POPCORN SHRIMP with SPICY YUZU MAYO
The crispiest little appetizer with a delicious spicy yuzu dipping sauce. A true crowd pleaser and so easy to make! Once you start on these you won’t be able to stop yourself.
1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp
1 cup rice flour
2 tsp salt
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp onion powder
Pinch of black pepper
¼ cup non-dairy milk of choice
1 egg
Avocado or other high heat oil for frying
Fresh chives, finely chopped for garnish
Spicy mayo:
¼ cup mayo
2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
2 tbsp yuzu (can sub lemon juice)
1-2 tsp sriracha depending on spice preference
¼ tsp garlic powder
To make spicy mayo, combine ingredients in a small bowl and whisk well.
To make popcorn shrimp, heat oil in a large dutch oven or heavy bottom pot over medium heat.
Add rice flour to a large bowl along with salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and black pepper. Whisk well until thoroughly combined.
In a separate large bowl, whisk together egg and milk.
Toss shrimp in flour mixture, then shake off any excess flour and transfer to the bowl with your egg.
Coat evenly in egg mixture then transfer back to the bowl with your flour. Dredge in flour, pressing down to make sure the flour adheres to the shrimp.
Once oil has hit 375°F, shake off any excess flour and transfer shrimp into hot oil.
Fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack or paper towel lined plate.
Serve with spicy yuzu mayo and garnish with fresh chives.
Okay, so I've been on a mission lately to recreate my favorite restaurant appetizers at home, and let me tell you, this spicy popcorn shrimp with homemade yuzu mayo is an absolute winner! I know how tempting those frozen options or famous chain versions can be, but trust me, making it from scratch isn't just easy, it’s incredibly rewarding and tastes so much better. Plus, I love knowing exactly what goes into it – which, by the way, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free if you choose your milk wisely! One of the biggest secrets to truly crispy popcorn shrimp, just like you'd get at a fancy spot, is the double dredging technique and the right flour. Using rice flour, as in the main recipe, is a game-changer because it gives you that super light, airy, and extra crunchy coating that keeps the shrimp moist inside. Don't skip the second dredge – it really locks in that crispiness. Also, paying close attention to your oil temperature is crucial. A thermometer is your best friend here! Keeping it around 375°F ensures the shrimp fries quickly to a golden brown without getting greasy or overcooked. And a pro tip I learned: don't overcrowd your pot! Fry in small batches to maintain that oil temperature and prevent the shrimp from steaming instead of frying. Now, let's talk about that incredible spicy yuzu mayo. Yuzu is this magical Japanese citrus fruit that brings a unique floral and tart note, different from regular lemon or lime. If you can find fresh yuzu juice, go for it! But if not, don't worry – using a combination of good quality lemon or lime juice can get you pretty close. What I love about making the mayo myself is being able to adjust the spice level. Sometimes I go a little heavier on the sriracha for an extra kick, especially if I'm serving it with drinks. This mayo isn't just for shrimp either; it's fantastic on fish tacos, as a dip for sweet potato fries, or even spread on a burger! When I'm aiming for that 'restaurant-style' feel, it's all about presentation and extra touches. While fresh chives are perfect, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can add another layer of texture and a nutty flavor. A squeeze of fresh lime wedge right before serving also brightens everything up. These spicy mayo shrimp are perfect as a sophisticated starter for a dinner party, a fun snack during game night, or even as a light lunch served over a bed of greens. They're so versatile and always disappear fast! I promise, once you try this homemade version, you'll be hooked. It’s truly one of those recipes that delivers big on flavor and texture with minimal fuss. Give it a try, and let me know how much you love your perfectly crispy popcorn shrimp!
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