Shrimp Poppers

Ingredients

• 1 pound frozen jumbo shrimp, (thawed, deveined)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• (2) 8 ounce cream cheese, (softened)
• 3 jalapenos, (seeds removed, diced and sautéed until soft)
• 1/3 cup green onions, (sliced and diced)
• 3/4 cup all purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 large egg
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 1/2 cups Panko breadcrumbs ((see note))
• 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

1. 1

   --- Shrimp Poppers ---

2. 2

   Add olive oil to a large frying pan and heat over medium heat when ready to deep fry poppers.

3. 3

   Add diced jalapenos. Sauté over medium heat until soft. Remove and set aside.

4. 4

   Add shrimp to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side.

5. 5

   After shrimp is cooked, cut off tails and chop into small pieces. Set aside.

6. 6

   In a large bowl, add cream cheese and beat until fluffy, 2-3 minutes.

7. 7

   Add shrimp, jalapenos, and green onions to cream cheese. Stir until combined.

8. 8

   Roll into small balls and place on a small baking sheet.

9. 9

   Flash freeze for 30-45 minutes.

10. 10

    --- For the Dredge ---

11. 11

    Set up a dredging station with 3 shallow containers.

12. 12

    In the first container whisk flour and cornstarch together.

13. 13

    Then whisk buttermilk and eggs together in the second container.

14. 14

    And the third container, add the breadcrumbs and all the seasonings.

15. 15

    In a large frying pan or skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat.

16. 16

    Roll each ball into flour mixture, then egg mixture, and finally in breadcrumb mixture.

17. 17

    Place about 6-8 bites at a time into the hot oil. Cook until golden on all sides.

18. 18

    Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a plate lined with paper towels.

19. 19

    Work in batches.

20. 20

    Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

21. 21

    *Place breadcrumbs in a sealable baggie and slightly crushed into smaller crumbs.