Crispy Popcorn Shrimp are tasty little bites that are golden and crunchy. They’re perfect for a fun snack or served with your favorite dipping sauce.
I love making these shrimp for movie nights! They disappear fast, and I end up munching on them throughout the film. Who can resist that crunch? 🍤✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Small shrimp work best for popcorn shrimp. If you’re in a pinch, frozen shrimp can be used. Just ensure they’re fully thawed, peeled, and deveined before cooking.
Buttermilk: This gives the shrimp a tender texture and tangy flavor. No buttermilk? Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes as a great substitute!
Panko Breadcrumbs: These are crucial for that crispy coating. If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs will work, but they might not give the same crunch. You could also crush some crackers as an alternative!
Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels! Add more cayenne if you like heat or omit it for a milder flavor. Using smoked paprika instead of regular can give a nice twist.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Crispiness?
Getting that crispy texture is all about the coating and frying method. Here’s the best way to do it:
- Ensure each shrimp is coated well with flour first, followed by buttermilk, and finally panko. This triple-dipping technique ensures a nice layer.
- Heat the oil to the right temperature (350°F). Too low, and the shrimp will absorb oil; too high, and they will burn quickly.
- Fry in small batches. This keeps the oil temperature stable and allows for even cooking. If you crowd the pan, you’ll end up with soggy shrimp!
Follow these steps, and you’ll have perfectly crispy popcorn shrimp every time!
Crispy Popcorn Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound small shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Cocktail sauce or ketchup, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for prep and marinating. You’ll need an additional 10-15 minutes for frying the shrimp, making the total time approximately 30-35 minutes. Perfect for a quick and delicious snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Shrimp:
In a medium bowl, combine the buttermilk with the hot sauce if you’re using it. Toss in the shrimp so they’re well coated. Cover the bowl and let them marinate in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes. This will help to tenderize the shrimp and add flavor!
2. Prepare the Coatings:
While the shrimp is marinating, set up your breading station. In a shallow dish, mix the flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. In another shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
3. Bread the Shrimp:
Once the shrimp have marinated, remove them from the buttermilk and shake off the excess liquid. Dredge each shrimp in the seasoned flour, making sure to coat it evenly. Next, dip the shrimp back into the buttermilk briefly, and then coat it thoroughly with the panko breadcrumbs. Repeat until all shrimp are coated.
4. Fry the Shrimp:
Heat enough vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to reach 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the shrimp in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry them until they’re golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your crispy popcorn shrimp with fresh parsley. Serve hot with lemon wedges and your choice of dipping sauces like cocktail sauce or ketchup. Enjoy your delicious, crunchy treat!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating. The best way to thaw is to leave them in the refrigerator overnight or to place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
How Do I Keep the Shrimp Crispy After Frying?
To keep the shrimp crispy, avoid stacking them on top of each other after frying. Instead, place them on a wire rack over paper towels so air can circulate around them, preventing them from getting soggy.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
While the shrimp are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the shrimp and coat them ahead of time. Keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fry. Just make sure to fry them right before serving for the ultimate crispiness!
What Can I Use Instead of Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes before using.
