Captain Crunch and Cornmeal Shrimp is a unique twist on classic fried shrimp, combining the sweetness of Captain Crunch cereal with the crunch of cornmeal for a deliciously crispy coating. This recipe is perfect for seafood lovers looking to add some excitement to their dinner table. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a tasty snack, these crispy shrimp are sure to be a hit with everyone!
Ingredients for Captain Crunch and Cornmeal Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups Captain Crunch cereal
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 eggs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How to make Captain Crunch and Cornmeal Shrimp:
- Prepare the shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Crush the cereal: Place the Captain Crunch cereal in a resealable plastic bag and crush it into fine crumbs using a rolling pin or the back of a spoon. Transfer the crushed cereal to a shallow dish.
- Prepare the breading: In another shallow dish, combine the cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Coat the shrimp: Working one at a time, dip each shrimp into the cornmeal mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip the shrimp into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the shrimp in the crushed Captain Crunch cereal, pressing gently to adhere.
- Fry the shrimp: In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Working in batches, carefully add the coated shrimp to the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the Captain Crunch and Cornmeal Shrimp hot, with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Enjoy immediately as a snack or appetizer!
About the main ingredients:
- Shrimp: Shrimp are the star of this dish, providing a sweet and tender base for the crispy coating. Look for large shrimp that have been peeled and deveined for convenience.
- Captain Crunch cereal: Captain Crunch cereal adds a unique sweetness and crunch to the shrimp coating. Crushing the cereal into fine crumbs creates a crispy texture that complements the tender shrimp.
- Cornmeal: Cornmeal adds additional crunch and texture to the coating, as well as a subtle corn flavor. It helps to create a golden brown crust when fried.
- Spices: Paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder add flavor and depth to the breading mixture, enhancing the overall taste of the shrimp. Adjust the amount of seasoning to suit your personal preferences.
- Eggs: Beaten eggs act as a binding agent, helping the breading to adhere to the shrimp. They also contribute to the crispy texture of the coating when fried.
- Vegetable oil: Vegetable oil is used for frying the shrimp, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the shrimp to ensure they cook evenly and become golden brown.
