Description
Fried Shrimp and Peppers with Spicy Ranch Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining crispy, golden fried shrimp with sweet, slightly charred sautéed bell peppers, all topped with a creamy, zesty, and mildly spicy ranch sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe delivers a delightful texture and bold taste that will impress family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 lb medium-sized peeled and deveined shrimp
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea/rice flour for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Peppers
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, green mix)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Spicy Ranch Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter sauce)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse and thoroughly pat dry the shrimp to ensure the coating adheres well. In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge each shrimp evenly in the seasoned flour mixture.
- Fry the Shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F. Fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove shrimp and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Sauté the Peppers: While frying the shrimp, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced bell peppers and cook for 5-7 minutes until they are soft but still slightly crisp. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Make the Spicy Ranch Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), minced garlic, hot sauce, chopped dill, parsley, and lemon juice. Stir well to create a creamy and zesty sauce.
- Assemble and Serve: Arrange the crispy fried shrimp over a bed of sautéed peppers. Drizzle generously with the spicy ranch sauce. Garnish with extra herbs or a lemon wedge for added freshness.
Notes
- Ensure shrimp are completely dry before coating for maximum crispiness.
- Maintain oil temperature at around 350°F to avoid greasy shrimp.
- Fry shrimp in batches to keep oil temperature steady.
- Do not overcook peppers; keep them tender yet slightly crisp for best texture.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce and lemon juice in the ranch sauce to your preferred spice and tang levels.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Keywords: fried shrimp, sautéed peppers, spicy ranch sauce, crispy shrimp, quick dinner, appetizer, gluten-free option
