Basic Oven Fried Shrimp - With 6 Different Flavors

How to Make

• Step 1: Shrimp ... Let them set on the counter to take the chill off. You never want to cook with cold seafood. If using frozen shrimp; make sure to thaw them in a colander in the refrigerator; so, they do not sit in water. Once the shrimp have rested, season lightly with salt and pepper. Even though the flour mix does have seasoning; I still lightly season the shrimp.

• Step 2: Dredging Stations ... Set up all 3 pans or shallow dishes (I use pie plates). Dish #1 - Flour, corn starch, salt, and pepper. Dish #2 - Eggs and worcestershire beaten until a light yellow color; then, add in the beaten egg whites. Dish #3 - Breading, salt, and pepper. If using Panko bread crumbs; I like to pulse them a few times in the food processor to get a finer texture. This isn't necessary; but, I think it works much better.

• Step 3: Shrimp Coating ... Dredge the shrimp in the flour mixture; shaking off any extra. Then, dip in the egg mix. Finish by dredging the shrimp in the breading; making sure they are well coated.

• Step 4: Baking ... Add the shrimp to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and lightly sprayed with a non stick spray; then, lightly spray the top of the shrimp. This will give the shrimp a nice golden crust. Bake in a 400 degree oven on the middle shelf, approximately 8-12 minutes. My oven takes around 9 minutes; so, depending on your pan, and the size of your shrimp ... just keep an eye on them, the cooking time can vary.

• Step 5: Flavors: Simply add the 'extra' ingredients to the breading and/or egg mix to develop the different flavors.

• Step 6: Greek ... Add lemon juice and capers to the egg mix; seasoning and nuts to the breading. Serve with a creamy Feta Dip.

• Step 7: Italian ... Add garlic and anchovies to the egg mix; seasoning and parmesan to the breading. Serve with a sundried tomato dip or marinara sauce.

• Step 8: Cajun or Creole ... Add orange juice and hot sauce to the egg mixture; seasoning to the breading. Serve with a spicy garlic aioli.

• Step 9: Tropical ... Add citrus juice and hot peppers to the egg mix; seasoning and toasted coconut to the breading. Serve with a spicy mango or papaya dip.

• Step 10: Mexican - Add lime juice and chipotles in adobo to the egg mix; seasonings to the breading. Serve with salsa or creamy tomatillo/avocado dip.

• Step 11: American ... Add orange juice and BBQ sauce to the egg mix; seasoning and cheese to the breading. Serve with a creamy ranch 'type' of dip.

• Step 12: Plate and Serve ... Plate family style; then, add any of your favorite sauces or dips on the side. These are a few other dips which are really good - Pineapple coconut, creamy cheese sauce, green goddess, tzatziki, sweet chili sauce, Asian based soy or teriyaki sauces, creamy mustard, etc. Again, they make perfect appetizers, snacks, or a main dish. ENJOY!