Description
Crispy and flavorful Popcorn Shrimp coated in a seasoned breading and deep-fried to golden perfection. This easy-to-make appetizer pairs perfectly with a variety of dipping sauces, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Popcorn Shrimp Ingredients
- 1 pound small raw shrimp, tail-off, peeled and deveined
- 1 ½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- ½ to 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 ½ cups Panko bread crumbs, or Italian-style
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Garnish
- Lemon wedges
- Parsley, chopped
Serve with
- Tartar sauce
- Cocktail sauce, or ketchup
- Yum yum sauce
- Eel sauce
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: Add the small raw shrimp to a mixing bowl along with Cajun seasoning, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure the shrimp are well coated with the seasonings.
- Prepare Breading Stations: Place the all-purpose flour in a large shallow dish. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until fully combined. In a third dish, spread out the Panko bread crumbs.
- Coat the Shrimp: Working in batches of about 8-10, add shrimp to the flour dish and toss to coat evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
- Dredge and Bread: Dip each floured shrimp individually into the egg mixture, allowing the excess to drip off. Then dredge the shrimp in the bread crumbs, pressing lightly to coat. Shake off excess crumbs and place the shrimp on a lined baking sheet. Repeat until all shrimp are breaded.
- Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer or large deep-rimmed pan to a depth of about 1 inch. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for frying.
- Deep Fry Shrimp: Carefully add the breaded shrimp in small batches to the hot oil. Fry for 2-4 minutes, or until the shrimp turn golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding to maintain oil temperature.
- Drain Excess Oil: Using a slotted spoon or spider skimmer, transfer the fried shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Season and Serve: Immediately sprinkle the shrimp with a pinch of salt or garlic salt for extra flavor. Serve hot with lemon wedges and your choice of dipping sauces such as tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, yum yum sauce, or eel sauce.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature remains consistent at 350°F for crispiness without greasiness.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pan to prevent shrimp from sticking together and uneven cooking.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide extra crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Adjust seasoning amounts to taste, especially the salt.
- Can be made ahead and kept warm in a low oven but best served fresh for maximum crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
