Captain Crunch and cornmeal shrimp is a delightful dish that combines the sweet crunch of Captain Crunch cereal with the savory goodness of shrimp. This recipe yields crispy, flavorful shrimp that can be served as an appetizer or a main course. Here’s how to make Captain Crunch and cornmeal shrimp:
Ingredients:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails left on
- 2 cups Captain Crunch cereal, crushed into fine crumbs
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Dipping Sauce (optional):
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice
- A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions:
Prepare the Shrimp:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed Captain Crunch cereal, cornmeal, all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the breading mixture.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.
- Take each peeled and deveined shrimp and dip it first in the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Next, coat the shrimp in the breading mixture, pressing the mixture onto the shrimp to ensure it adheres well. Place the breaded shrimp on a plate or baking sheet.
Fry the Shrimp:
- In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place the breaded shrimp into the hot oil, a few at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried shrimp from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Prepare the Dipping Sauce (Optional):
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, honey, Worcestershire sauce, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of cayenne pepper (if using). Stir until well combined. This sauce adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the shrimp.
Serve:
- Serve the Captain Crunch and cornmeal shrimp hot, with the optional dipping sauce on the side.
These crispy shrimp are sure to be a hit at any gathering. The combination of the sweet cereal coating and the tender shrimp inside creates a unique and delicious flavor. Enjoy your Captain Crunch and cornmeal shrimp as an appetizer or main dish!