Crispy Fried Shrimp and Creamy Macaroni & Cheese

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Main Courses, Recipes

This delightful dish is a decadent combination of crispy fried shrimp and creamy, rich macaroni and cheese. It’s a perfect fusion of comfort food classics that promises to satisfy both seafood lovers and those who crave that ultimate cheesy goodness.

Ingredients:

For the Macaroni and Cheese:

  • 1 cup elbow macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

For the Fried Shrimp:

  • 10 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Topping:

  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Get your ingredients ready first. This helps you cook without stopping to find things. Now, let’s start making our yummy shrimp and mac and cheese.

Instructions:

  1. Start by cooking the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for a minute to create a roux.
  3. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until the mixture is thickened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and mix in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella until smooth and creamy. Fold in the cooked macaroni until well coated. Transfer to a baking dish and set aside.
  5. For the shrimp, marinate them in buttermilk seasoned with cayenne pepper for about 15 minutes.
  6. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  7. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a deep skillet to 375°F (190°C).
  8. Dredge the marinated shrimp in the seasoned flour mixture until well coated.
  9. Fry the shrimp in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
  10. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, and black pepper to create a glaze.
  11. Arrange the fried shrimp on top of the macaroni and cheese.
  12. Drizzle the honey-soy glaze over the shrimp and macaroni and cheese.
  13. Serve immediately and enjoy this heavenly combination of sweet, spicy shrimp and creamy macaroni and cheese.

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