Cajun Popcorn Shrimp

Name: Cajun Popcorn Shrimp
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 lb small raw shrimp, peeled; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 2 tsp Louisiana hot sauce; 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal; 4 cups vegetable oil

Bite-sized shrimp marinated in spiced buttermilk, tossed in a cornmeal coating, and fried until crunchy. Served hot as a crispy starter or snack.

30 minMediumServes 4380 cal/serving

CajunAppetizerStovetopPescatarianHalal-friendlyNut-FreeSoy-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-FreeSesame-Free

Ingredients

1 lb small raw shrimp, peeled
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 tsp Louisiana hot sauce
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
4 cups vegetable oil

Instructions

1

Whisk 1/2 cup buttermilk, 2 tsp Louisiana hot sauce, and half of the 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning in a bowl.
2

Add 1 lb peeled small raw shrimp to the buttermilk mixture and marinate for 15 minutes.
3

Mix 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal, and remaining 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning in a shallow dish.
4

Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat to 350°F.
5

Coat shrimp in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
6

Fry shrimp in batches for 2 minutes until golden and internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Questions

Can I make Cajun Popcorn Shrimp dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in this entry is 1/2 cup buttermilk. Swap the buttermilk for plant milk soured with a teaspoon of vinegar per cup. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Can I make Cajun Popcorn Shrimp gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 1 cup all-purpose flour. Swap the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend (where it only thickens a sauce, half as much cornstarch also works). Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Cajun Popcorn Shrimp keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within two days (seafood turns fast). Reheat uncovered in a 400 F oven (or an air fryer) for a few minutes to bring the crust back; the microwave softens it.

Can I halve or double Cajun Popcorn Shrimp?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

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