcal
Total Fat 24g
Saturated Fat 7g
Cholesterol 225mg
Sodium 1,550mg
Total Carbohydrates 70g
Dietary Fiber 8g
Protein 40g
Healthy Tip: To reduce calories and fat, choose brown rice, and drain excess fat from sausage. You can also substitute turkey sausage or skip it entirely.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this gluten‑free?
Yes! Substitute gluten‑free flour and cornmeal mixture for the dredge, and ensure your Cajun seasoning is gluten‑free.

2. Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?
You can — bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10‑12 minutes, flipping halfway and spraying with olive oil for crispness.

3. What can I substitute for buttermilk?
Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar and let sit 5 minutes.

4. How do I make red beans creamy?
Simmer long and mash a few beans with the back of a spoon during cooking to thicken the sauce.

5. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes — thaw completely and pat dry before marinating.

6. What’s the best rice for this dish?
Long‑grain white rice works best, but jasmine or basmati are great too.

7. How spicy is this recipe?
It’s mildly spicy, but you can add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to increase heat.

8. How far ahead can I prep this?
Red beans taste even better the next day, and you can marinate shrimp up to 2 hours ahead.

9. Can I add vegetables?
Yes — bell peppers or celery in the beans add extra flavor and texture.

10. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat beans and rice on the stovetop; re‑crisp shrimp in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8 minutes.

👉 Related Recipes You’ll Love
Cajun Jambalaya – Another Louisiana classic packed with flavor.
Creole Gumbo – A soul‑warming stew perfect for chilly nights.
Crispy Hush Puppies – Ideal side with fried seafood.
Southern Coleslaw – A refreshing balance to rich mains.
🍷 Final Notes from Chef Ree Drummond
“Comfort food is about warmth, soul, and family — and this Southern Fried Shrimp with Red Beans and Rice delivers that in every bite. Don’t rush it, savor it, and most of all, share it with people you love.”

Enjoy making this crowd‑pleasing Southern classic at home — it’ll quickly become a favorite!