Jumbo Shrimp Dinner from Perkins features large, succulent shrimp lightly breaded and fried to a golden crisp, served alongside seasoned vegetables and your choice of savory sides, delivering a satisfying seafood feast with a perfect blend of tender and crunchy textures.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Fry basket
- Tongs
- Sheet pan or tray
- Slotted spoon
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Vegetable steamer or pot with steamer basket
- Serving plates
- Serving utensils
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., broccoli, carrots, green beans)
- Salt, to taste (for vegetables)
- Black pepper, to taste (for vegetables)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Optional side: Mashed potatoes, French fries, rice, or coleslaw
Choosing jumbo shrimp that are peeled and deveined ensures easy preparation and a tender texture after frying. Using panko breadcrumbs provides a lighter, crunchier coating compared to regular breadcrumbs, enhancing the overall mouthfeel. Seasoning the flour mixture with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper adds depth and a slight kick to the shrimp's flavor. Ensure the vegetable oil reaches the right temperature for frying to achieve a golden, crisp exterior without absorbing excess oil. You can recreate the Jumbo Shrimp Dinner from Perkins' copycat menu by pairing these crispy shrimp with seasoned mixed vegetables and your preferred savory side like mashed potatoes or French fries.
Instructions
- Preheat the deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.
- Pour breadcrumbs into another bowl.
- Dredge each shrimp in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip each shrimp into the beaten eggs.
- Coat each shrimp with breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Place breaded shrimp on a sheet pan or tray.
- Carefully place shrimp into the fry basket, in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry shrimp for 2–3 minutes, until golden and crispy.
- Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon or tongs; drain on paper towels.
- Steam mixed vegetables in a steamer basket or pot until just tender, about 4–5 minutes.
- Season vegetables with salt and black pepper.
- Prepare optional side dish (mashed potatoes, French fries, rice, or coleslaw), if desired.
- Arrange fried shrimp, vegetables, and chosen side on serving plates.
- Serve with lemon wedges.
Substitution
Jumbo Shrimp Dinner from Perkins copycat menu offers a crispy, flavorful seafood option featuring breaded jumbo shrimp served with seasoned vegetables and your choice of sides. If you lack a deep fryer, use a heavy-bottomed skillet and fry the shrimp in batches with enough oil to cover halfway, turning carefully with tongs to ensure even crisping. Panko breadcrumbs give a lighter, crunchier texture, but regular breadcrumbs work well as a substitute if unavailable. When steaming vegetables, you can swap out broccoli, carrots, and green beans for whatever fresh or frozen varieties you have on hand, seasoning simply with salt and pepper. Using lemon wedges before serving enhances the shrimp's flavor, but a splash of vinegar or a drizzle of hot sauce can also provide a nice tangy contrast.
Tips
Maintain the deep fryer temperature strictly at 350degF (175degC) to ensure shrimp cook evenly and develop a perfect golden crisp. Avoid overcrowding the fry basket, as this lowers oil temperature and results in soggy breading. Press the breadcrumbs gently onto shrimp to help the coating adhere better without falling off during frying. Steam mixed vegetables just until tender to preserve their vibrant color and nutrients, enhancing the overall presentation and flavor of your meal.
Nutritions
Jumbo Shrimp Dinner offers a high-protein seafood option with approximately 115 calories and 20 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving of shrimp. The meal includes mixed vegetables, providing essential vitamins like A and C, along with dietary fiber for digestive health. Frying shrimp adds fat and calories, but using a moderate amount of oil and steaming vegetables helps maintain a balanced nutrient profile. Your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes or coleslaw, will impact the overall calorie and carbohydrate content of the meal.
Storage
Store any leftover jumbo shrimp dinner in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness. Keep the fried shrimp separate from the steamed vegetables and sides to preserve their crisp texture. Reheat your meal using an oven or air fryer to restore the shrimp's crunch without making them soggy.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap paprika with smoked paprika or cayenne pepper with chili powder for a different smoky or spicy flavor profile. Try using crushed cornflakes or ground almonds instead of breadcrumbs to achieve a unique crunchy coating. Instead of deep frying, bake the breaded shrimp in a preheated oven at 400degF (200degC) for about 12-15 minutes to make a lighter version. Steaming your vegetables with a splash of lemon juice or garlic-infused oil can add extra zest and enhance their natural taste.
Allergies
Your Jumbo Shrimp Dinner from Perkins contains shellfish, which is a common allergen that may cause severe reactions in sensitive individuals. The breading ingredients include wheat-based flour and breadcrumbs, presenting a risk for those with gluten or wheat allergies. Additionally, eggs used in the batter can trigger allergic responses in people with egg intolerance.
Why this recipe?
The Jumbo Shrimp Dinner from Perkins restaurant is beloved for its generous portion of plump, perfectly seasoned shrimp, paired with crispy fries and fresh coleslaw, delivering a satisfying seafood experience. Its well-balanced flavors and crispy texture create a memorable meal that seafood enthusiasts crave. You can recreate this iconic dish at home to enjoy restaurant-quality jumbo shrimp without the wait, offering both taste and value. Trying to make the copycat version allows you to customize seasoning and sides to match your preferences while savoring a classic Perkins favorite.