🍤 Popcorn Shrimp with Spicy Mayo Recipe
Golden, crispy, bite-sized shrimp bursting with flavor—paired with a creamy, fiery spicy mayo dip. These Popcorn Shrimp are the perfect snack, appetizer, or party bite. Easy to whip up and seriously addictive, this dish brings restaurant-quality crunch to your kitchen. Great for impressing guests or indulging solo!
Ingredients
Popcorn Shrimp:
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500g (1 lb) small shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-off)
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1 cup buttermilk
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1 tsp hot sauce (like Tabasco or your fave)
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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½ cup cornstarch
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1 tsp paprika (smoked preferred)
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½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
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1 tsp sea salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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Vegetable oil, for frying
Spicy Mayo:
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½ cup mayonnaise (Kewpie recommended for umami boost)
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1½ tbsp Sriracha (adjust to taste)
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1 tsp rice vinegar or lemon juice
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½ tsp garlic powder
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Pinch of sugar (balances the heat)
Execution
1. Prep the Shrimp
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Pat shrimp dry. In a bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Toss in shrimp and let marinate for 15–30 minutes (chilled).
2. Make the Spicy Mayo
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Whisk together mayo, Sriracha, vinegar/lemon juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of sugar. Taste and adjust heat. Chill until ready to serve.
3. Dredge
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In a shallow dish, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic & onion powders, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
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Remove shrimp from marinade (don’t wipe off), coat in flour mixture, pressing to adhere.
4. Fry
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Heat oil (about 2 inches deep) in a heavy-bottomed pan to 350°F (175°C).
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Fry shrimp in batches, 2–3 minutes per batch, until golden and crispy. Do not overcrowd. Drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
5. Serve
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Plate immediately with a side of spicy mayo. Garnish with lemon wedges and chopped scallions or parsley.
đź•’ Prep & Cook Time
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Prep time: 20 minutes (plus 15–30 min marinating)
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Cook time: 10–12 minutes
     Total: ~40 minutes
🍽 Servings
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Serves 4 as an appetizer or 2 as a main snack
🎯 Difficulty
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Easy to Medium – Ideal for home cooks who enjoy frying but manageable for beginners with careful timing.
Additional Tips
- Panko Crunch Boost: Add ½ cup panko breadcrumbs to the dredge mix for a crunchier coating.
- Oven Baked Option: Spray coated shrimp with oil and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10–12 min, flipping halfway.
- Air Fryer Friendly: 400°F (200°C) for 6–8 min, shaking halfway through.
     Shrimp Swap: Use scallops or calamari rings for a fun variation.
Q&A about Popcorn Shrimp with Spicy Mayo
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: You can prep the shrimp and sauce ahead, but for best texture, fry just before serving. Reheating may reduce crispiness.
Q: What shrimp size works best?
A: Go for 51/60 count or smaller—bite-sized is ideal. You want them to cook quickly and evenly.
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry thoroughly before marinating.
Q: Is the spicy mayo kid-friendly?
A: Reduce or skip the Sriracha for a milder version. Or serve with ketchup or ranch for younger palates.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Swap regular flour for a gluten-free blend and use GF breadcrumbs or skip them.
Happy Cooking
Diana
