Fried food is a huge part of Black cuisine. Which, as our friends over at Black Food Fridays would say, makes it a huge part of American cuisine.
Functioning white supremacy means so much stigma has been created around some staple parts of our cuisine. And yet … that’s a conversation for a different today.
Today, let’s celebrate ourselves with this Crispy Shrimp recipe shared by Resident Hella Black Brunch chef, Redwood Hill.
CRISPY FRIED SHRIMP
Ingredients
2 lbs freshest most sustainable, local & large shrimp
(available to you regionally and according to your budget)
4 cups high heat oil
(like peanut or coconut for frying)
10 tbsp organic corn starch, divided
Salt and fresh black pepper to taste
Finish off with hot sauce to taste
(we recommend Red Clay, because - as allies - they contributed the funds that made it possible for us to bring you all of our Juneteenth content)
Preparation
To prep the shrimp:
Peel & devein the shrimp (or kindly ask your fishmonger to do so for you).
Reserve shrimp shells and/or heads in your freezer for seafood stock for another time.
Split whole shrimp down the back middle so that the entire shrimp will get crispy.
Toss Shrimp in cornstarch seasoned well with salt and pepper. Let stand in the cornstarch for at least 10 mins.
To fry the shrimp:
Pour the oil into a small pot or deep but smaller cast iron skillet.
Bring the temp up to 350℉ or 180℃ on a medium to medium-high heat.
Test oil by dropping a rogue piece of “batter” into the oil. If it begins to fry with fast moving tiny bubbles, the oil is ready.
Add cornstarchy shrimp in batches, taking care not to overcrowd the pot or pan. Fry 3-5 mins per batch.
Using a spider or slotted spoon, remove the shrimp when visibly crispy or golden brown, resembling the texture of smaller tempura.
Set crispy shrimp on wire rack over a paper towel to drain; season immediately with S&P, and HBB Juneteenth Jawn Spice Blend.
Honestly, these are so good we want you to DM US when you try them!
AND … LIKE EVERY OTHER RECIPE YOU RECEIVE THIS WEEK, WE WANT YOU TO HONOR THE BLACK CREATIVITY AND INGENUITY THAT OUR ANCESTORS HAVE ALWAYS BROUGHT TO GLOBAL CUISINE.
YOU CAN USE OUR RECIPE AS A GUIDE, BUT FEEL FREE TO MAKE IT YOURS!
(See our full Juneteenth Jawn menu, and download our full grocery list HERE.)