Popcorn shrimp facts for kids
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Popcorn shrimp is a tasty dish made from small pieces of shrimp. These shrimp pieces are usually covered in a light coating and then fried until they are crispy. They are called "popcorn shrimp" because they are small finger foods, just like popcorn, and are easy to pick up and eat.
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The History of Popcorn Shrimp
Popcorn shrimp became very popular in the United States thanks to a famous restaurant chain.
Red Lobster's Role
In 1974, the American restaurant chain Red Lobster added "popcorn shrimp" to its menu. This dish was made from small pieces of shrimp meat, fried in a crispy batter. Red Lobster still serves this popular item today. Other restaurants also started serving dishes called "popcorn shrimp" around 1975.
Chef Paul Prudhomme and Cajun Popcorn
Some people believe that popcorn shrimp came from Louisiana. A famous chef named Paul Prudhomme is often linked to making it well-known. However, what Chef Prudhomme actually created was a dish called Cajun popcorn.
He added Cajun popcorn to his restaurant's menu sometime after 1975. In 1984, he shared the recipe in his cookbook. His Cajun popcorn was originally made with crayfish. He would dip peeled crayfish tails in a special batter made from eggs, milk, corn flour, wheat flour, and spices. Then, he would deep-fry them until they were golden and crispy. He often served them with a special sauce. Chef Prudhomme also mentioned that shrimp could be used instead of crayfish. Over time, the name "popcorn shrimp" became connected with his cooking style.
What is Popcorn Shrimp Today?
Today, "popcorn shrimp" is a common name for this type of dish. No single company owns the name as a trademark for food products in the U.S. This means many different companies can sell packaged popcorn shrimp.
Different Styles of Popcorn Shrimp
You can find popcorn shrimp in many different styles. Some kinds are heavily breaded, meaning they have a thick, crunchy coating. Other types are made in a lighter, more delicate tempura-style, which is a Japanese way of frying food. No matter the style, popcorn shrimp remains a popular and fun dish to eat.
