Mac and Ernie’s Fried Shrimp

I’m a fried shrimp addict. You’d think that by now I’d have enough recipes for making them. Yet I’m always on the looking for more and more. I came across this recipe from a roadside eatery in Texas, Mac and Ernie’s, and knew I had to make it. Not so much because the breading seemed different, but because it uses evaporated milk. And what a difference it makes! Crispy crunchy lightly spicy outside, tender, slightly sweet inside, Mac and Ernie’s fried shrimp are exactly what I was craving.

Mac and Ernie's Fried Shrimp

Fresh-Caught Is Better-Tasting

I used fresh-caught Florida shrimp for my Mac and Ernie’s fried shrimp. I try to get either gulf shrimp or Florida shrimp and avoid the farm-raised imported shrimp as much as possible. The taste difference is noticeable. Why go through the effort of frying your own shrimp only to use poorer quality shrimp?

I get out my big deep fryer when it’s time to fry a large batch of food. It comes to temperature quickly and it maintains that temperature perfectly. It has a built-in oil filter and storage unit so I can re-use the oil several times.

Mac and Ernie's Fried Shrimp
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Mac and Ernie’s Fried Shrimp

Be sure to not over-cook the shrimp.
Course Appetizer or Main
Cuisine American
Keyword deep-fried, shrimp
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 287kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a deep fryer or Dutch oven to 360 F.
  • Combine the flour, pepper, salt, Cajun seasoning and onion powder in a bowl (I like to use a pie plate).
  • Beat the eggs in another bowl. Add the evaporated milk and beat to combine.
  • Working in batches, dip the shrimp in the egg mixture. Shake off excess then roll in the flour mixture. Shake off excess. Fry 2 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.

Nutrition

Calories: 287kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 59mg | Sodium: 937mg | Potassium: 240mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 424IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 135mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.