Go Back
+ servings
a popcorn shrimp being dipped in a bowl of cocktail sauce
Print

Popcorn Shrimp

Stop biting in to those heavily breaded store bought (expensive) mystery popcorn shrimp and take 15 minutes to make your own! 
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 11 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 501kcal
Author Rachel Ballard

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 cups panko bread crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons cajun seasoning old bay seasoning would also work
  • 12 ounces shrimp raw, peeled and deveined (51-60 shrimp per pound)
  • oil for frying

Instructions

  • In three separate bowls, prepare the coating for the shrimp: in bowl one add the flour, salt and pepper and stir. Set aside. In bowl two add the eggs and water and stir to combine. Set aside. In bowl three add the panko and cajun seasoning. Stir and set aside. 
  • Working with five or six shrimp at a time, dip them into the flour first, shaking off any excess. Then dip them in the eggs and finally in to the panko, pressing the breading on well. It works best to keep one hand dry and one hand wet to reduce the mess on your fingers. 
  • Repeat until all the shrimp are breaded and ready to fry. 
  • Line a plate or cookie sheet with paper towels and set aside. 
  • Preheat a 9-inch heavy skillet over medium-high heat until a little breading dropped in begins to sizzle right away--about 6 minutes but keep an eye on it. If you have a thermometer, you want the oil at about 365 degrees. 
  • Add the shrimp, 4 or 5 at a time to the oil. Cook on the first side 2 minutes then turn, and cook 1 to 2 minutes more until golden brown.  Transfer to the paper towel to drain. 
  • Serve with cocktail sauce and lemon wedges. 

Nutrition

Calories: 501kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 666mg | Sodium: 1201mg | Potassium: 407mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 2380IU | Vitamin C: 3.5mg | Calcium: 259mg | Iron: 7.6mg