How to Make Perfect Popcorn Shrimp at Home

Craving some crispy and delicious snacks that you can make at home? Look no further! Popcorn shrimp is a quick and easy dish that will satisfy your cravings with its crunchy exterior and succulent interior. Here’s how you can make this mouth-watering snack in the comfort of your own kitchen.

To start, you’ll need a few ingredients: shrimp, flour, cornmeal, buttermilk, and seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simply mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and the buttermilk in another. Dip the shrimp in the buttermilk mixture and then coat them with the flour and cornmeal mixture. Fry the shrimp until golden brown and crunchy, and enjoy! With these easy steps, you’ll have a delicious snack that will impress your friends and family. Let’s get started!

Ingredients for Popcorn Shrimp

Popcorn shrimp is a famous appetizer that is loved by many across the world. It is a versatile dish that can be served as a snack or used as a topping on salads. The recipe is easy to follow, and the preparation time takes less than 30 minutes. Before we discuss the process, let us take a look at the ingredients required to make popcorn shrimp.

Raw Shrimp

Selecting the right kind of shrimp is essential to make an excellent popcorn shrimp dish. You can use either fresh or frozen shrimp for this recipe. However, using fresh shrimp will ensure better flavor and texture. Look for medium to large-sized shrimp, either de-veined or with shells intact.

Flour

Flour is an essential ingredient in this recipe as it helps to coat the shrimp and makes them crispy. You can use all-purpose flour or cornstarch for a gluten-free version.

Breadcrumbs/Panko

Breadcrumbs or Panko serves as the second coating for the shrimp. It helps to create a crispy texture on the outside. Panko breadcrumbs are preferred in this recipe as they are lighter and give a crunchier texture.

Egg

Egg is used to create a bond between the flour and breadcrumbs. It helps the coating to adhere better to the shrimp.

Milk

Milk is used to make the batter. It makes the shrimp even more tender and adds extra flavor.

Spices and Seasonings

The flavors of popcorn shrimp can be customized according to your preference. Adding spices and seasonings like paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder can take this dish to another level. Salt and pepper ensure a balanced flavor.

Cornmeal

Cornmeal is an optional ingredient that adds an extra crunch to the popcorn shrimp. It can also be used to replace breadcrumbs.

Oil for frying

Using the right kind of oil is crucial for frying the shrimp. Peanut oil, vegetable oil, and canola oil are suitable oil options for this recipe.

Mayonnaise and Hot Sauce

Mayonnaise and hot sauce make a delicious dipping sauce for the popcorn shrimp. It adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish.

Lemon Wedges

Lemon wedges can be used as a garnish on the serving plate. It adds a hint of citrus flavor to the dish.

Now that we know the ingredients required let us move on to the process of making popcorn shrimp.

Gathering Ingredients and Equipment

Making popcorn shrimp requires a few key ingredients and kitchen tools to help you achieve a crunchy, flavorful result. Here are the items you’ll need to make popcorn shrimp at home:

1. Shrimp

The first key ingredient is, of course, the shrimp. You’ll want to choose small to medium-sized shrimp that have been peeled and deveined. It’s best to use fresh shrimp, but if that’s not available, you can use thawed frozen shrimp. Make sure to pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to eliminate any excess moisture, which will help the breading stick.

2. Flour Mixture

To create the crispy coating on the shrimp, you’ll need to prepare a flour mixture. This mixture usually consists of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and any other spices or seasonings you prefer. Whisk all the ingredients together and set aside.

3. Egg Mixture

The flour mixture alone won’t be enough to make the coating stick to the shrimp, so you’ll need to prepare an egg mixture as well. Beat eggs and add some hot sauce or milk to create a wet mixture that the shrimp can be coated in.

4. Panko Breadcrumbs

Panko breadcrumbs are crucial in creating the perfect crunchy popcorn shrimp. Panko breadcrumbs are light and airy and give the shrimp a crispy texture. Prepare a bowl of panko breadcrumbs.

5. Oil for frying

To fry the popcorn shrimps, you’ll need an oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable oil or canola oil. Pour the oil into a deep-fryer or a heavy-bottomed pan and heat it to 350°F (175°C).

6. Mixing Bowls

You’ll need two mixing bowls to coat the shrimp. One bowl for the egg mixture and one bowl for the flour mixture. This will ensure a proper coating on the shrimp.

7. Slotted Spoon

A slotted spoon will be useful to remove the popcorn shrimps from the fryer. You can use a tong, but a slotted spoon will be more convenient.

8. Paper Towels

You’ll need paper towels to drain the fried popcorn shrimps. Place the popcorn shrimps on paper towels to absorb the excess oil.

9. Seasonings

After frying the shrimp, you can sprinkle with some seasonings like garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or Old Bay seasoning. This optional step will add some extra flavor to the popcorn shrimps.

10. Appetite

The most important ingredient to make popcorn shrimps is, of course, an appetite! Once you have all the ingredients and equipment ready, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking!

In the next section of our article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of preparing and cooking your very own delicious popcorn shrimp from scratch. So, let’s dive right in!

Ingredients for Popcorn Shrimp

Making delicious popcorn shrimp requires the right ingredients. You will need the following items:

Preparation of Shrimp

To make popcorn shrimp, you need to start with clean and de-veined shrimp. First, rinse the shrimp in cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Then, remove the shell and leave the tail intact. Next, make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp and remove the black vein. Rinse again and pat dry.

Preparation of Breading

The secret to great popcorn shrimp is in the breading. Mix the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. In another bowl, combine the egg whites and water. Whisk until blended.

Breading Shrimp

Coat the shrimp with the flour mixture, then dip them into the egg mixture. Finally, roll the shrimp in the Panko breadcrumbs, pressing the crumbs onto the shrimp until fully coated.

Frying the Shrimp

Heat the oil in a pot or pan until it reaches 350°F. Carefully place the breaded shrimp into the hot oil with a slotted spoon. Fry for about 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp turns golden brown. Remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Congratulations! Your delicious popcorn shrimp is all ready to be devoured with your favorite dip. Serve immediately and enjoy the taste of the ocean.

That’s all for now, folks!

Well, that’s how you make some yummy popcorn shrimp, folks! I hope you enjoyed reading this recipe and learned something new today. Do try making it at home and let me know how it turned out. And don’t forget to take a nice picture and post it on Instagram! Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more delicious recipes like this one. Have a great day ahead! 🙂