Fried Shrimp with Tartar Slaw

  • 4

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
  • juice of 1 lemon, plus lemon wedges for serving
  • 8 cups coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage
  • 2 scallions sliced
  • kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 24 extra large shrimp (about 1 1/2 pounds), peeled and deveined
  • 1 1/2 sleeves saltines (about 60 crackers)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 Tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning
  • 4 large eggs
  • vegetable oil, for frying

Preparation

Step 1

1. Make the slaw: Mix the mayonnaise, relish and lemon juice in a large bowl. Add the coleslaw mix and scallions; season with salt and pepper and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

2. Fill a large bowl halfway with ice water and 1 Tablespoon slat. Butterfly the shrimp; Make a deep cup down the back of each shrimp so it can be splayed open. Soak in the ice water, 5 to 10 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, place the saltines in a large resealable plastic bag and finely crush with a rolling pin; transfer to a bowl. Lightly beat the eggs in a third bowl. Dredge the shrimp in the seasoned flour, dip in the eggs and press into the crushed crackers, splaying each one open to coat inside the incision. Transfer to a plate, cover and refrigerate until ready to fry.

4. Heat 3/4 inch vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 350F. Fry the shrimp in batches, turning once, until golden, 1 to 2 minutes. Drain on paper towels and season with salt. Serve with lemon wedges and the slaw.