Cajun Popcorn Shrimp
- 30m Prep Time
- 15m Cook Time
- 45m Ready In
8 to 10 servings This recipe can also be made with clams, oysters, or, as is traditionally done in Louisiana, with crayfish. These will be scooped up and eaten as easily as a handful of popcorn, so make sure you have plenty. Please read about Deep-Frying.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 4 inches vegetable oil
- 2 pounds small shrimp (3 ¼0), peeled, or larger shrimp, peeled, deveined, and cut into ½-inch pieces
- 2 to 3 cups dry bread crumbs or fine cornmeal, as needed
- 1 Aïoli or Rémoulade Sauce (opens in new tab)
Let's Prepare
Collect
Gather these ingredients — no prep needed yet.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 4 inches vegetable oil
- 2 pounds small shrimp (3 ¼0), peeled, or larger shrimp, peeled, deveined, and cut into ½-inch pieces
- 2 to 3 cups dry bread crumbs or fine cornmeal, as needed
- 1 Aïoli or Rémoulade Sauce
Let's Cook
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Step 1.
Stir together in a medium bowl: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper; ½ teaspoon dried thyme
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Step 2.
Make a well in the center of the mixture. Gradually pour in, whisking constantly: 1 ½ cups milk; 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
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Step 3.
Let stand for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, heat to 365°F in a deep-fryer, deep heavy pot, or Dutch oven: 4 inches vegetable oil
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Step 4.
Stir into the batter: 2 pounds small shrimp (3 ¼0), peeled, or larger shrimp, peeled, deveined, and cut into ½-inch pieces
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Step 5.
Remove with a slotted spoon and lightly toss with: 2 to 3 cups dry bread crumbs or fine cornmeal, as needed
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Step 6.
Fry the shrimp in batches until crisp and lightly browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Serve with: Aïoli or Rémoulade Sauce