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Cajun Popcorn Shrimp

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

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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. 1

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

  2. 2

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

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

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

  5. 5

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

  6. 6

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

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Questions

How hot should the oil be for Cajun Popcorn Shrimp?

For Cajun Popcorn Shrimp, the frying oil is held at 350 F (about 175 C) in step 4. Hotter scorches the outside before the inside cooks, and cooler turns it greasy. The target internal temperature is 145 F (about 65 C), given in step 6. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

How long should Cajun Popcorn Shrimp marinate?

Step 2 reads: "Add 1 lb peeled small raw shrimp to the buttermilk mixture and marinate for 15 minutes." Follow the time in step 2. Shorter still seasons the surface. Much longer is not better with acidic marinades, which turn the outside of meat or fish mushy.

Is there a substitute for buttermilk in Cajun Popcorn Shrimp?

The entry for Cajun Popcorn Shrimp calls for 1/2 cup buttermilk. In its place: Stir a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar into a cup of milk and let it stand five minutes. Plain yogurt thinned with milk also works.

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of shrimp in Cajun Popcorn Shrimp?

Yes; most shrimp sold as fresh were frozen once already. Thaw them under cold running water for about ten minutes and pat them very dry so they sear instead of steaming. As written, the entry for Cajun Popcorn Shrimp uses 1 lb small raw shrimp, peeled.

Can I make Cajun Popcorn Shrimp dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in Cajun Popcorn Shrimp 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.

How many calories are in Cajun Popcorn Shrimp?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) is about 380 calories, with 24 g protein, 32 g carbohydrate and 18 g fat, plus 2 g fiber and 780 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

Serve it with

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