I hope you’re all ready to embark on a delicious journey today. Have you ever found yourself daydreaming about the vibrant streets of New Orleans, with its jazz music filling the air and the tantalizing aroma of street food all around? Well, I sure have!
One of my fondest memories from my trips to the Big Easy is indulging in crispy, golden Shrimp Beignets. They’re a delightful twist on the classic beignet, packed with juicy shrimp and a perfect blend of spices. And guess what? Today, I’m going to show you how to bring that NOLA magic right into your kitchen.
So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!
Shrimp Beignets
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- Oil for frying
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- The secret to perfect Shrimp Beignets starts with the marinade.
- Marinate the shrimp in a zesty mix of lemon juice, garlic, and Creole seasoning. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Trust me, this step is crucial – it’s where the magic begins.
- Next up, let’s make the batter.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Give it a good mix. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth.
- Slowly fold the wet ingredients into the dry ones. You’re aiming for a thick, rich batter here. Toss in the chopped green onions for that extra punch of flavor.
- Now, for the fun part – frying!
- Heat your oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Dip each marinated shrimp into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, carefully lower it into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beignets to paper towels, letting them drain off any excess oil.
- Voila! Your Shrimp Beignets are ready.
- Serve them up with lemon wedges and watch them disappear in no time. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor.
Notes
- Make sure your oil is hot enough to get that perfect crunch.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if needed.
- These beignets are best enjoyed fresh, so dig in right away!
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
Wrapping Up:
There you have it, my friends – Shrimp Beignets that bring a little slice of New Orleans right to your table. I hope you enjoyed this culinary adventure as much as I did. These beignets are more than just a dish; they’re a reminder of the joyous spirit and vibrant culture of NOLA.
So next time you’re craving something special, you know exactly what to whip up. If you have any questions or need any adjustments for dietary needs, don’t hesitate to reach out. I love hearing from you all and helping you create delicious memories in your kitchen.
Until next time, happy cooking, and laissez les bon temps rouler – let the good times roll!
