‘Popcorn Shrimps’ is called ‘Popcorn Prawns’ in Australia as the word ‘Shrimp’ is not commonly used. ‘Popcorn Prawns’ is a dish of deep fried crumbed or battered small prawns, and served with different dipping sauces. They say the origins of the dish came from the southern region of US and Cajun spices are often used, but I season it simply with Salt & Pepper, so that these ‘Popcorn Prawns’ can be enjoyed with any flavoured sauces. I include Aurora Dipping Sauce in this recipe.


Makes

2 Servings

Ingredients

250g peeled small Prawns (Shrimps)
Salt & White Pepper
1 to 2 teaspoons Onion Powder *optional but recommended
2 to 3 tablespoons Plain Flour
1 Egg *lightly whisked
1/2 cup Bread Crumbs *fine type preferred but ‘Panko’ is fine
Oil for frying

Aurora Dipping Sauce
2 tablespoons Japanese Mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Tomato Ketchup
1 tablespoon finely chopped Red Onion
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce (Lea & Perrins)
1/2 teaspoon Lemon Juice OR Vinegar
Tabasco, Sriracha OR Chilli Sauce as required

Method
  1. Heat Oil in a heavy-based saucepan to 170°C to 180°C.
  2. Clean small Prawns (OR Shrimps), pat dry with paper towel, season with Salt and Pepper, and sprinkle with Onion Powder.
  3. Coat with Plain Flour, dip into whisked Egg, then coat with Bread Crumbs. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes or until lightly golden and crispy. Take them out and lay them on a rack to drain the excess oil.
  4. Serve hot or warm, with Aurora Dipping Sauce. Crunch! Crunch!