Author: Maggie Pemberton

Food

How to Make Delicious Fried Shrimp

Maggie Pemberton

Fried shrimp is the ultimate appetizer or crave-able main dish. It is also easy to make and less intimidating than you think.

Fried Shrimp

To ensure a light and crispy coating, use seasoned flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs. Be sure to work in batches and maintain oil temperature so the shrimp cook evenly. Dine at Downtown Pensacola Restaurants for an unforgettable food trip experience.

Flour is the basic ingredient for fried shrimp, but other ingredients add plenty of flavor to make this dish more special. In addition to regular all-purpose flour, the batter should also include a bit of cornmeal and zesty spices such as onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. A sprinkle of salt and pepper in the flour is also a good idea.

Buttermilk can also be used in this recipe to help the breading adhere to the shrimp and to tenderize it. If you don’t have buttermilk, use a little milk or even sour cream that has been loosened with a bit of water to make a liquid for the coating. Once the shrimp are battered, they should be refrigerated for at least an hour.

During this time, you should be heating up your oil for frying. Get a large Dutch oven or another heavy pot that can hold at least four quarts of vegetable, peanut or canola oil. Heat the oil to about 350 degrees F.

You can add more or less oil depending on the size of your pan and the amount of shrimp you are making at one time. Place wire cooling racks on your counter or a baking sheet and set out your paper towels to drain the fried shrimp when they are finished.

It’s important to fry the shrimp in small batches so they cook evenly and don’t clog the oil. Aim to fry about six shrimp at a time. Any more than that will crowd the pan and lower the oil temperature.

Using a fish-fry mix, cracker crumbs or even self-rising flour will give the fried shrimp a great texture. You can use different spice blends to season the dredging flour, including Old Bay, Cajun or Creole. You can also add a dash of hot sauce or ketchup to the dredging batter for some extra flavor and color. These seasoned fried shrimp are perfect for appetizers, but they can also be served with rice, pasta or salads as a main course. You can even use them on sandwiches, like a shrimp po’boy or a shrimp remoulade sandwich.

Breading

A good breading is the key to a delicious fried shrimp. Many recipes use flour as a base, but you can vary the amount of ingredients to suit your own preferences. The flour should be well-seasoned – usually salt and pepper are used, but paprika, garlic powder or onion powder can also be added to the mix. A little cayenne pepper adds some heat and helps the crust to brown. Using whole milk instead of water in the batter adds a nice richness to the final product.

It’s important that the shrimp be completely dry before breading. If there is any moisture, the breading will absorb it and become soggy. To ensure this, pat the shrimp with paper towels until they are dry. Then you can begin the breading process: flour, egg wash and panko bread crumbs.

The first step is to dredge the shrimp in flour. Using your left hand (this is the dry hand) hold the shrimp and turn it over to coat both sides, then move on to the egg wash. After the egg is applied to the shrimp, move onto the panko bread crumbs. The final step is to dredge the shrimp again, this time in the panko bread crumbs. This will give the shrimp a nice crisp texture.

When the breading is complete, allow the shrimp to chill for 15 minutes. This will help the breading to adhere to the shrimp and prevent it from falling off during frying. During this time, prepare the oil for frying. The oil should be heated to 350 degrees. Then fry the shrimp a few at a time until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees. Using a spider strainer or slotted spoon, remove the shrimp from the hot oil and drain them on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet.

It’s important to work in batches so that the oil doesn’t overcrowd. Overcrowding the pan can cause the food to sink and stick to the bottom of the pan. Adding too much food at once can also cause the oil to cool down too quickly.

Oil Temperature

The oil used to fry fried shrimp needs to be hot enough so that the outside of the shrimp will become golden brown without burning or becoming too dark. However, the oil also needs to be a bit cooler than this so that the inside of the shrimp will cook properly and not become overly mushy. Oils that have a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil, work best for this because they can withstand high temperatures for long periods of time.

Ideally, you should use a candy or instant-read thermometer to determine the temperature of the oil. This way, you can be sure that the oil is at a perfect temperature to fry the shrimp. If you don’t have one of these, you can test the temperature of the oil by dropping a small amount of water into it. If it sizzles, then the oil is hot enough for frying.

Before frying, the shrimp should be peeled and deveined, if not already done. This will remove the intestinal tract, which can be filled with grit and make the shrimp gritty to eat. The grit can also ruin the coating on the shrimp, causing it to not stick and turn out soggy.

For the batter, mix the flour with salt, baking powder, and pepper. Whisk in milk, then add a little cayenne pepper and/or paprika for flavor. The batter should be light and fluffy and free of lumps.

Once the batter is made, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Then dip them in the flour mixture, then eggs, and finally bread crumbs. You can use your favorite type of bread crumbs, such as cornmeal, seasoned or plain, and the size of your shrimp will affect how many you put in at a time. Small to medium shrimp will only take about two minutes at a time to cook.

Working in batches so that you don’t overcrowd the pot, fry the shrimp until they are a beautiful golden color and crisp. Transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. If desired, serve with cocktail sauce or other dipping sauces.

Overcrowding

Shrimp are a go-to appetizer for many occasions, and they can also make a filling dinner if paired with the right side dishes. Southern fried shrimp, in particular, are known for their unique seasoning mix and meticulous preparation method, which results in a crisp exterior and juicy interior that is simply irresistible. The secret to achieving the best shrimp in your own kitchen lies in selecting high-quality ingredients and following a few simple steps for preparing them.

To start, you’ll want to purchase large or jumbo-sized shrimp that have firm flesh and are brightly colored. Then, you’ll need to thoroughly rinse the shrimp with cool water until all of the dirt and debris has been removed from their shells. Next, you’ll need to pat them dry with paper towels to ensure that they’re completely dry. Lastly, you’ll need to prepare a mixture of baking soda and salt that will be used for sanitizing the shrimp before frying.

Once the shrimp are properly sanitized, you’ll need to coat them in the batter. For the batter, you’ll want to use a mixture of flour and spices such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to create a flavorful coating. You may also add hot sauce to the mix for a bolder flavor punch.

After the seasoned flour is coated on the peeled and deveined shrimp, they should be refrigerated for about 20-30 minutes to chill and give the flour mixture time to fully bind the shrimp together. During this time, you can prepare a sauce to pair with the fried shrimp such as ketchup, tartar sauce, remoulade sauce, or even cocktail sauce.

When the shrimp are ready, you’ll want to dip them into beaten eggs before they’re coated in a light and crispy breading. The eggs help the breadcrumbs stick to the shrimp and also help ensure that the breading doesn’t fall off during the frying process. You can also use this opportunity to add any additional flavors to the batter such as sour cream, milk, or even beer.

Once the breading is on, you’ll want to fry the shrimp in batches so that they don’t overcrowd the pan. This will allow the shrimp to cook evenly and provide a tantalizing crunch with each bite. Once they’re cooked, drain them on a paper towel and serve with your favorite sauce for dipping.

Home Improvement

Finishing Basement – A Cost-Effective Alternative to an Addition

Maggie Pemberton

Turning an unfinished basement into a functional living space can significantly increase home value. But it is a major renovation project that requires advanced renovating skills.

Finishing Basement

To be considered finished, a basement must have permanent heating and cooling systems like the rest of the house. Window air conditioning units and swamp coolers don’t count. For professional help, contact Finishing Basement Lehi.

When it comes to boosting home value and expanding living space, finishing a basement is often the best solution. It offers a cost-effective alternative to an addition, and it may be the only option for homeowners who want more living space but can’t afford or otherwise make room for an expansion in their current homes.

Before starting any renovation work, a homeowner should take the time to identify their needs and vision for the finished space. This will not only affect the layout of the new rooms, but it will also influence the choice of materials and fixtures. For example, homeowners will have to consider the type of flooring and whether they want a drop ceiling or exposed ceiling. It’s a good idea to consult with an expert about these major decisions before beginning the project.

Among the most crucial considerations is how the finished basement will be used. Some common choices include a home theater, family room, playroom, gym, and home office. Each of these areas requires different flooring, furniture, and décor.

It’s also important to determine how the basement will be heated and cooled. The basement is typically a colder and more humid environment than the rest of the house, so ensuring adequate insulation and extending the existing HVAC system to the basement will help regulate temperature and humidity and reduce energy costs. It’s a good idea to speak with a qualified HVAC technician before starting the renovation.

Another consideration is where the main water shutoff and sewer line cleanout will be located in the finished basement. It’s essential to ensure easy access to these panels in case of future repairs or emergencies. The last thing anyone wants is to be standing in raw sewage five years down the road!

Finally, if the finished basement will be home to a bar or entertainment area, it’s a good idea to install a ping pong table, pool table, or gaming system. This will encourage social interaction among family and guests, creating a fun and relaxing environment. Adding a wine cellar is also a great way to add elegance to the space and showcase your collection of favorite bottles.

Make a Budget

A basement finishing project can add a large living space to your home. But it’s important to have a clear plan in place and stick to your budget. The costs of finishing a basement vary greatly, and the type of design you choose will play a big role in how expensive it is. You can minimize costs by handling things yourself and sourcing inexpensive materials, but it’s essential to have a contractor oversee projects that are bound by code (like plumbing, HVAC and electrical work) or require specialized skill sets (like framing).

Before you start the work, decide what you want your finished basement to look like. If your goal is to create a family room, consider keeping the walls and flooring simple, as this will save on cost. If you’re planning to make bedrooms or a bathroom, keep in mind that residential building codes require rooms to have at least one point of egress (exit other than the door), and that will increase your budget.

Once you’ve determined your goals for the space, take measurements of every room and sketch a floor plan. This will help you visualize the layout and determine the best location for windows, doors and appliances. It will also help you estimate how much material you’ll need for the job. To cut costs, use basic tools you already have at home and rent the ones you don’t need to complete the project. You can also check local thrift stores and online marketplaces for used materials that may fit your needs.

If you’re unable to afford all of the expenses related to your remodel, there are a variety of financing options available for home improvement. You can get a personal loan, a line of credit or even a home equity loan. The latter option borrows against the equity in your home, using your house as collateral, and it’s often more affordable than other forms of debt.

To make sure you don’t overspend on the project, track and deduct costs from your categories regularly. It’s a good idea to have a separate category for furniture and other items, and to always select low- to mid-grade fixtures and accents over high-end options that may not hold up to wear and tear.

Get Permits

In many cities, including NY, it is a legal requirement to obtain a permit for any basement renovation or finishing project. Not obtaining the required permit may lead to serious consequences for the homeowner. For one, the work carried out without a permit will most likely fail inspections and will require costly repairs. In addition, the owner may be subject to hefty fines.

Moreover, the lack of permits can affect resale value of the home as prospective buyers will be cautious of buying a home with unpermitted renovations. This may also lead to difficulty with getting insurance coverage as most insurance providers require homes to comply with all applicable local codes and regulations.

To avoid these issues, homeowners can choose to work with licensed contractors and registered design professionals who are familiar with the permit process and requirements in their area. These professionals can help them navigate the process and ensure that the finished basement meets all code requirements.

The permit process can be lengthy and complex, particularly for those who are unfamiliar with local rules and regulations. As such, it is best to consult with the construction department in your township for more information about obtaining the proper permits for basement renovations. Additionally, homeowners can hire contractors who specialize in basement finishing to simplify the process.

Some minor work in NY does not require a permit, such as ordinary plumbing works and emergency work. However, owners must still comply with other city agency requirements.

To apply for a permit, the homeowner must submit construction drawings, plans and specifications. These are then reviewed by the department of buildings (DOB). After the review, the DOB will issue a permit to start the work. Once the work is completed, the DOB will conduct final inspections to make sure that the work complies with the approved plans and all relevant codes and regulations. Once the DOB has verified that the basement is up to standards, it will issue a certificate of occupancy or letter of completion. This can be a lengthy and time-consuming process, but it is crucial to ensuring that the finished basement complies with all building standards and regulations.

Start the Work

Turning your basement into a beautiful new living space can add value to your home and give you a comfortable place to entertain friends or family. However, the process is a bit more involved than simply dusting off your old treadmill and vacuuming a few times a year. Typically, finishing a basement requires a lot of preparation work and is a project best left to professionals.

It is important to clear away any clutter in your basement and plan the layout of your new room before beginning the renovation. This will help keep the process as smooth as possible and prevent any mishaps during construction that could delay the completion of your new basement. Keeping your living spaces upstairs free of boxes and larger items such as workout equipment will also allow you to work without interrupting the rest of your house during the renovation. If you are unable to find space for your large items you can always hire a POD to pick up and store them for you during the construction process.

Once you have the layout in mind and any required permits are pulled it is time to get to work on the actual construction of your new basement. This stage is critical as it ensures your finished basement will meet all local building codes and is up to par with any future changes. Non-permitted work can cost you much more in the long run, especially if you ever decide to sell your home.

The first step in this phase is laying out the foundation for your walls. Then you can start framing the drywall. You will need to account for any outlets, valves or other things that will need access by measuring and cutting out the appropriate areas in the drywall before securing it to the studs. Then you will mud over any seams and screw heads for a clean finish.

When the drywall is up trim carpenters will come in and install any door casing, baseboard or other trim that may be necessary. This will make the finished product look great and also prevent any moisture from getting into the walls in the future.