Copycat Popeyes Surf and Turf Recipe

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Popeyes famous Louisiana-style seasoning and crispy fried goodness always hit the spot. One menu item that’s had me absolutely hooked is their Popeyes Surf and Turf combo—a perfect pairing of juicy chicken tenders and succulent butterfly shrimp, seasoned to perfection.

How to make Popeyes Surf and Turf

Popeyes Surf and Turf is a limited-time combo from Popeyes that brings together seafood (“surf”) and chicken (“turf”) in one hearty meal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal (for extra crispiness)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Butterfly Shrimp:

• 1 lb large raw shrimp (deveined, shells removed, tails left on)
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning or Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Dipping Sauce (Optional):

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp hot sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

Sides (Optional):

• Classic fries, coleslaw, or rice
• A warm fluffy biscuit (just like Popeyes!)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken Tenders: Place the chicken tenders in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the buttermilk. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge for extra tenderness).
2. Prep the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry. Toss them in some buttermilk for 15-20 minutes to help the coating stick better.
3. In a large shallow dish, combine the flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper, and salt. This mixture will serve as your breading for both the chicken and the shrimp.
4. For an authentic Popeyes-style crunch, keep the breading mix coarse by lightly blending the flour and cornmeal.
5. Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk and, one at a time, dredge them in the seasoned flour mixture. Press down gently to ensure an even coating.
6. Repeat the process with the shrimp, making sure they’re well-coated in the flour mixture. For extra crispiness, you can double-dip by dipping the chicken or shrimp back into the buttermilk and then giving it a second coat of the flour mixture.
7. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium heat. You’ll need about an inch or so of oil. The ideal frying temperature is 350°F (175°C), so if you have a thermometer, use it to monitor the heat.
8. To test the oil, drop a small bit of batter into the pan. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready!
9. Carefully lower the coated chicken tenders into the hot oil. Fry 2-3 pieces at a time for about 4-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
10. Repeat the frying process with the shrimp, which should take about 2-3 minutes per batch since shrimp cook quickly.
11. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried chicken and shrimp and place them on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
12. Plate the fried chicken tenders and butterfly shrimp together, just like Popeyes! Add a biscuit on the side, your favorite dipping sauce, and any additional sides, such as seasoned fries or coleslaw.

Tips for Perfect Popeyes Surf and Turf

• Double-Coating for Extra Crunch: For a thicker, crispier coating, double-dip the chicken and shrimp by dredging them in flour, dipping them in buttermilk again, and coating them with the flour mixture one more time before frying.
• Season Every Layer: Don’t hold back on seasoning! Make sure to season the buttermilk, flour mixture, and even the shrimp or chicken directly before breading. That’s where the Popeyes magic comes from—bold flavors in every bite.
• Keep the Oil Temperature Consistent: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken and shrimp will soak up too much oil and become greasy. Too hot, and the outside will burn before the inside cooks.
• Draining Properly: Use a wire cooling rack instead of paper towels to drain your fried items. This keeps them crispier since the air can circulate underneath. If you use paper towels, they may trap steam and make the coating soggy.

Ingredients Substitutes

You can easily use substitutes to replicate the flavors without compromising taste or texture.

Substitutes for Chicken Tenders

Chicken Breast or Thighs

• If you don’t have chicken tenders, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
• Slice them into long strips to mimic the shape and size of tenders.
• Chicken thighs are slightly juicier and work particularly well for frying.

Turkey Strips

• Turkey can be a good alternative to chicken, especially for those seeking a different protein.
• It’s a leaner option but still delicious when breaded and fried.

Buttermilk Substitute

The buttermilk in the recipe helps tenderize the chicken and shrimp while enhancing the flavor, but it’s easy to replace if you don’t have any available:

• Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
• Mix 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar.
• Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly—this gives you an instant buttermilk substitute.
• Greek Yogurt + Milk

Cornmeal Substitute

Cornmeal adds texture to the breading, but there are alternatives if cornmeal isn’t readily available:

• Panko Bread Crumbs: Panko breadcrumbs create a light and crispy coating that’s similar in texture to cornmeal.
• Crushed Cornflakes: Pulse the cornflakes in a food processor until they achieve a similar texture. The mild corn flavor pairs perfectly with Cajun seasoning.
• Polenta or Coarse Ground Flour: If you have polenta or coarse-ground flour on hand, they can serve as substitutes for cornmeal because of their texture.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, your very own homemade Popeyes Surf and Turf! By following these steps and tips, you can create a mouthwatering, restaurant-quality dish that’s sure to impress.

More Popeyes Recipes:

• Copycat Popeyes Fried Pickles Recipe