Chile-Fried Shrimp

Name: Chile-Fried Shrimp
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons pure chile powder, like ancho or New Mexico, or to taste; Cayenne to taste, optional; 2 tablespoons cornmeal; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1/2 cup neutral oil, like corn or grapeseed; 1 1/2 to 2 pounds shrimp, preferably large, peeled; Chopped fresh cilantro leaves for garnish; Lime or lemon wedges

8 ingredients

8 steps

Ingredients

2 tablespoons pure chile powder, like ancho or New Mexico, or to taste
Cayenne to taste, optional
2 tablespoons cornmeal
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup neutral oil, like corn or grapeseed
1 1/2 to 2 pounds shrimp, preferably large, peeled
Chopped fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Lime or lemon wedges

Directions

1

Combine the chile powder, cayenne if using, cornmeal, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2

Put the oil in a large skillet and turn the heat to medium-high.
3

Toss the shrimp in the spice mixture to coat.
4

When the oil is hot (a pinch of cornmeal will sizzle), toss in about half the shrimp or whatever number will fit in one layer.
5

Turn the heat to high and cook until brown on one side, then turn and brown the other side, adjusting the heat so the shrimp brown without burning4 to 5 minutes total.
6

Repeat with the remaining shrimp.
7

Garnish and serve with the lime or lemon.
8

Substitute curry powder for the chile powder.