“Rhode Island Style” Popcorn Shrimp with Gorton’s

With the holidays approaching and friends and family gathering near, what better way to welcome them than with Your states official appetizer! In Rhode Island, our state appetizer is Rhode Island Style Calamari-which also happens to be my husband’s favorite appetizer wherever we go. However it’s not something we are usually able to enjoy at home. So when Gorton’s asked me to create a recipe using their Popcorn Shrimp, I knew I could create the perfect appetizer recipe hack to enjoy delicious seafood meal from the comfort of our home.

What separates the RI Style from others is its tangy, yet savory dressing. Spicy banana peppers, minced garlic, sweet grape tomatoes all sautéed in butter, tossed with the lightly seasoned Gorton’s popcorn shrimp will send your taste buds into a frenzy-for real! Soooo good, you’ll feel like you’re enjoying an appetizer from a five star restaurant.

And the best part is that it’s an appetizer that is really easy to create!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 package of Gorton’s Popcorn Shrimp
• 2 tbs butter
• 1 tsp minced garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup banana peppers-I use mild
• 15 cherry tomatoes, halved (reserve 5 for garnish)
• Cilantro or parsley
• 1 lemon

Recipe:

Prepare Gorton’s Popcorn Shrimp according to package directions. I used the frying method to really key into the “fried calamari taste”.

Remove Shrimp with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain oil. Once drained place on platter to serve.

In a small frying pan, on medium heat, add butter and minced garlic and sauté until lightly browned.
Add banana peppers and tomatoes reserving a few for garnish.
Toss the peppers and tomatoes in the garlic butter until well coated.
Drizzle mixture over Shrimp and lightly toss.
Sprinkle the Shrimp with chopped cilantro and fresh squeezed lemon juice.

Garnish with extra cilantro, lemon wedges and sliced tomatoes.

And because who doesn’t love food on sticks? They could also be skewered and served with a this tangy lemon garlic “aioli”.

Rhode Island Style Popcorn Shrimp

• 1 package of Gorton’s Popcorn Shrimp
• 2 tbs butter
• 1 tsp minced garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup banana peppers-I use mild
• 15 cherry tomatoes, halved (reserve 5 for garnish)
• Cilantro or parsley
• 1 lemon

Recipe: 

Prepare Gorton’s Popcorn Shrimp according to package directions. I used the frying method to really key into the “fried calamari taste”. Remove Shrimp with a slotted spoon or tongs, and place on paper towels to drain oil. Once drained place on platter to serve.

In a small pan, on medium heat, add butter and saute the minced garlic until lightly browned.
Add banana peppers and tomatoes reserving a few for garnish.
Toss the peppers and tomatoes in the garlic butter until well coated.
Drizzle mixture over Popcorn Shrimp and lightly toss.
Sprinkle the Shrimp with chopped cilantro and fresh squeezed lemon juice.

Lemon Garlic “Aioli”

• 2 Tbs mayo
• 1 Tbs lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp minced garlic
• 1/2 tsp chopped cilantro
• 1 tsp chopped capers (optional)

In a small bowl, combine the mayo, garlic, lemon juice and chopped cilantro well until creamy. If desired add chopped capers.

Enjoy! (I’m pretty sure you will!)

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