How to Make Delicious Shrimp Lollipops: A Step-by-Step Guide

Shrimp lollipops are a show-stopping appetizer that combines the succulent flavor of shrimp with a playful presentation that's sure to impress your guests. These delightful treats feature seasoned shrimp mounted on sticks, creating an elegant finger food that's as fun to eat as it is delicious. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, preparing a special date night meal, or just want to elevate your weeknight dinner, shrimp lollipops are a versatile dish that delivers on both presentation and flavor.

What Are Shrimp Lollipops?

Shrimp lollipops are essentially skewered shrimp that have been prepared in a way that resembles a lollipop. The technique involves partially butterflying large shrimp and mounting them on sticks so they fan out at the top, creating a lollipop-like appearance. The "handle" makes them easy to pick up and enjoy, while the presentation transforms ordinary shrimp into an elegant appetizer worthy of fine dining establishments.

This preparation method not only creates a visually appealing dish but also allows for maximum flavor absorption as the butterflied shrimp expose more surface area for marinades and seasonings. Plus, the stick makes them perfect for dipping into accompanying sauces without getting your fingers messy.

Selecting the Right Ingredients

Choosing Quality Shrimp

The star of this dish is undoubtedly the shrimp, so selecting high-quality specimens is crucial. Look for large or jumbo shrimp (16-20 count per pound is ideal) that are firm to the touch and have a mild, ocean-fresh smell. Fresh is best, but high-quality frozen shrimp that have been properly thawed can work wonderfully too. If possible, opt for wild-caught shrimp rather than farm-raised for superior flavor and texture.

When purchasing, decide whether you want shrimp with tails on or off. For shrimp lollipops, leaving the tails on adds to the visual appeal and provides a bit of a handle when eating, though they'll be mounted on sticks anyway. Just make sure your shrimp are deveined to avoid any gritty texture in the final dish.

Essential Tools and Accessories

Before diving into preparation, gather the necessary tools to make your shrimp lollipops a success. You'll need wooden skewers or lollipop sticks (6-8 inches long works well), which should be soaked in water for at least 30 minutes if you plan to grill the shrimp. This prevents the wood from burning during cooking.

A sharp knife is essential for butterflying the shrimp properly. Additionally, have kitchen shears on hand for trimming and cleaning the shrimp. If you're planning to bread your shrimp lollipops, prepare shallow dishes for your dredging station. A heavy-bottomed pan or deep fryer will be necessary if you're frying them, while a baking sheet lined with parchment paper works for oven-baked versions.

Flavor Enhancers and Dietary Considerations

The beauty of shrimp lollipops lies in their versatility when it comes to flavoring. Traditional seasonings include garlic, lemon, herbs like parsley or dill, and a touch of heat from cayenne or red pepper flakes. For those with sensitive digestive systems, it's worth noting that some spices and seasonings can trigger symptoms in people with IBS or food sensitivities.

If you're cooking for someone with dietary restrictions, consider using gut-friendly seasonings and accompaniments. Casa de Sante offers low FODMAP certified seasonings that can add flavor without causing digestive distress. Their digestive enzymes can also be a helpful supplement for guests who might find shellfish slightly challenging to digest but still want to enjoy your culinary creation. This thoughtful consideration ensures everyone at your table can indulge without worry.

Basic Shrimp Lollipop Preparation

Cleaning and Deveining

Start by thoroughly cleaning your shrimp. If they're not already deveined, use a small, sharp knife to make a shallow cut along the back of each shrimp, exposing the dark intestinal tract. Remove this vein with the tip of your knife or rinse it away under cold running water. If your shrimp still have heads attached, remove them by twisting gently and pulling.

For shell-on shrimp, decide whether you want to remove the shells entirely or leave the tail section for presentation. For lollipops, it's typically easier to work with completely peeled shrimp, though some chefs prefer to leave the tail tip for visual appeal. Rinse the cleaned shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels before proceeding to the next step.

The Butterflying Technique

Butterflying is the key technique that transforms ordinary shrimp into lollipop-worthy creations. Place a shrimp on your cutting board with the inside curve facing up. Using a sharp knife, make a deep cut along the length of the shrimp, being careful not to cut all the way through. The goal is to open the shrimp like a book while keeping it connected along one edge.

Once butterflied, gently press the shrimp flat with your fingers. If you're finding the shrimp difficult to flatten, you can make small additional cuts along the inside curve, being careful not to sever the shrimp completely. When properly butterflied, the shrimp should lay relatively flat and have more surface area exposed for seasoning and cooking.

Mounting on Sticks

Take your pre-soaked wooden skewers or lollipop sticks and carefully thread each butterflied shrimp onto a stick. Insert the stick at the tail end and push it through the length of the shrimp, stopping just short of the head end. The shrimp should be secure on the stick but still maintain its butterflied, flat appearance.

For an extra touch of stability and presentation, you can use a second skewer perpendicular to the first, creating a cross shape that holds the shrimp flat during cooking. This is particularly helpful if you're grilling the lollipops. Once mounted, your shrimp are ready for seasoning and cooking according to your chosen recipe.

Low FODMAP Shrimp Lollipop Recipe

Lemon Herb Shrimp Lollipops

Here's a delicious low FODMAP recipe that's gentle on sensitive stomachs but doesn't compromise on flavor:

Lemon Herb Shrimp Lollipops

A bright, zesty appetizer featuring butterflied shrimp on sticks with a refreshing lemon-herb coating that's easy on the digestive system.

Ingredients:

• 16 large shrimp (16-20 count), peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 16 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Instructions:

1. Butterfly each shrimp as described earlier, being careful not to cut all the way through.
2. In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, chives, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place butterflied shrimp in the marinade and gently toss to coat. Let marinate for 15-20 minutes (not longer, as the lemon juice will begin to "cook" the shrimp).
4. Thread each shrimp onto a wooden skewer, inserting it at the tail end and pushing through until the shrimp is secure.
5. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
6. Grill shrimp lollipops for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
7. Serve immediately with a side of low FODMAP garlic-infused oil for dipping if desired.

Prep Time: 25 minutes (including marinating)
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Yield: 16 shrimp lollipops (serves 4-6 as an appetizer)
Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired

For those looking to boost the nutritional profile of this dish, consider serving it alongside a smoothie made with Casa de Sante's low FODMAP certified protein powder. Their gut-friendly formulations provide essential nutrients without triggering digestive discomfort, making them a perfect complement to this already digestive-friendly appetizer.

Cooking Methods and Variations

Grilling for Smoky Flavor

Grilling shrimp lollipops imparts a delicious smoky flavor that elevates the natural sweetness of the shrimp. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F) and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place your prepared shrimp lollipops directly on the grill, being careful to position the wooden handles so they hang slightly off the edge of the grill surface to prevent burning.

Grill for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, watching carefully as shrimp cook quickly. You'll know they're done when they turn opaque and pink throughout. For an extra layer of flavor, brush with a little melted butter or olive oil mixed with fresh herbs during the last minute of cooking. The charred edges and smoky aroma make grilled shrimp lollipops particularly appealing for outdoor gatherings and summer entertaining.

Baking for Convenience

Baking offers a convenient, hands-off approach to cooking shrimp lollipops, perfect for when you're juggling multiple dishes. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange your seasoned shrimp lollipops on the sheet, making sure they're not touching. For even cooking, you can rest the stick portion on the edge of the baking sheet so the shrimp are suspended slightly above the surface.

Bake for 6-8 minutes total, flipping halfway through the cooking time. The controlled heat of the oven helps cook the shrimp evenly without the risk of charring or burning. This method works particularly well for breaded variations, producing a nice, even golden crust. For those managing digestive issues, baking is also gentler than fried preparations, making it a good choice for sensitive stomachs.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

The visual appeal of shrimp lollipops makes them perfect for creative presentations. Serve them standing upright in a decorative container filled with rock salt, colored sugar, or even uncooked rice to hold the sticks in place. A hollowed-out cabbage or lettuce head can also serve as an attractive and edible display stand.

For dipping sauces, consider offering a variety of options in small individual cups. Low FODMAP options might include a simple lemon aioli, herb-infused olive oil, or a mild cocktail sauce made without garlic or onion. Casa de Sante's probiotic and prebiotic supplements can be a thoughtful addition to your dinner party medicine cabinet for guests who might benefit from digestive support after enjoying seafood.

Whether served as an elegant passed appetizer at a cocktail party or as the star of a seafood-themed dinner, shrimp lollipops are sure to delight your guests with their playful presentation and delicious flavor. The combination of visual appeal and taste makes them a memorable addition to any menu, proving that sometimes the most impressive dishes are simply familiar ingredients presented in creative new ways.