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shrimp poppers

Shrimp Poppers

angela
These crispy shrimp poppers are packed with juicy shrimp, creamy cheese, spicy jalapeños, and coated in crunchy seasoned panko breadcrumbs for the ultimate appetizer or party snack.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Southern
Servings 24 poppers
Calories 210 kcal

Equipment

  • large frying pan
  • mixing bowl
  • baking sheet
  • whisk
  • slotted spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound frozen jumbo shrimp, thawed and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 8 ounce packages cream cheese, softened
  • 3 jalapeños, seeded, diced, and sautéed
  • 1/3 cup green onions, sliced and diced
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 teaspoons Slap Ya Mama seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1-2 cups vegetable oil for frying

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
  • Add diced jalapeños and sauté until softened. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  • Add shrimp to the pan and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until fully cooked.
  • Remove shrimp tails and finely chop the shrimp into small pieces.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
  • Add chopped shrimp, sautéed jalapeños, and green onions to the cream cheese. Stir until fully combined.
  • Roll the mixture into small balls and place them onto a baking sheet.
  • Flash freeze the shrimp balls for 30–45 minutes until firm.
  • Prepare a dredging station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, whisk together flour and cornstarch.
  • In the second bowl, whisk together buttermilk and eggs.
  • In the third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Slap Ya Mama seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Coat each shrimp ball first in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and finally the seasoned breadcrumbs.
  • Fry 6–8 poppers at a time in the hot oil until golden brown on all sides.
  • Remove the poppers with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Continue frying in batches.
  • Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

For extra crunch, lightly crush the panko breadcrumbs before coating. Adjust spice level by adding more or fewer jalapeños and red pepper flakes. Serve with ranch, spicy mayo, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Keyword fried shrimp bites, jalapeno shrimp balls, party appetizer, shrimp poppers