Description
This Crispy Popcorn Shrimp Recipe features tender, juicy shrimp marinated in buttermilk and coated in a flavorful cornmeal and flour breading blend. Fried until golden and crunchy, it makes for a perfect appetizer or snack served with tangy lemon wedges and creamy tartar sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup buttermilk
Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Frying and Serving
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 inches deep)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Tartar sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp: Combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with 1 cup of buttermilk in a bowl, ensuring all the shrimp are submerged. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse moisture.
- Prepare the Breading Mixture: In a separate large bowl, mix together 1 cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup cornmeal, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper to taste. This mixture will create a crispy and flavorful coating.
- Coat the Shrimp: Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk marinade one by one, allowing excess to drip off, and dredge them thoroughly in the breading mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or skillet to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer if available to ensure proper frying temperature.
- Fry the Shrimp: Carefully add the breaded shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the crispy popcorn shrimp hot with fresh lemon wedges and tartar sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy as an appetizer or snack!
Notes
- Make sure the oil temperature stays consistent to prevent greasy shrimp.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan to maintain crispiness.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade.
- Use fresh shrimp for best texture and taste.
Keywords: popcorn shrimp, crispy shrimp, fried shrimp, appetizer, seafood snack, buttermilk shrimp