Popcorn Shrimp

My kids have a favorite meal at every fast food joint.When it comes to Popeyes , the popcorn shrimp basket is their current favorite.Here is my attempt to recreate it at home.

Popcorn shrimp refers to bite-sized pieces of fried shrimp which may be eaten in a manner similar to popcorn. They were originally made by Red Lobster.The practicality of most Cajun cooking makes it likely that these were the shrimp that were broken or too small to sell and so came home to become supper for the fisherman's family.

I have used medium/large sized tail on shrimp (because that is my personal preference), usually very small shrimp is used for this recipe.

Ingredients:

1. Medium/Large shrimp - 15
2. Oil for deep frying
3. garlic powder - 1 tsp
4. onion powder - 1 tbsp
5. dried thyme - 1/4 tsp
6. dried Oregano - 1/4 tsp
7. salt - to taste
8. Chilly powder - 1 tsp (use paprika if you don't like spice)
9. black pepper - 1/4 tsp
10. all-purpose flour - 1 cup
11. beaten eggs - 2
12. plain breadcrumbs - 1 cup
13. Lime juice - 1 tbsp

Method:
Combine the seasonings(garlic, onion, thyme, oregano,pepper, chilly powder,salt) and keep aside.
Wash and pat dry the shrimp and sprinkle it with 1 tbsp of the mixed seasoning , sprinkle with lime juice to taste and mix it and keep aside for 30 minutes.
Divide the rest of the seasoning into 2 halfs and add one half to the all purpose flour and the other half to the bread crumbs.Put each in a separate bowl.
Beat eggs thoroughly in another bowl.
Pour enough oil into your pan to come up to almost 3 inches deep. Turn the heat to medium and heat oil while you proceed to bread the shrimp.
Place a cookie sheet beside you and dust each of the marinated shrimp with the flour mixture first , shake off excess flour and dip into the beaten egg and roll in breadcrumbs and keep aside on the cookie sheet , until all shrimp have been coated.
Deep fry the coated shrimp in medium hot oil for 3 minutes until the shrimp are golden brown and crispy
Drain on paper towels and serve with a slice of fresh Lemon and a side of mashed potato or cajun rice.