Deep Fried Scorpion Tails

Scorpion Tails - shrimp and cheese stuffed picked jalapenos, breaded and fried and served with a side of cool homemade ranch dressing

Meet the bold cousin of the jalapeño popper, the Scorpion Tail! Combining the kick of Cajun spice with the soothing coolness of Jack Cheese, Scorpion Tails are about to become your new go-to.

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Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Keyword: appetizers for a crowd, jalapeno poppers, tailgating

Prep Time: 30

Cook Time: 5

Servings:

Calories: 363kcal

Author: Jennifer Locklin

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Ingredients

1 lb Jumbo Shrimp
½ stick butter melted
Cajun Seasoning
16 Large Pickled Jalapenos
8 ounces Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
4 ounces cream cheese softened
1 clove garlic minced
4 Eggs for egg wash
½ cup milk
2 cups All-Purpose Flour
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
Oil for Deep Frying
Homemade Ranch dressing for dipping

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Peel and devein shrimp.
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and toss with melted butter and season generously with your favorite Cajun seasoning.
Place shrimp in a single layer onto a parchment paper-lined sheet pan and bake at 425 degrees for about 6 minutes or until curled slightly into a C-shape and no longer opaque. Take out and let cool.
Using large pickled jalapenos, slice lengthwise and carefully remove the veins and seeds. (Leave some if you want the spicier)
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese, and minced garlic. Mash and stir to combine well.
Stuff each jalapeno with cheese mixture, then carefully stuff a cooled shrimp inside as well. Use toothpick, crosswise, to hold together.
In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and milk; set aside.
In a separate bowl or pie plate, combine flour and 2 tablespoons cajun seasoning. Whisk together to combine well; set aside.
Roll stuffed jalapenos in seasoned flour mixture, dip in egg batter, and roll again in seasoned flour mixture, dip in egg batter again, and one last roll in seasoned flour mixture.
Carefully remove toothpicks and deep fry in 350-degree oil for about 5 minutes or until golden brown.
Drain onto paper towel-lined platter and serve immediately with homemade ranch dressing.

Nutrition

*Nutrition information is automatically calculated based on ingredient data and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient options are provided, the first listed is used for calculation. Optional ingredients and garnishes are not included in the nutrition analysis.