These crispy popcorn shrimp are bite-sized, crunchy, and oh-so-tasty! Coated with a light batter, they’re perfect for snacking or as a fun appetizer for any gathering.
Honestly, who can resist the crunch? I love serving them with a zesty dipping sauce. They’re always a hit, and I often end up eating more than I planned! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Small shrimp work best for this recipe, but you can also use medium shrimp, just adjust the cooking time slightly. For a budget-friendly option, frozen shrimp are perfect if thawed properly.
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. This will give you a similar acidity!
Panko breadcrumbs: These add a fantastic crunch. If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs will work too, but the texture might not be as light and crispy. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Cayenne pepper: This is optional for some heat. If you aren’t a fan of spicy food, feel free to leave it out or use a pinch of black pepper instead.
How Do I Get Perfectly Crunchy Shrimp?
Getting that perfect crunch on your shrimp is all about the coating and frying technique. Follow these steps for best results:
- Ensure your shrimp are completely dry before soaking in buttermilk; moisture can prevent the batter from sticking.
- When coating, remember: flour, then buttermilk, then panko!
- Fry in small batches to help the oil maintain the right temperature, promoting even cooking and crisping.
- Don’t skip draining on paper towels after frying; this helps keep them crispy.
Enjoy your cooking and the delightful crunch of your shrimp!
How to Make Crispy Popcorn Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb small shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Cocktail sauce or your favorite dipping sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This crispy popcorn shrimp recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and an additional 10-15 minutes for frying. So, you can whip up a tasty snack or appetizer in roughly 30 minutes! Easy-peasy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water. After that, pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is important to get a nice, crispy coating!
2. Soak in Buttermilk:
Next, place the shrimp in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Allow them to soak for about 15-20 minutes. This not only adds flavor but also helps the coating stick better.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if you like some heat), salt, and black pepper. This mixture adds flavor and acts as the base for your coating.
4. Prepare Bread Crumbs:
In another shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs. These will give your shrimp that extra crunch!
5. Heat the Oil:
In a deep pan or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You’ll want enough oil to cover the shrimp while frying.
6. Coat the Shrimp:
Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. First, dredge the shrimp in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip them back into the buttermilk briefly, and finally coat them evenly with panko breadcrumbs.
7. Fry the Shrimp:
Carefully place the coated shrimp in the hot oil in small batches. Avoid overcrowding your pan, as this can lower the oil temperature. Fry the shrimp until they are golden brown and crispy, usually about 2-3 minutes per batch.
8. Drain the Shrimp:
Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp from the oil and let them drain on paper towels. This step will ensure they are not greasy.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Plate your crispy popcorn shrimp, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges. The lemon adds a refreshing touch!
10. Enjoy!
Serve your delicious shrimp immediately with cocktail sauce or your favorite dipping sauce, and get ready for compliments on this fantastic dish!
Enjoy your crunchy, flavorful Crispy Popcorn Shrimp!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the shrimp before using them. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or quickly by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for about 30 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by mixing 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to thicken and curdle slightly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover popcorn shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes to keep them crispy!
Can I Make These Shrimp Spicier?
If you’d like to amp up the heat, you can add more cayenne pepper or even a dash of hot sauce to the buttermilk before soaking the shrimp. Adjust to your heat preference!
