Kentucky Derby chef spotlights easy shrimp dish packed with fresh seafood flavor
Kentucky Derby head chef Robert Lopez discusses a simple shrimp dish featured on this year's menu, emphasizing the importance of fresh seafood and how home cooks can easily recreate the flavorful recipe.
As summer approaches, many Americans reach for a beloved seafood favorite: popcorn shrimp.
With a crispy breaded coating and bite-sized shape, popcorn shrimp is often eaten dipped in sauce or paired with fries.
Unlike butterfly shrimp, which uses larger split-open shrimp, popcorn shrimp is typically made with much smaller, bite-sized pieces.
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It's preferred by some diners for its crunchy texture and savory flavor compared to grilled or raw shrimp.
Fox News Digital compared menu prices for popcorn shrimp dishes at major restaurant chains in the Orlando, Florida, area.
Popcorn shrimp remains a popular menu item at national restaurant chains thanks to its crunchy texture and dipping-sauce appeal. (iStock)
Prices were checked online and may vary by location. Taxes and delivery fees were not included.
Here's what to know.
1. Captain D's
A large 40-ounce portion of popcorn shrimp at Captain D's rings up for under $9, listed at $8.38.
"Add some bite-sized, D'Lish Popcorn Shrimp to any meal," Captain D's website says.
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"Perfect with D's Dippin Sauce."
The chain mainly operates in the South and Southeast, with locations harder to find in the Northeast and on the West Coast.
Captain D's offered one of the lowest-priced popcorn shrimp options. (Captain D's)
2. Long John Silver's
Long John Silver's offers a competitively priced Popcorn Shrimp Basket at $9.29.
"Dive into the deliciousness of popcorn shrimp, accompanied by your choice of one individual side and two hushpuppies," the site states.
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Meredith Smith, director of brand marketing at Long John Silver's, called the dish a "fan favorite" in comments to Fox News Digital.
"We remain committed to serving flavorful, high-quality seafood at a strong value, including through our rotating $6 Basket lineup, which has featured popcorn shrimp in the past," Smith said.
Long John Silver's pairs its popcorn shrimp basket with hushpuppies and a choice of side dishes for under $10. (Long John Silver's)
3. Red Robin
Red Robin sells a Shrimp 'N' Chip Basket for $13.79.
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The chain's website says the dish consists of "golden-fried shrimp with Yukon Chips and cocktail sauce."
The Shrimp 'N' Chip Basket is listed under Red Robin's appetizers.
Red Robin's Shrimp 'N' Chip Basket features golden-fried shrimp served with Yukon Chips and cocktail sauce. (Red Robin)
4. Red Lobster
Red Lobster offers Popcorn Shrimp as an appetizer for $13.99.
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The restaurant's website describes the dish as "bite-sized shrimp crisped until golden brown," and it features cocktail sauce as a dip.
Red Lobster describes its popcorn shrimp appetizer as bite-sized shrimp cooked until golden brown and served with cocktail sauce. (Red Lobster)
5. Bonefish Grill
Bonefish Grill's Bang Bang Shrimp dish is a pricier alternative to traditional popcorn shrimp offerings.
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The restaurant says the dish is a "Bonefish Favorite," according to its website.
Bonefish Grill's Bang Bang Shrimp features crispy shrimp coated in the chain's signature creamy and spicy sauce. (Bonefish Grill)
Bang Bang Shrimp is closer to tempura-style than true popcorn shrimp. It consists of "crispy shrimp served with our signature creamy, spicy sauce," says Bonefish Grill's website.
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Fox News Digital reached out to all five restaurant chains for further comment.
