Imagine tender, juicy shrimp coated in a crispy, golden crust, bursting with savory spices. These little morsels are fried to perfection, creating a delightful contrast of textures that’s simply irresistible. Served hot with lemon wedges and tangy tartar sauce, they’re the perfect party snack or a fun weeknight treat. This recipe is so easy, you’ll be making them all the time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Perfection: That golden, crunchy coating is absolutely addictive.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute cravings.
- Flavor Explosion: The blend of spices creates a savory, slightly spicy kick.
- Versatile Delight: Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main course.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather our ingredients, shall we? This list is short, sweet, and packed with flavor!
- Shrimp (Medium Size, Peeled and Deveined): The star of the show! Make sure they’re nice and dry for the best coating.
- Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and tenderizes the shrimp. Don’t skip this step!
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the crispy coating.
- Cornmeal: Adds extra crunch and a slightly nutty flavor.
- Paprika: Adds a smoky, sweet flavor and a vibrant color.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a savory, pungent punch.
- Onion Powder: Adds a sweet, savory depth.
- Cayenne Pepper: Adds a touch of heat. Adjust to your spice preference!
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the flavors.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying to golden perfection.
- Lemon Wedges: Adds a bright, citrusy zing.
- Tartar Sauce: The classic dipping companion.
Variations
Want to spice things up? Here are a few fun twists:
- Spicy Kick: Increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the buttermilk.
- Coconut Craze: Use shredded coconut in the coating for a tropical twist.
- Herb Heaven: Add dried oregano, thyme, or parsley to the flour mixture.
- Baked Delight: Bake the shrimp instead of frying for a healthier option.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Popcorn Shrimp
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
- If needed, peel and devein the shrimp. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- Place the shrimp in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Marinate for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
- Fill a deep frying pan or pot with about 2 inches of vegetable oil.
- Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C).
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Remove a few shrimp at a time from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
- Toss them in the flour mixture until well coated.
Step 4: Fry to Golden Brown
- Carefully add the coated shrimp to the hot oil, in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan!
- Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the popcorn shrimp hot with lemon wedges and tartar sauce for dipping.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Dry Shrimp is Key: Pat the shrimp dry before marinating to help the coating stick.
- Temperature Matters: Maintain the oil temperature at 375°F (190°C) for even cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Fry the shrimp in batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping.
- Drain Well: Use a slotted spoon and paper towels to remove excess oil.
How to Serve
Appetizer Ace:
Serve as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at parties or gatherings.
Snack Attack:
Enjoy as a quick and satisfying snack anytime.
Main Course Magic:
Serve with french fries, coleslaw, or a side salad for a casual meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate leftover popcorn shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven for best results.
Freezing
Freeze cooked and cooled popcorn shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Reheat in an air fryer or oven.
Reheating
Reheat in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, until crispy and heated through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating.
Can I use a different type of flour?
You can use gluten-free flour or a blend of flours, but the texture may vary slightly.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
The shrimp are done when they are golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Conclusion
There you have it! Popcorn Shrimp that’s crispy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the spices and make it your own. Now, go forth and make some amazing popcorn shrimp! You’ll be hooked!
PrintPopcorn Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinating Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy and flavorful, this Popcorn Shrimp recipe delivers bite-sized delights perfect for appetizers or snacks. Marinated in buttermilk and coated in a seasoned flour mixture, these shrimp are fried to golden perfection and served with lemon wedges and tartar sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, medium size, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Tartar sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Shrimp: If the shrimp are not already, peel and devein them. Make sure they are dry by patting them down with paper towels.
- Marinate Shrimp: Place the shrimp in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Allow them to marinate for about 10 minutes.
- Heat Oil: Fill a deep frying pan or pot with about 2 inches of vegetable oil. Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Coat Shrimp: Remove a few shrimp at a time from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Toss them in the flour mixture until they are well coated.
- Fry Shrimp: Carefully add the coated shrimp to the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook the shrimp in batches if necessary. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Drain Excess Oil: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve Hot: Serve the popcorn shrimp hot with lemon wedges and tartar sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Dry the shrimp well before marinating to help the coating stick.
- Fry the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and maintain oil temperature.
- For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper to taste.
- If you prefer baking, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg