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Popcorn Shrimp Recipe

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  • Author: Evelyn
  • 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

Units Scale
  • 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

  1. Prepare Shrimp: If the shrimp are not already, peel and devein them. Make sure they are dry by patting them down with paper towels.
  2. Marinate Shrimp: Place the shrimp in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Allow them to marinate for about 10 minutes.
  3. Heat Oil: Fill a deep frying pan or pot with about 2 inches of vegetable oil. Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C).
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Drain Excess Oil: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
  8. 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