Red Lobster Popcorn Shrimp: Price, Calories, and Menu Details
Red Lobster Popcorn Shrimp is a bite-sized, breaded, and deep-fried shrimp starter, first introduced in 1974. It costs $8.99 and has about 420 to 430 calories per serving. The shrimp are peeled and deveined before breading, and Red Lobster still sells it today as a starter, weekday lunch special, and kids’ meal item.
Red Lobster Popcorn Shrimp All Menu Options
Red Lobster sells popcorn shrimp in four different forms, so the right pick depends on your appetite and budget.
- Popcorn Shrimp (Starter): The classic appetizer portion, crisped golden brown and served with cocktail sauce.
- Weekday Lunch Special: A smaller popcorn shrimp portion with a side and unlimited Cheddar Bay Biscuits, available Monday through Friday from 11 AM to 3 PM for $9.99.
- Sailor’s Platter: A combination platter pairing popcorn shrimp with garlic shrimp scampi and crispy wild-caught flounder.
- Kids Menu Popcorn Shrimp: A kid-sized portion served with ketchup and a side choice for $7.99.
Red Lobster Popcorn Shrimp Price
| Menu Item | Price | Calories |
| Popcorn Shrimp (Starter) | $8.99 | 420–430 |
| Weekday Lunch Special | $9.99 | Varies by side |
| Kids Menu Popcorn Shrimp | $7.99 | 430 |
| Sailor’s Platter | Price varies | Varies |
Prices listed reflect standard menu pricing and change by location. Delivery apps often charge more, sometimes $13.99 to $19.19 for the starter, so check your platform before ordering. This is not an official price guarantee.
Red Lobster Popcorn Shrimp Calories and Nutrition
A standard starter portion carries the following breakdown, based on Red Lobster’s nutrition data:
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
| Calories | 420–430 kcal | — |
| Total Fat | 18 g | 28% |
| Cholesterol | 145 mg | 48% |
| Sodium | 1,980 mg | 83% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 49 g | 16% |
| Protein | 17 g | — |
That sodium number runs high, so it’s worth pairing this starter with lighter sides if you’re watching salt intake. Check the full Red Lobster nutrition guide for allergen details, since the breading contains gluten and the dish is prepared in a shellfish and wheat environment.
Red Lobster Invented Popcorn Shrimp
Red Lobster actually created popcorn shrimp. The chain introduced it back in 1974, and the bite-sized, snackable format caught on fast. It’s stayed on the menu for five decades because it hits that easy, shareable, kid-friendly sweet spot casual seafood diners still want.
Buying Popcorn Shrimp for Home
Red Lobster doesn’t currently sell a plain frozen popcorn shrimp product in grocery stores, even though the brand offers other retail seafood items. If you want a similar frozen option at home, Gorton’s Popcorn Shrimp and SeaPak Popcorn Shrimp are solid picks. Both cook well in an air fryer at 400°F for 6 to 9 minutes, giving you that same crunchy texture without deep frying.
Copycat Red Lobster Popcorn Shrimp Recipe
Want to recreate that original 1974 flavor at home? Here’s a simple method:
- Prep the shrimp. Pat small, peeled, and deveined tail-off shrimp completely dry with paper towels.
- Make the dredge. Mix 4 cups all-purpose flour with 2 tsp paprika, 2 tsp Cajun seasoning, 2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp chili powder. Toss the shrimp lightly to coat.
- Batter it. Dip the floured shrimp into an egg wash or buttermilk, then toss again in the seasoned flour for a thick, crunchy coat.
- Fry. Heat 3 to 4 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F–375°F. Fry the shrimp in batches for 1.5 to 3 minutes until golden brown. Serve right away with cocktail sauce.
This copycat version comes close to the restaurant original, though your kitchen fryer temperature and shrimp size will affect the final texture slightly.
Sauces and Add-Ons
Red Lobster serves popcorn shrimp with your choice of dipping sauce. Cocktail sauce is the default pairing, while tartar sauce runs about 230 calories per serving if you swap it in. Both sauces are simple add-ons and don’t change the base price of the dish.
Is Red Lobster Popcorn Shrimp Good?
For a fried appetizer, popcorn shrimp holds up well. The coating stays crunchy instead of greasy, and the bite-sized pieces make it easy to share at the table. It’s a solid pick if you want something familiar and kid-friendly before your main course arrives.
Pair It With
Popcorn shrimp works well alongside a warm bowl from the pasta and bowls menu, or you can build a full seafood spread using the shrimp meals menu. Families ordering for kids should also check the full kids menu for other portion-sized options.
FAQs
Does Red Lobster still sell popcorn shrimp?
Yes. It remains a standard starter on the current Red Lobster menu, along with the Weekday Lunch Special, Sailor’s Platter, and Kids Menu versions.
Did Red Lobster invent popcorn shrimp?
Yes. Red Lobster introduced popcorn shrimp back in 1974, and it’s stayed on the menu ever since.
How much do Red Lobster shrimp cost?
Popcorn Shrimp starts at $8.99 for the appetizer portion. Other shrimp dishes, like shrimp scampi or shrimp platters, are priced separately and vary by location.
What is the most expensive dish at Red Lobster?
This varies by location and changes with seasonal menus, usually landing among the surf and turf or larger seafood platter options. Check redlobster.com or your local menu for current top-end pricing before citing a specific number.
Is Red Lobster popcorn shrimp deveined?
Yes. The shrimp used are peeled and deveined before breading, matching standard prep for this style of dish.
Can I reheat Red Lobster popcorn shrimp?
Yes. Reheat leftovers in an air fryer or oven at 350°F to 375°F for a few minutes to bring back the crunch. Microwaving works in a pinch but softens the coating.
Is popcorn shrimp available at every Red Lobster location?
It’s a standard starter, so most locations carry it, though hours and availability can vary by restaurant.
Final Thoughts on Red Lobster Popcorn Shrimp
Red Lobster Popcorn Shrimp remains one of the chain’s most recognizable starters since its 1974 debut, offering a crunchy, bite-sized way to start a seafood meal. Whether you order the classic starter, grab the Weekday Lunch Special, or pick the Kids Menu version, the dish stays affordable and consistent across most locations.
Prices and calories shown here are based on Red Lobster’s ordering page and may vary by location, market, and delivery platform. Always confirm current pricing at your local restaurant or on redlobster.com before ordering.
