Jump to Recipe
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 co*cktail 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
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 1 hr
Cook Time 6 mins
Total Time 1 hr 6 mins
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
Reply
Kiwi @ Kiwi Recipes
October 19, 2020 at 5:45 am
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
I love the seasonings!
Reply
Wilhelmina
August 31, 2018 at 10:23 am
These look so popable! YUM!
Reply
Sandra | A Dash of Sanity
August 29, 2018 at 7:09 pm
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
What a wonderful childhood memory! These cajun popcorn shrimp look so tasty!
Reply
Mahy Elamin
August 28, 2018 at 2:35 am
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
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
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
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!