Cajun Popcorn Shrimp
Crispy, spicy, and irresistibly bite-sized, Cajun Popcorn Shrimp is the ultimate appetizer or snack that’s bursting with bold flavors. These tender shrimp are marinated in tangy buttermilk infused with Cajun seasoning, then coated in a perfectly seasoned mixture of flour and cornmeal for a golden, crunchy crust. Deep-fried until irresistibly crispy, each piece packs the smoky heat of paprika, garlic, and pepper, balanced with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for game day, casual gatherings, or even a quick weeknight indulgence. Pair it with your favorite dipping sauce, and watch them disappear in no time!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound small shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup cornmeal
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups oil for frying
- 4 pieces lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
In a medium bowl, combine the buttermilk with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Add the shrimp to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and let the shrimp marinate in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, cornmeal, the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Heat the oil for frying in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the temperature is correct.
Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Coat the shrimp in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to make sure the coating adheres well.
Shake off any excess flour mixture and place the shrimp on a plate or baking sheet while you finish coating all of them.
Fry the shrimp in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the shrimp using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Serve the Cajun Popcorn Shrimp immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
9591 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 962.1 g | 1233% | |
| Saturated Fat | 141.2 g | 706% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 886 mg | 295% | |
| Sodium | 7458 mg | 324% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 200.6 g | 73% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.5 g | 62% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.1 g | ||
| Protein | 137.7 g | 275% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.2 mcg | 16% | |
| Calcium | 520 mg | 40% | |
| Iron | 11.1 mg | 62% | |
| Potassium | 2026 mg | 43% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
