Shrimp is a nutritious food high in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B-12 and vitamin D. Unfortunately, some people with a wheat allergy or who are eliminating wheat protein called gluten from their diet, feel they can't have fried shrimp. Shrimp, however, can be fried in other foods besides flour, allowing those avoiding wheat to enjoy fried shrimp again.
Defrost the shrimp. Shrimp should be defrosted in a refrigerator for 24 hours. Defrosting shrimp in a microwave or oven is not recommended, because it makes shrimp fried without flour tough and tasteless.
Decide whether to pan fry or deep fry the shrimp. Pan frying shrimp is ideal for dishes such as shrimp scampi, and doesn't require any food coating except cooking oil. Deep frying, however, is perfect for traditional fried fish meals, but requires a little more preparation if flour isn't used.
Fill a frying pan or deep fryer with plenty of oil. The oil must be sizzling before shrimp can be fried without flour.
Coat the shrimp with milk and cornmeal if deep frying, or with a pinch of salt and oil for pan-fried shrimp. Place shrimp in pan or deep fryer and cook until the breading is golden brown, or the skin of the shrimp turns pink.