Forget everything you think you know about shrimp scampi. Queens, New York, boasts a culinary gem far exceeding its Italian-American cousin: crispy fried shrimp marinara. This isn't your delicate, buttery shrimp; this is a bold, flavorful explosion of perfectly fried crustaceans swimming in a rich, tangy tomato sauce. Imagine succulent shrimp, each bite a satisfying crunch giving way to tender, juicy meat, enveloped in a vibrant marinara bursting with garlic, oregano, and a hint of sweetness. This isn't just a dish; it's a taste of Queens' vibrant culinary heritage.
This recipe, a family favorite passed down through generations, captures the essence of this Queens classic. It’s surprisingly easy to replicate this iconic dish at home, achieving that perfect balance of crispy and tender. Ready to embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Queens? Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions and bring the vibrant flavors of crispy fried shrimp marinara to your kitchen.
Tools Needed
- Blender
- Saucepan
- Frying pan
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- Whole peeled tomatoes: 28 ounces
- Olive oil: 1/4 cup
- Garlic: 1 tablespoon (chopped), plus 1 teaspoon
- Fresh basil: 5 large leaves
- Red pepper flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Shrimp: 25 (large, wild-caught recommended)
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup
- Bread crumbs: 1 cup
- Eggs: 4
- Milk: 1/4 cup
- Italian bread: slices, toasted
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Marinara Sauce
- Puree 28 ounces of whole peeled tomatoes in a blender.
- Heat 1/4 cup of olive oil in a saucepan. Add 1 tablespoon of chopped garlic and sauté until golden brown. (approximately 120.399)
- Stir in pureed tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Add 5 large basil leaves.
- Simmer until slightly thickened. (approximately 227.76)
Step 2. Bread the Shrimp
- In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup flour, 1 cup bread crumbs, 1 teaspoon garlic, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix well.
- In another shallow dish, whisk together 4 eggs and 1/4 cup milk.
- dredge each shrimp in flour, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
Step 3. Fry the Shrimp
- Heat enough olive oil in a frying pan to fry the shrimp. (approximately 378.16)
- Fry the shrimp for about a minute per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 4. Assemble and Serve
- Place toasted Italian bread slices on plates. Top with fried shrimp and spoon marinara sauce over the shrimp.
Read more: Crispy Sicilian Panelle: Chickpea Fritter Recipe
Tips
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred level of heat.
- Using wild-caught shrimp enhances the flavor.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the shrimp; fry in batches if necessary.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. What makes Queens-style fried shrimp marinara different from other shrimp dishes?
Queens-style focuses on extra crispy shrimp, often double-fried, served in a bright, tangy marinara rather than a buttery, garlic-heavy sauce like scampi.
2. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them very dry before breading and frying for the crispiest results. Frozen shrimp tend to release more water.
3. What kind of breading works best?
A simple dredge of flour, then egg wash, then breadcrumbs is traditional. You can experiment with seasoned breadcrumbs or panko for different textures.
So there you have it – a taste of Queens in your own kitchen! This crispy fried shrimp marinara recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, bringing the vibrant flavors of a Queens classic to your table. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and the explosion of flavors, and don't forget to share this delicious dish with your loved ones.