Cajun Popcorn Shrimp

Ingredients:

• 1 (10 ounce, about 40-50 per bag) package of frozen small peeled and deveined prawns, thawed according to package directions
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/2- 3/4 cup flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/3-2/3 cup plain dry bread crumbs
• 1/3-2/3 cup panko bread crumbs
• oil for frying
• kosher salt

Instructions:

1. In a bowl combine shrimp, cajun seasoning and olive oil. Stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. When you are ready to start cooking, heat 1/2 inch of oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
3. Place the flour in one bowl. Place the egg in a second bowl. In the third bowl combine the plain and panko bread crumbs.
4. First dredge the shrimp in the flour, shake off any excess. Dip the floured shrimp into the egg and then dredge in the bread crumb mixture. Repeat until all shrimp are coated.
5. Drop a few bread crumbs in the oil to see if its hot enough, if it sizzles, it is. Fry the shrimp in batches for 4-6 minutes or until golden brown. Be careful not to over crowd the pan. Transfer finished shrimp to paper towel lined plate. Sprinkle with kosher salt. Serve hot.

I serve these with Crispy Oven Fries and of course a side of cocktail sauce. Enjoy!

Crispy Oven Fries

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of russet potatoes (about 5 potatoes); can be peeled or unpeeled the decision is yours; sliced into 1/2 inch strips
• 4 cups of water for boiling
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of seasoning salt (I like Johnny's)
• Nonstick cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a pot big enough to hold the water and the sliced potatoes, add water and potatoes; bring the potatoes to a boil; once the water starts boiling add the salt; cook until the potatoes are 3/4 of the way done, about 4 minutes. You should be able to insert the tips of a fork, but it should be a little tough to remove it. (Note: If you are unsure, it is better to under cook the fries at this point, otherwise they may get too soft)
3. Remove from heat and strain, place under running cold water for a few seconds to stop the cooking process. Strain. Place on a paper towel and pat dry.
4. In a bowl big enough to fit the fries, add the fries, olive oil and seasoning salt. Gently stir to combine.
5. Spray a cookie sheet with nonstick spray and lay the fries out in a single layer. Place in the oven; cook for 15 minutes.
6. After 15 minutes, remove from the oven and turn the fries. Return to oven for 10 more minutes.
7. After 10 minutes broil for 5 minutes. You can broil for longer depending on how crispy you like your fries.

Once you get the technique down it is really easy to change this recipe to suit your tastes. I've used simple kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. I also made cajun fries by substituting 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning for the seasoning salt. Enjoy!