🍤 Southern Fried Shrimp with Red Beans & Rice

🍤 Instructions

For the Fried Shrimp:

1. In a bowl, soak shrimp in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes.
2. In a shallow dish, mix cornmeal, flour, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C).
4. Remove shrimp from buttermilk, dredge in the cornmeal mixture, and shake off excess.
5. Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

For the Red Beans & Rice:

1. In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Cook until soft.
2. Add smoked sausage and cook until browned.
3. Add red beans, chicken broth, paprika, thyme, and bay leaf.
4. Simmer for 1–1.5 hours (or 20 minutes if using canned beans), stirring occasionally.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf.
6. Serve over warm white rice with fried shrimp on top or on the side.

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🌿 Tips

• Add a splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning for extra Southern heat.
• Garnish with chopped green onions and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Would you like me to make a creamy Cajun sauce to drizzle over the shrimp and rice? It pairs beautifully with this meal.