Easy Popcorn Shrimp
A delightful, crunchy, and flavorful shrimp dish perfect as a snack, appetizer, or light meal.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb small raw shrimp, peeled and deveined Make sure shrimp are fresh.
- 1 cup buttermilk For marinating.
- 1 tsp hot sauce Adjust amount for spiciness.
For the Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour Can substitute with almond flour.
- 0.33 cup cornstarch
- 0.5 cup fine cornmeal
- 0.75 cup panko breadcrumbs For a crunchy texture.
- 1.5 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper Adjust for heat preference.
- 0.5 tsp baking powder Helps the coating rise.
- 1.25 tsp kosher salt Divided into two portions.
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 3 cup vegetable oil For frying.
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse the fresh shrimp under cold water to remove any residual salt.
- Pat them dry gently with paper towels to ensure they’re ready for marinating.
Marinating
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce to create a tangy marinade.
- Add the shrimp, making sure each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes.
Coating
- In a shallow dish, mix together flour, cornstarch, cornmeal, and panko breadcrumbs.
- Add paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, half of the kosher salt, black pepper, and baking powder.
Frying
- Pour the vegetable oil into a large, deep skillet and heat it over medium-high heat until the temperature reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Once marinated, dredge the shrimp in the coating mixture, ensuring each shrimp is thoroughly coated.
- Gently tap off any excess flour mixture.
- Carefully add the coated shrimp to the hot oil in small batches, frying for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan for an even fry.
Serving
- Once golden and crispy, remove the fried shrimp with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
For a burst of freshness, add lemon or lime zest to the coating mixture. You can also substitute some shrimp with vegetables for a delightful twist.