🥗🍤 Caesar Salad with Fried Shrimp
📝 Ingredients (Serves 2)
For the Salad:
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1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped
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¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated
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½ cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
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Optional: lemon wedges, black pepper
For the Fried Shrimp:
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½ lb (225g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails off or on)
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½ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
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½ cup flour
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½ cup cornmeal or panko breadcrumbs
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1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or a mix of paprika, garlic powder, cayenne)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the Caesar Dressing (Quick Homemade Version):
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¼ cup mayonnaise
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 clove garlic, finely minced
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2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Optional: 1 anchovy fillet or ½ tsp anchovy paste (for authentic flavor)
👨🍳 Instructions:
1. Marinate the Shrimp:
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Toss shrimp in buttermilk and let sit while you prepare the coating.
2. Bread the Shrimp:
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In a bowl, mix flour, cornmeal (or panko), seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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Dredge shrimp in the dry mixture until fully coated. Shake off excess.
3. Fry the Shrimp:
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Heat 1–2 inches of oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C).
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Fry shrimp in batches, 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
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Drain on paper towels and season lightly with salt while hot.
4. Make the Dressing:
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In a bowl, whisk together all Caesar dressing ingredients until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.
5. Assemble the Salad:
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Toss chopped romaine with Caesar dressing, croutons, and shaved Parmesan.
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Top with hot, crispy shrimp.
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Garnish with black pepper and lemon wedges.
✅ Serving Suggestions:
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Serve with garlic bread or a cold glass of white wine.
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Add cherry tomatoes or avocado slices for extra freshness.
Would you like a grilled shrimp version, low-carb adaptation, or to make your own homemade croutons?
