I’m a sucker for popcorn chicken. I could have a bucket filled with it and never get tired. Popcorn shrimp, let’s not even go there because I could go on and on about that snack for days and weeks and months and years. I could have two buckets of popcorn shrimp and still want more. The dilemma I face when it comes to either of those is that I just don’t know when to stop, and maybe I don’t want to stop. Is that a crime? There’s just something so addicting about bite-sized pieces of meat breaded and fried until crispy with lots of dipping sauce on the side for dunking that I find irresistible. Well, if I’m being realistic there’s something about all things breaded and fried, no matter the size. The thing about popcorn anything is that the size allows you to not feel guilty while you continue to eat and eat because you feel like, oh they’re so tiny so that means I could have more. Some people might see this as a problem but I see it as a miracle.
The other day, Julian and I were brainstorming recipe ideas over dinner—because even when we’re eating we’re still thinking about food—and we were spitballing different thoughts when all of a sudden chicken fried steak was thrown into the conversation. I can’t remember if it was him or I who got super excited and out of nowhere shouted,”POPCORN CHICKEN FRIED STEAK!” Of course if you asked Julian he would say that it was he who said it, and maybe it was, but I can’t say one hundred percent for certain that he did and I didn’t. I can’t remember, that’s all I’m saying. It isn’t important who thought of it (me), the important thing is that the idea was thrown out there and I was able to bring it to life and share it with you all.
The good news is that this dish tastes amazing, and the bad news is that this dish tastes amazing. So the way I look at it is you can do yourself a favor now by agreeing right from the start that the best idea you’ll have all year is to go to the grocery store, grab all the ingredients you’ll need and whip up a batch for yourself. Or you can live in constant regret and resentment for not trying this one out. If you’re a long time listener but first time caller and you’ve never tried any of my recipes before (shame on you) but I’ll forgive you if you let this one be the first you try. Do you really want to be that person? The person who shunned popcorn chicken fried steak and sausage gravy? No, you want to be the person who actually tried and loved it. The person who requests this as their last meal. If you plan on sharing, I recommend making two batches because you’ll want one all to yourself. I’m not saying that’s what I did, but I’m also not saying I didn’t do it. We’ll just leave it at that.
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