Des

Hey! I'm Des!

Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.

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Cajun Popcorn Shrimp

Cajun popcorn shrimp is quick, easy and oh so crispy! Sweet shrimp, marinated in Cajun seasoning, then coated in breadcrumbs and fried until golden.

We’ve all got those recipes that bring back good memories from our childhood right? Something that you ate at a birthday party, on Sunday dinners or at your grandma’s house. This Cajun Popcorn shrimp is one of those for me.

Now that I am grown up and have a little bit more kitchen experience, when I’m missing my grandma and get the craving for popcorn shrimp I head into the kitchen to make my own.

Why is it called popcorn shrimp?

Little bite sized pieces of shrimp that you can pop in your mouth like, well popcorn. They are crispy. Crunchy and a crowdpleaser with both kids and adults a like.

With my trick of coating the shrimp in a mixture panko bread crumbs and plain bread crumbs, you’re guaranteed a perfectly crunchy coating for your shrimp. It is my go-to method when frying just about anything. Not only because of the results but because it’s easy too!

Let me tell you how!

What ingredients you need: 

SHRIMP: Because these are popcorn shrimp, you want to use shrimp that is on the smaller side. Look for shrimp labeled “medium” or shrimp that are 31  – 40 or  50 – 60 count. 

DES’ TIP: Shrimp is sold by how many there are in a pound so 31 – 40 count shrimp would mean there are 31 – 40 shrimp per pound.  

CAJUN SEASONING: Use your favorite blend! If you are worried about spice you could substitute blackened seasoning. It’ll still have a lot of the cajun flavor but not a lot of heat. 

FLOUR

EGGS

PANKO BREAD CRUMBS/PLAIN DRY BREAD CRUMBS: The combo of the two bread crumbs really helps to coat the shrimp completely. 

OIL: Vegetable or canola oil for frying. 

How do you make popcorn shrimp?

It’s super easy! Follow along for the step by step instructions. If you’re more of a visual learner, I’ve got step by step photos as well. 

STEP #1: First coat the shrimp in cajun seasoning and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes.

DES’ TIP: If your cajun seasoning has salt in it, you will not need to add as much salt after frying. 

STEP #2: First dredge the shrimp in the flour, shake off any excess. Dip the floured shrimp into the egg and then dredge in the bread crumb mixture. Repeat until all shrimp are coated.

STEP#3: Fry the shrimp in batches for 4-6 minutes or until golden brown.

DES’ TIP: Frying in batches is key. You do not want to overcrowd the pan. It will reduce the temperature of the oil and the shrimp will more steam than fry. As a result they won’t be as crispy. 

And don’t forget, homemade cocktail sauce is the best dip! 

My whole family LOVES this recipe. The kids love how easy it is to eat and how crunchy it is. I love that they love  it! If you’re wondering what to serve with popcorn shrimp we love sauteed broccoli  and air fryer french fries.

Looking for more fried food favorites? check out these recipes!

Lumpia Recipe

Yuca Fries

Popcorn Chicken

Brined Fried Chicken

Fried Pickles

Looking for more seafood recipes? Here are some of my favorites!

Fried Cod 

Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Cream Sauce

Baked Salmon with Lemon Caper Butter

Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

Salt and Pepper Calamari

Note: This post was originally written in 2009. It was updated with step by step instructions, step by step photos a video and nutrition information in 2021.

Cajun Popcorn Shrimp

This Cajun popcorn shrimp recipe is quick, easy and so good! Sweet shrimp, marinated in Cajun seasoning, then coated in breadcrumbs and fried until golden.
5 from 9 votes
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 6 minutes
Course Main Dishes
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 548 kcal

Ingredients
  

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound 51 - 60 count peeled and deveined prawns, thawed if frozen
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1/2- 3/4 cup flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 2/3 cup plain dry bread crumbs
  • 2/3 cup panko bread crumbs
  • oil for frying
  • kosher salt

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl combine shrimp, cajun seasoning and olive oil. Stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  • When you are ready to start cooking, heat 1/2 inch of oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
  • Place the flour in one bowl. Place the egg in a second bowl. In the third bowl combine the plain and panko bread crumbs.
  • First dredge the shrimp in the flour, shake off any excess. Dip the floured shrimp into the egg and then dredge in the bread crumb mixture. Repeat until all shrimp are coated.
  • Drop a few bread crumbs in the oil to see if its hot enough, if it sizzles, it is. Fry the shrimp in batches for 4-6 minutes or until golden brown. Be careful not to over crowd the pan. Transfer finished shrimp to paper towel lined plate. Sprinkle with kosher salt. Serve hot.

Notes

Nutrition facts are for estimation purposes only.

Nutrition

Calories: 548kcalCarbohydrates: 28.7gProtein: 31.8gFat: 34.5gSaturated Fat: 4.8gCholesterol: 305mgSodium: 789mgFiber: 1.4gSugar: 1.7g
Tried this recipe?Mention @lifesambrosia or tag #lifesambrosia!
Keywords: fried food, Prawns, seafood, shrimp

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




  • Reply
    Kiwi @ Kiwi Recipes
    October 19, 2020 at 5:45 am

    5 stars
    One thing they always forget when frying stuff like that, which is especially true for any “popcorn” recipe: Fry them but not fully cooked, then let them rest 10 minutes and fry them again until fully cooked. That will give you the crispy “popcorn” crunch.

  • Reply
    Carolyn
    August 31, 2018 at 2:35 pm

    5 stars
    I love the seasonings!

  • Reply
    Wilhelmina
    August 31, 2018 at 10:23 am

    5 stars
    These look so popable! YUM!

  • Reply
    Sandra | A Dash of Sanity
    August 29, 2018 at 7:09 pm

    5 stars
    This is such a great idea! Perfect appetizer for parties!

  • Reply
    Catalina
    August 28, 2018 at 12:50 pm

    These look perfect! I won’t be able to stop snacking on these!

  • Reply
    Amanda
    August 28, 2018 at 6:03 am

    Oooh, I love popcorn shrimp! These are perfect for football season!

  • Reply
    Erin Dee
    August 28, 2018 at 5:57 am

    5 stars
    What a wonderful childhood memory! These cajun popcorn shrimp look so tasty!

  • Reply
    Mahy Elamin
    August 28, 2018 at 2:35 am

    5 stars
    What an AMAZING idea! YUM, these really sound delicious! Thank you for a great recipe!

  • Reply
    Sabrina
    August 27, 2018 at 4:20 pm

    Love the kick of flavor! Can’t wait to try it!

  • Reply
    Demeter
    August 27, 2018 at 4:18 pm

    Perfect game day food! The crisp looks perfect!

  • Reply
    Amanda
    August 27, 2018 at 1:58 pm

    5 stars
    Such a tasty and easy recipe to follow. Highly recommend !!

  • Reply
    Carolyn
    June 15, 2018 at 5:44 pm

    This looks so yummy!

  • Reply
    Krissy Allori
    April 24, 2018 at 5:24 am

    5 stars
    My husband would freak out (in the best way) if I made him these!

  • Reply
    Rebecca | Let's Eat Cake
    April 19, 2018 at 2:03 pm

    I love popcorn shrimp and this recipe sounds so good! Love the added heat from the Cajun seasoning!

  • Reply
    Cheryl - Pook's Pantry
    April 19, 2018 at 8:59 am

    These look SO GOOD! Reminds me of my childhood. Popcorn shrimp was my “go-to” when we went out to eat :)

  • Reply
    Debra C.
    April 17, 2018 at 3:00 pm

    5 stars
    These look really easy to make, I know they will be a hit in our home!

  • Reply
    Betsy @ Desserts Required
    April 17, 2018 at 10:02 am

    My mouth is watering just looking at this recipe. Can’t wait to give it a try!

  • Reply
    Jersey Girl Cooks
    April 16, 2018 at 8:21 pm

    This looks so delicious! I can always go for shrimp.

  • Reply
    Fisherboy
    December 19, 2011 at 2:35 pm

    What a great idea! A Cajun kick is just about great on everything! This popcorn shrimplooks amazing!

  • Reply
    Melissa K
    November 8, 2009 at 10:03 am

    I’ve made these a bunch of times since you posted them, and I just want to let you know that I absolutely adore them! We use them for our Yankeefied version of Shrimp Po’ Boy. They come out juicy and succulent every time. Perfect!

    • Reply
      Deseree
      November 9, 2009 at 11:17 am

      Thank you Melissa! I am happy to hear that you have enjoyed these so much! What is a Yankeefied version of Shrimp Po’ Boy? Sounds intriguing :)

  • Reply
    dawnie2u
    July 17, 2009 at 2:59 pm

    These look great! Are the shrimp cooked or raw before you fry them?

    • Reply
      Deseree
      July 17, 2009 at 3:10 pm

      hi dawnie2u Thanks! They are raw before I cook them.

  • Reply
    chocolateshavings
    June 15, 2009 at 10:16 am

    Those sound really, really tasty!

  • Reply
    Kevin
    June 15, 2009 at 7:05 am

    Those popcorn shrimp look really good!

  • Reply
    Marta
    June 13, 2009 at 4:54 pm

    That’s the power of food, one of its many!!
    I love dishes filled with nostalgia and happy memories, which transport you back in time after just one bite.
    Aside from the sentimentality… this looks crunch-a-licious!

  • Reply
    Rita
    June 12, 2009 at 6:09 pm

    These remind me so much of the times I used to work around the Bahamas….

  • Reply
    Sheila
    June 12, 2009 at 11:42 am

    Mmm… fried food :)

  • Reply
    Maria
    June 12, 2009 at 11:38 am

    Just found your blog. Love it!

  • Des

    Hey! I'm Des!

    Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.

    Read more »

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