Crispy Shrimp Poppers

By joanmarie

These shrimp poppers are a great appetizer, so good i could eat them as a meal! A golden crispy coating covers these butterflied shrimp stuffed with cream cheese and bacon. Um.... YUM!

Ingredients

• 20 medium shrimp, uncooked, peeled and deveined
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 10 bacon strips
• 1 cup King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 cups panko (Japanese) bread crumbs
• Oil for deep-fat frying

Preparation

Step 1

Butterfly the shrimp along the outside curves. Spread about 1 teaspoon cream cheese inside each shrimp. Cut bacon strips in half lengthwise; wrap a piece around each shrimp and secure with toothpicks.

In three separate shallow bowls, place the flour, eggs and bread crumbs.

In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 375°F. Fry shrimp, a few at a time, for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Discard toothpicks before serving.