The best frozen popcorn shrimp are the training wheels of the frozen seafood world. If you weren’t raised on seafood (like my Nebraskan husband, for instance), popcorn shrimp can be a more palatable option than, say, fried fish fillets or big, juicy jumbo fried shrimp. They’re small. They aren’t intimidating. With a side of french fries, they make a totally acceptable main dish for dinner, but they’re a good snack, too, since they cook up relatively quickly (we made all of these in the office toaster oven). 

If you can’t pick up and go on a luxurious vacation to the Caribbean or the Keys, sitting down to a big-a** platter of the best frozen coconut shrimp is the next best thing. Okay, maybe it isn’t the next best thing (Southern California has many lovely beaches just a short drive from my home that I happily visit when I need to get away), but there’s something so exceedingly laid back and beachy about coconut shrimp. When you need those vibes and also don’t want to futz with batter and coconut shreds, frozen coconut shrimp really come in handy. 

Whether you are at a restaurant or attending a dinner party, the appetizers are not just great starters—they're often the best part of any meal. Perhaps it has something to do with the variety of textures and flavors you can fit onto one plate, or maybe it is simply a matter of how appetizers are the first foods to reach your mouth when hunger strikes.