If you’re a fan of crispy, golden-brown shrimp with a kick of Southern spice, then you’re in for a real treat today. We’re about to dive into a recipe that’s gonna have you licking your fingers and begging for more—Crispy Fried Shrimp with Popeyes Blackened Ranch Sauce. This dish is the perfect blend of crunchy, juicy shrimp and a rich, tangy ranch dipping sauce with that signature blackened seasoning twist. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving something special for dinner, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
Now, I know what you’re thinking—why go through the trouble of frying up shrimp when you can just grab some from your favorite spot? Well, let me tell you, once you taste these homemade fried shrimp with that Popeyes-inspired Blackened Ranch Sauce, you’ll understand the difference. First off, the shrimp are coated in a perfectly seasoned flour mixture that crisps up beautifully, giving you that satisfying crunch with every bite. But the real star of the show is the Blackened Ranch Sauce. It’s creamy, tangy, and packed with just the right amount of spice to complement those crispy shrimp. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never look at store-bought fried shrimp the same way again.
Plus, there’s something special about making it yourself. You get to control the ingredients, the spice level, and the freshness of the shrimp. Not to mention, the pride that comes with serving up a dish that’s better than takeout. So, let’s get to it and create a dish that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
To whip up this delicious dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb Raw Shrimp (peeled, deveined, and tails removed)
- 1/4 cup Flour
- 1 tbsp Onion Powder
- 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1 1/2 tbsp Sea Salt
- 1 1/2 tbsp Ground Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Ground White Pepper
- 1 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 2 tsp Paprika
- 2 tsp Oregano
- 2 tsp Thyme
- 6 Eggs
- Vegetable Oil (for frying)
For the Popeyes Blackened Ranch Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Sour Cream
- 1/2 cup Buttermilk
- 1/2 tsp Dried Dill Weed
- 1/2 tsp Dried Parsley Flakes
- 1 tbsp Blackened Seasoning
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- Salt (to taste, optional)
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Fried Shrimp with Popeyes Blackened Ranch Sauce
1. Prepping the Shrimp:
- Start by cleaning and prepping your shrimp. Make sure they’re peeled, deveined, and have the tails removed. If your shrimp were frozen, thaw them out completely and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to ensure the shrimp fry up nice and crispy.
2. Seasoning the Flour:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, onion powder, garlic powder, sea salt, ground black pepper, ground white pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, oregano, and thyme. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. This seasoned flour is going to give your shrimp that signature flavor.
3. Preparing the Egg Wash:
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until they’re well beaten. The eggs are what help the flour mixture stick to the shrimp, so make sure they’re thoroughly whisked.
4. Coating the Shrimp:
- Take each shrimp and dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Let any excess egg drip off, then roll the shrimp in the seasoned flour mixture. Press the shrimp into the flour to ensure an even coating. Repeat this process for all the shrimp.
5. Heating the Oil:
- In a deep frying pan, heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F. It’s important to get the oil to the right temperature before frying, so use a thermometer if you have one. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the shrimp will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
6. Frying the Shrimp:
- Fry the shrimp in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each batch for 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
7. Making the Blackened Ranch Sauce:
- While the shrimp are frying, you can whip up the Popeyes Blackened Ranch Sauce. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, dried dill weed, dried parsley flakes, blackened seasoning, and black pepper. Taste the sauce and add salt if needed, but remember that the blackened seasoning may already have enough salt.
- Let the sauce chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
8. Serving:
- Serve the fried shrimp hot with a generous side of Popeyes Blackened Ranch Sauce for dipping. Whether you’re serving this up as an appetizer or a main course, these shrimp are guaranteed to be a hit!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Pat Dry the Shrimp: Before you start coating the shrimp, make sure they’re completely dry. This helps the flour stick better and results in a crispier coating.
- Use a Thermometer: Keeping the oil at the right temperature is key to perfect fried shrimp. If the oil gets too hot, the shrimp can burn on the outside before cooking through. If it’s too cool, the shrimp will be greasy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying too many shrimp at once can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy shrimp. Fry in batches to keep the oil hot and the shrimp crispy.
- Chill the Sauce: Letting the Blackened Ranch Sauce chill for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to develop fully. This step isn’t necessary, but it makes a big difference in taste.
- Keep It Fresh: If possible, use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Frozen shrimp can work in a pinch, but fresh shrimp will elevate this dish to another level.
- Serve Immediately: Fried shrimp are best served right after frying. The longer they sit, the more they’ll lose their crispiness.
Variations
- Spicy Fried Shrimp: For those who like it hot, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the flour mixture or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the egg wash.
- Coconut Fried Shrimp: Add some unsweetened shredded coconut to the flour mixture for a tropical twist. Serve with a sweet chili dipping sauce instead of ranch.
- Panko-Crusted Shrimp: Substitute half of the flour with panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy coating.
- Lemon-Pepper Shrimp: Add lemon zest and extra black pepper to the flour mixture for a zesty flavor. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.
- Garlic Parmesan Shrimp: Mix grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder into the flour mixture. Sprinkle with more Parmesan and fresh parsley after frying.
- Beer-Battered Shrimp: Replace the egg wash with a light beer batter for a thicker, crunchier coating.
- Buttermilk-Brined Shrimp: Soak the shrimp in buttermilk for an hour before coating them in flour for extra tenderness and flavor.
- Cajun Shrimp: Add a Cajun seasoning blend to the flour mixture for a Louisiana-inspired kick.
- Tempura Shrimp: Use a tempura batter instead of flour for a lighter, airy coating. Serve with a soy dipping sauce.
- Buffalo Shrimp: Toss the fried shrimp in buffalo sauce and serve with blue cheese dressing.
What to Serve With Fried Shrimp
- Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy coleslaw pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the fried shrimp and blackened ranch sauce.
- French Fries: Classic and crispy, fries are a must-have side with fried shrimp.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet and buttery corn on the cob adds a nice contrast to the spicy shrimp.
- Hush Puppies: These fried cornmeal balls are a Southern staple and make a great side for shrimp.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy, cheesy mac and cheese is a comforting side dish that complements the shrimp.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any extra blackened ranch sauce.
- Potato Salad: A chilled potato salad with a bit of tang is a great side dish for balancing the richness of fried shrimp.
- Green Beans: Lightly sautéed or steamed green beans add a fresh, healthy element to the meal.
- Grilled Vegetables: A medley of grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions makes for a flavorful and colorful side dish.
- Rice Pilaf: A simple, savory rice pilaf can round out the meal nicely and soak up any extra sauce.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: If you have any leftovers, store the fried shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, keep in mind that the shrimp will lose some of their crispiness when stored.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the shrimp on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This helps to restore some of the crispiness.
- Freezing: Fried shrimp can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly. If you do freeze them, place the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven straight from frozen for best results.
- Sauce Storage: The Popeyes Blackened Ranch Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Stir well before serving.
How Much Fried Shrimp with Popeyes Blackened Ranch Sauce Should I Make for Family Gatherings?
When it comes to family gatherings, you’ll want to make sure you have enough shrimp to go around. A good rule of thumb is to plan for about 1/2 pound of shrimp per person if it’s the main dish. So, for a gathering of 8 people, you’ll want to prepare at least 4 pounds of shrimp.
If the shrimp is just one of several appetizers, you can reduce the amount to about 1/4 pound per person. And don’t forget the sauce—make sure you have plenty of that Blackened Ranch Sauce on hand, as it’s sure to be a crowd favorite!
How Far in Advance Can I Make the Fried Shrimp with Popeyes Blackened Ranch Sauce?
For the best texture and flavor, fried shrimp should ideally be served fresh, right after frying. However, if you’re prepping for a big event, you can make the shrimp up to a few hours in advance. After frying, let the shrimp cool completely, then store them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Just before serving, reheat the shrimp in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
The Popeyes Blackened Ranch Sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before serving.
Popeyes Popcorn Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb Raw Shrimp peeled, deveined, and tails removed
- 1 1/3 cup flour
- 1 tbsp Onion Powder
- 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1 1/2 tbsp Salt
- 1 tbsp Black Pepper
- 2 tsp Ground White Pepper
- 2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 2 tsp Paprika
- 2 tsp Oregano
- 2 tsp Thyme
- 6 Eggs
- Vegetable Oil For Frying
Popeyes Blackened Ranch Sauce
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Sour Cream
- 1/2 cup Buttermilk
- 1/2 tsp Dried Dill Weed
- 1/2 tsp Dried Parsley Flakes
- 1 tbsp Blackened Seasoning
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- Salt As Needed
Instructions
- In a Ziploc bag, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour and Cajun seasoning to taste.
- Whisk 4 eggs in a bowl, and dip each jumbo shrimp in the egg wash, then transfer to the Ziploc bag and shake until coated.
- Fry the shrimp until golden brown, shaking occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Popeyes Blackened Ranch Sauce Mix 1 cup of ranch dressing with Cajun seasoning to taste.
- Stir until the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Drain the fried shrimp on paper towels.
- Arrange the shrimp on a serving plate and Serve with the Homemade Blackened Ranch Sauce for dipping.
