Popcorn Shrimp

Sunday Dinner

Popcorn Shrimp
Cocktail Sauce

Hawaiian Kahlúa Pork with Pineapple Sauce
Macaroni Salad
Rice Pilaf
Homemade King’s Hawaiian Rolls

Guava Chiffon Cake

This Sunday we will be with family for one last meal together before my parents head South for the winter. My mother is hosting and she created the themed menu with a little help from me. We lived on the island of Oahu for several years during my childhood and we thought it would be fun to revisit some island favorites. Most of the menu items are new and not yet tasted (trying to recreate those beloved flavors), but I do know how tasty the popcorn shrimp are so I provided that recipe to my mother in advance. While she is preparing them this evening, I will be sharing them with you☺.

Unlike a standard fry batter, this one uses a mixture of flour and cornstarch for a crispy crunch. In lieu of the usual water, club soda or beer, clam juice and my addition of chicken broth is stirred in with the seasoned dry ingredients. This may sound strange, but the combination of the clam juice and chicken broth greatly enhances the sweetness of the shrimp. Speaking of the shrimp, they are marinated before battering to give them an extra flavor boost. The shrimp are then fried until golden brown and served with a dash or two of Tabasco and your favorite cocktail sauce. Get to them pronto, because they are sure to disappear in a hurry!

Popcorn Shrimp

By Nicole Prep: 5 minsCook: 10 minsRefrigeration Time: 30 minsTotal: 45 mins Servings: 6 Crunchy and sweet fried shrimp are delicious when served as an appetizer or snack!

Equipment

• Digital thermometer with pot clip
• Spider strainer

Ingredients 

• 2 pounds medium/large, 31 to 40 per pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails discarded
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 1 large clove garlic, finely grated on a microplane
• 1 ½ tablespoons Old Bay seasoning, divided
• 1 ½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
• 1 cup bottled clam juice
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 3 quarts vegetable oil

Accompaniments

• Tabasco hot sauce
• Cocktail Sauce

Instructions 

1. In a large ziploc bag combine shrimp, lemon zest, garlic, and ½ teaspoon of Old Bay. Gently massage the ingredients together. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour.
2. Adjust the oven rack to middle position and preheat the oven to 200°F. Heat the oil in a large Dutch-oven over medium-high heat to 375°F.
3. In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, cornstarch, remaining Old Bay, baking powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir in the clam juice and chicken broth, whisking until smooth. Fold marinated shrimp into the batter until evenly coated.
4. Working quickly, add one quarter of the shrimp, one at a time (to prevent clumping), to oil. Fry, stirring frequently, until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Drain on paper towel-lined plates, then transfer to a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet. Place the shrimp in the oven to keep warm until ready to serve. Return oil temperature to 375°F and repeat with remaining shrimp. Serve with hot sauce and cocktail sauce. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 368kcal, Carbohydrates: 41g, Protein: 24g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 191mg, Sodium: 1144mg, Potassium: 261mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 396IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 143mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.