You can buy prepared Popcorn Shrimp in the freezer isle but the flavor is bland and the texture is mushy. Most of what you taste is the bread coating. Making it at home takes a bit of time but the wonderful flavor from this recipe makes it worth it. Your guests will think you had a restaurant make these for you.
This recipe calls for using small shrimp ( 50 count per pound). However, you can use medium sized shrimp if you can't find the small ones. You can even cut them in half to make bite sized pieces.
In order for the shrimp flavor to come through, you should buy the freshest you can find. By fresh, we mean that it hasn't been cooked yet. In case you are not familiar with raw shrimp, they will be gray in color and will most likely be frozen. Most super markets have a seafood section where you can buy them.
Popcorn Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups plain dried bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 pound small shrimp, defrosted and peeled
- 6 - 7 cups vegetable oil
- Salt and Pepper
Preparation:
- Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 200 degrees.
- Beat the Eggs in a shallow dish.
- Combine the Breadcrumbs, Garlic Powder, Chili Powder, Cayenne, Cumin, 1/2 teaspoon Salt, and 1 teaspoon Pepper in a separate shallow dish.
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, then season with salt and pepper. (if the shrimp are wet, the egg won't stick to them)
- Working with 1/2 of the shrimp at a time, dip them into the egg.
- Then coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Press on the breadcrumbs to make sure they adhere to the shrimp. Lay the breaded shrimp on paper towels or plates.
- Pour the oil into a large pot until it measures 1 1/2 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 375 degrees.
- Carefully add half of the shrimp to the hot oil (375 degrees F)and fry until golden brown, stirring often to prevent them from sticking together, about 1 1/2 minutes.
- Remove the fried shrimp from the oil and let drain briefly on paper towels.
- Transfer the drained shrimp to a wire rack set over a baking sheet and keep warm in the oven.
- Skim off any bits of bread crumbs from the oil and return the oil to 375 degrees and fry the remaining shrimp.
- Serve with cocktail sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
