If you love jalapeño poppers and shrimp, this recipe takes the best of both worlds and merges them into one irresistible dish. These Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Shrimp combine the creamy, cheesy filling of a jalapeño popper with the rich, buttery flavor of shrimp, all wrapped in a crispy fried coating. Whether you’re making these for a special occasion or just because, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, deveined and butterflied
- 8 oz block of cream cheese
- 16 oz Mexican cheese blend, shredded
- 2 jalapeños, diced and seeded
- 1/2 cup bacon, cooked crispy and diced
- 2 tablespoons Tony’s No Salt seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons Tony’s No Salt seasoning (for flour)
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 1 pack Tony’s Chicken Flour
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp:
Start by deveining and butterflying 1 lb of shrimp. Set them aside for stuffing. - Make the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the 8 oz of cream cheese, 16 oz of shredded Mexican cheese blend, diced jalapeños, crispy diced bacon, 2 tablespoons of Tony’s No Salt seasoning, and 1 tablespoon of Sriracha. Mix until smooth and well combined. - Form the Cheese Balls:
Take about 1/4-inch thick portions of the cheese mixture and form them into small circles. Place a butterflied shrimp in the center of each cheese circle and mold the cheese mixture around the shrimp to form a ball. Repeat this process for all the shrimp. Place the stuffed shrimp balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes to firm up. - Prepare the Breading Stations:
Set up three separate bowls for breading:
- Bowl 1: Mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 2 tablespoons of Tony’s No Salt seasoning.
- Bowl 2: Beat 3 eggs.
- Bowl 3: Add Tony’s Chicken Flour for the final coating.
- Bread the Shrimp:
Remove the shrimp balls from the freezer. First, coat each shrimp ball in the seasoned flour, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with Tony’s Chicken Flour. Make sure each shrimp is fully covered in breading. - Fry the Shrimp Balls:
Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the breaded shrimp balls into the hot oil and fry for 4-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan. - Rest and Serve:
Once fried, remove the shrimp balls and place them on a wire rack or paper towel to drain excess oil. Let them rest for 4-5 minutes before serving.
Preparation Tips
- Butterflying the Shrimp: Make sure to butterfly the shrimp carefully so they open up enough to hold the filling, but not too much that they fall apart. This will give the shrimp structure and make them easier to mold into balls.
- Freezing Time: Freezing the stuffed shrimp before breading helps firm them up, making it easier to coat them in flour and fry them without the filling oozing out.
- Crispy Bacon: For the best texture, make sure the bacon is cooked until crispy before adding it to the filling. This will add a nice crunch and a savory flavor.
Variations
- Spice it Up: For extra heat, leave some seeds in the jalapeños or add more Sriracha. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for a fiery kick.
- Different Cheeses: Feel free to swap out the Mexican cheese blend for cheddar, pepper jack, or even a sharp gouda to add your own twist to the dish.
- Baking Option: If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can bake the shrimp balls instead of frying. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake them for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Serving Suggestions
- Dipping Sauces: Serve your Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Shrimp with ranch dressing, a creamy avocado sauce, or a spicy chipotle mayo for dipping.
- Side Dishes: These shrimp balls pair beautifully with coleslaw, a fresh salad, or some crispy fries for a complete meal.
FAQs
- Can I bake instead of fry the shrimp balls?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. However, baking may result in less crispiness compared to frying. - How spicy is this dish?
The dish has a moderate level of heat from the jalapeños and Sriracha, but you can adjust the spice level by using fewer jalapeños or omitting the Sriracha. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the shrimp balls and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and fry them straight from the freezer when ready to cook. - What can I serve with Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Shrimp?
These shrimp are great on their own or paired with dipping sauces like ranch, spicy mayo, or a zesty lime aioli. They also go well with a side of coleslaw or salad.
Conclusion
Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Shrimp are the ultimate crowd-pleasers, combining the flavors of cheese, bacon, and jalapeños with the savory taste of shrimp. Whether you’re frying them up for game day or serving them as a fancy appetizer, they’re sure to be a hit! Try this recipe for your next gathering, and watch them disappear from the plate in no time.