Step 1

In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, 1 tablespoon salt, Old Bay seasoning, and black pepper.

Step 2

Place the buttermilk in a separate shallow bowl.

Step 3

Pour the oil into a medium Dutch oven or cast iron skillet and warm over medium-high heat until it reaches 375 degrees F.

Step 4

Meanwhile, pat the shrimp dry and dredge them in the flour mixture first, then coat with buttermilk, and dredge in the flour mixture again. Shake the shrimp after each coating to get off any excess flour or batter.

Step 5

Working in batches, fry shrimp until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes). Use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp to a paper towel-lined tray. Season with additional salt, to taste. You may need to increase the heat to keep the oil at a steady temperature between 350 degrees F and 375 degrees F as the shrimp fry.

Step 6

Keep the fried shrimp warm in a 200 degree F oven while you fry the remaining batches.