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

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Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 6 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 6 minutes mins

Course Main Dishes

Cuisine American

Servings 4 Servings

Calories 548 kcal

Ingredients

  

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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

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Keywords: fried food, Prawns, seafood, shrimp