It’s shrimp’s time to shine in the takeout world; dive into our round-up of the good, the bad, and the shrimpy!
Shrimp is a beloved seafood option that has made its way onto many fast-food menus. While some chain restaurants excel in serving delightful shrimp dishes, others fall short of the mark. This article ranks 13 fast-food chains based on the quality of their shrimp offerings, highlighting where to find the tastiest bites and where to steer clear.
13. Church’s Chicken: Butterfly Shrimp
Church’s Chicken is well-known for its fried chicken, but its butterfly shrimp doesn’t quite live up to expectations. The dish lacks consistency—sometimes, it is overcooked, leading to a rubbery texture. While the seasoning is decent, it’s evident that Church’s expertise lies elsewhere.
12. A&W: Pub Style Shrimp Basket
A&W is famous for its root beer and burgers. Unfortunately, their Pub Style Shrimp Basket falls short on quality and flavor. The shrimp is often too breaded, masking the natural taste of the seafood. However, the tartar sauce is a redeeming factor, adding a hint of zest.
11. Popeyes: Popcorn Shrimp
Popeyes is legendary for its fried chicken, but their Popcorn Shrimp lacks the same punch. While the portion size is generous, the shrimp tends to be more breading than meat. The complementary sauces do help elevate the dish slightly.
10. Panda Express: Honey Walnut Shrimp
Panda Express offers a unique take on shrimp with its Honey Walnut Shrimp. The sweet, thick sauce and candied walnuts make for an interesting blend of flavors. However, the dish can be overly sweet for some palates and slightly heavy.
9. Pei Wei: Kung Pao Shrimp
Pei Wei’s Kung Pao Shrimp receives mixed reviews. Combining spice with a tangy sauce and crunchy vegetables provides a flavorful experience. However, inconsistencies in shrimp quality and cooking can be a downside.
8. Del Taco: Original Crispy Jumbo Shrimp Taco
Del Taco brings a unique twist with its Original Crispy Jumbo Shrimp Taco. The taco is well-seasoned, and the shrimp are adequately crispy. Paired with fresh vegetables and tangy sauces, this dish offers a satisfying fast-food experience.
7. Long John Silver’s: Popcorn Shrimp Basket
Long John Silver’s specializes in seafood, and their Popcorn Shrimp Basket stands out for its flavor and quality. The shrimp has the right amount of breading, making it crispy without overwhelming the seafood flavor. It’s a reliable choice for shrimp lovers.
6. Culver’s: Butterfly Jumbo Shrimp Basket
Culver’s Butterfly Jumbo Shrimp Basket features sizable shrimp with a crunchy coating. The dish pairs well with their signature dipping sauces, enhancing the overall experience. Quality and consistency make this meal a worthwhile choice.
5. Qdoba: Citrus Lime Shrimp
Qdoba infuses its shrimp with distinct citrus lime flavors, creating a zesty taste that pairs well with their customizable menu options. The shrimp is usually well-cooked and compliments Qdoba’s fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
4. Captain D’s: Crispy Butterfly Shrimp
Captain D’s provides one of the better-known shrimp dishes with its Crispy Butterfly Shrimp. This offering lives up to expectations with a generous portion size and an excellent crunch. Paired with hush puppies and seasoned fries, this dish is a hit.
3. White Castle: Sriracha Shrimp Nibblers
White Castle takes a spicy approach with their Sriracha Shrimp Nibblers. The shrimp pieces have a flavorful kick and are well-seasoned, making them a unique and delightful fast-food offering. It’s a refreshing change from the typical mild-flavored fast-food shrimp.
2. Swensons: Shrimp Dinner
Swensons delivers a hearty Shrimp Dinner that doesn’t disappoint. The shrimp is sizable, well-cooked, and combined with a rich seasoning that enhances its natural flavors. Paired with sides like fries and coleslaw, it creates a satisfying meal.
1. Baja Fresh: Fire-Grilled Shrimp
Baja Fresh leads the pack with its Fire-Grilled Shrimp. Known for its fresh and bold flavors, the shrimp is perfectly cooked with a slight char highlighting its seasoning. It’s a versatile option paired with tacos and burritos or enjoyed by itself, making it the top pick in this shrimp showdown.
Closing Thoughts
There are clear winners and losers in the quest for the best fast-food shrimp. Whether you’re craving sweet, spicy, or crispy shrimp, this ranking helps navigate through various options available in popular chains. Baja Fresh’s Fire-Grilled Shrimp is the best offering, combining exceptional flavor and quality.
