National Fried Shrimp Day

Celebrate National Fried Shrimp Day with Good Thyme Gal 🍤✨...

December 20th marks National Fried Shrimp Day, a delicious celebration honoring one of the most iconic seafood dishes in American cuisine. From Southern fish fries to coastal seafood shacks to modern fusion kitchens, fried shrimp is a universally adored comfort food. At Good Thyme Gal, we believe in celebrating dishes that bring joy, nostalgia, and togetherness, and this holiday aligns perfectly with our mission.

Why National Fried Shrimp Day Matters

National Fried Shrimp Day is more than a fun food holiday, it’s a recognition of the role seafood plays in regional culture, culinary creativity, and shared meals. While shrimp is one of the most popular seafood items in the world, fried shrimp carries a special place in American history and flavor tradition.

1. It Celebrates Coastal Culinary Heritage

Fried shrimp has deep roots in coastal regions, especially the Gulf Coast, Lowcountry South, and New England. Each region has its own spin, from crispy cornmeal coatings to buttermilk marinades to tempura-inspired batters. Celebrating this day pays homage to the diverse, rich culinary traditions that shape American cooking.

2. It Highlights Accessible, Quick, Flavorful Cooking

Shrimp is affordable, cooks in minutes, and pairs well with countless seasonings. National Fried Shrimp Day encourages home cooks to enjoy a crispy, satisfying meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. That’s exactly the kind of cooking Good Thyme Gal champion, approachable, flavorful, and doable for busy home cooks.

3. It Encourages Gathering & Sharing

Fried shrimp is a classic communal food. Whether served at a family fish fry, a holiday party, or a casual weekend dinner, it has that magical quality of bringing people together. At Good Thyme Gal, we always celebrate dishes that inspire community, connection, and shared joy.

4. It Inspires Creativity in the Kitchen

From Cajun to coconut-crusted to lemon-pepper tossed, fried shrimp is endlessly customizable. This day encourages home chefs to experiment with new techniques, flavors, and dipping sauces, something Good Thyme Gal readers love.

Good Thyme Gal’s Crispy Buttermilk Fried Shrimp

A Simple, Crowd-Pleasing Recipe for Any Skill Level

This recipe keeps the process uncomplicated while delivering perfectly seasoned, crunchy, golden shrimp every time.

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 egg

• 1 cup flour

• ½ cup cornmeal

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp cayenne (optional)

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• Oil for frying

• Lemon wedges, for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the Shrimp:In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg. Add shrimp and let sit for 20–30 minutes. This keeps them tender and juicy.

2. Prepare the Coating:Combine flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.

3. Heat the Oil:In a deep skillet or pot, heat 1–2 inches of oil to 350°F.

4. Coat and Fry:Remove shrimp from buttermilk mixture, dredge in the flour-cornmeal blend, and shake off excess.Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes, until golden and crisp.

5. Drain and Serve:Drain on paper towels. Serve with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or spicy remoulade.

This method ensures a crispy exterior with perfectly tender shrimp inside,ideal for appetizers, tacos, salads, or sandwiches.

Why This Holiday Aligns with Good Thyme Gal

National Fried Shrimp Day embodies everything Good Thyme Gal stands for:

✔ Approachable recipes

Fried shrimp is easy to prepare and doesn’t require special equipment.

✔ Celebration of real, joyful food

We highlight recipes that spark happiness, nostalgia, and comfort.

✔ Flavor-forward cooking

Spices, texture, and bold seasoning are central to our cooking philosophy.

✔ Encouragement of gathering and sharing meals

Whether for a holiday table or a casual night in, fried shrimp is perfect for friends and family.

✔ Respect for food culture and heritage

We honor traditional dishes while making them accessible for modern kitchens.

By celebrating National Fried Shrimp Day, Good Thyme Gal continues to embrace its purpose: creating food that feels good, tastes incredible, and brings people together.