Shrimp Basket Recipe

Prepare shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Place in a bowl and toss with 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tablespoon lemon zest and 1.5 tablespoons olive oil until evenly coated. Let marinate 10 minutes at room temperature.

Set up stations

Arrange three shallow bowls: 1) flour mixture: whisk together 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch and 1/2 tsp baking powder; 2) wet batter: in a bowl whisk 1 large egg with 1/2 cup cold sparkling water until combined (batter will be slightly thin); 3) coating: place 1 cup panko breadcrumbs in the third bowl.

Heat oil

Pour 2 cups vegetable oil into a large heavy skillet or pot to a depth of about 1.5 inches. Heat over medium-high until oil reaches 350°F (175°C) or a breadcrumb sizzles and browns in about 30 seconds. Maintain heat so oil stays between 325–350°F during frying.

Coat shrimp

Working in batches of 6–8 shrimp, dredge each shrimp first in the flour mixture (shake off excess), then dip into the egg-sparkling water batter, letting excess drip off, then press into panko breadcrumbs to coat completely.

Fry shrimp

Carefully add coated shrimp to the hot oil in a single layer (do not overcrowd). Fry 1.5–2.5 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer shrimp to a paper towel–lined tray to drain. Repeat with remaining shrimp.

Keep warm

If making multiple batches, keep fried shrimp on a baking sheet in a single layer in a 200°F (95°C) oven while you finish frying to stay crisp.

Toss 2 cups mixed greens with a light pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon if desired. Divide greens among serving plates or a shallow basket/liner. Arrange hot fried shrimp on top of the greens in a small pile to resemble a 'shrimp basket'. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley and place 2 lemon wedges alongside.

Place 1/2 cup tartar sauce and 1/2 cup cocktail sauce in small ramekins for serving. Serve immediately so the shrimp remain crisp.