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Cajun Popcorn Shrimp

Bite-sized shrimp coated in a spicy cornmeal batter and fried until crunchy, perfect for dipping.

⏱ 15 minPrep time
🔥 8 minCook time
🍽 4Servings
🏷 AppetizerCategory
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Crispy golden popcorn shrimp with remoulade and cocktail sauce and lemon wedges

Cajun popcorn shrimp are the bite-sized poppers of the bayou — tiny shrimp coated in a spicy cornmeal batter and fried until crunchy, perfect for popping by the handful with rémoulade. They’re the appetizer that never makes it to the table.

Chef Emily presents Cajun Popcorn Shrimp

The bayou’s favorite popper

Bite-sized shrimp in a spicy cornmeal crust, fried crisp and served with rémoulade.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Whisk the cornmeal, flour, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, cayenne, and salt.
  2. Whisk the buttermilk and egg in a separate bowl. Toss the shrimp in the wet mixture, then dredge in the cornmeal mixture.
  3. Heat 1 1/2 inches of oil to 360°F (180°C).
  4. Fry the shrimp in batches 2-3 minutes until golden and crisp.
  5. Drain and serve immediately with rémoulade.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Use small shrimp (41-50 count) so they fry up in seconds. Serve immediately with rémoulade or cocktail sauce — they're best hot and crunchy.

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Recipe details

Prep15 min
Cook8 min
Servings4
CategoryAppetizer
PublishedAugust 16, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →