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!
Looking for more seafood recipes? Here are some of my favorites!
Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Cream Sauce
Baked Salmon with Lemon Caper Butter
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.
Servings
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.
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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.
I love the seasonings!
These look so popable! YUM!
This is such a great idea! Perfect appetizer for parties!
These look perfect! I won’t be able to stop snacking on these!
Oooh, I love popcorn shrimp! These are perfect for football season!
What a wonderful childhood memory! These cajun popcorn shrimp look so tasty!
What an AMAZING idea! YUM, these really sound delicious! Thank you for a great recipe!
Love the kick of flavor! Can’t wait to try it!
Perfect game day food! The crisp looks perfect!
Such a tasty and easy recipe to follow. Highly recommend !!
This looks so yummy!
My husband would freak out (in the best way) if I made him these!
I love popcorn shrimp and this recipe sounds so good! Love the added heat from the Cajun seasoning!
These look SO GOOD! Reminds me of my childhood. Popcorn shrimp was my “go-to” when we went out to eat :)
These look really easy to make, I know they will be a hit in our home!
My mouth is watering just looking at this recipe. Can’t wait to give it a try!
This looks so delicious! I can always go for shrimp.
What a great idea! A Cajun kick is just about great on everything! This popcorn shrimplooks amazing!
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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 :)
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!
hi dawnie2u Thanks! They are raw before I cook them.
These look great! Are the shrimp cooked or raw before you fry them?
Those sound really, really tasty!
Those popcorn shrimp look really good!
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!
These remind me so much of the times I used to work around the Bahamas….
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Mmm… fried food :)
Just found your blog. Love it!