Indulge in a delightful fusion of barbecue and spice with Taylor’s Jalapeno Poppers recipe, a creation straight from the kitchen of Taylor Hicks in Birmingham, Alabama. As the owner of a barbecue joint, Taylor’s love for barbecue flavors and jalapeno poppers shines through in this mouthwatering appetizer. The combination of these two favorites results in a tantalizing dish that is a hit on his restaurant’s menu.
INGREDIENTS:
- 6 large jalapeno peppers
- Oil for deep-fat frying
- 1 cup refrigerated fully cooked barbecued shredded pork (about 8 ounces)
- 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded mild cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 3 teaspoons salt
- 3 teaspoons paprika
- 12 ounces beer
- White barbecue sauce (optional)
PREPARATIONS:
- Cut off the stem end of the jalapenos and use the tip of a small knife to remove the seeds and membrane.
- In a large saucepan, bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Add the jalapenos and cook for 2-3 minutes or until they are just crisp-tender. Remove them from the water and immediately place them in ice water. Drain and pat them completely dry.
- Heat oil to 375° in an electric skillet or deep fryer.
- In a small bowl, mix the shredded pork, shredded cheddar cheese, and barbecue sauce. Spoon this mixture into the hollowed-out jalapenos.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and paprika. Stir in the beer until the batter is moistened.
- Using tongs, dip the stuffed jalapenos into the batter, and fry them in batches for 3-4 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
- Drain the fried jalapeno poppers on paper towels.
- If desired, serve the jalapeno poppers with white barbecue sauce.
YIELD: This recipe makes 6 servings of Taylor’s Jalapeno Poppers.
COOKING TIME: The preparation time for this dish is 35 minutes, and the cooking time is 5 minutes per batch.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of seeds and membrane left in the jalapenos.
- For a unique twist, try using cooked chicken or beef as an alternative stuffing option.
TIPS:
- Ensure the jalapenos are thoroughly dried before dipping them in the batter to avoid splattering during frying.
- Serve these tantalizing poppers as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at gatherings or enjoy them as a flavorful snack.
In conclusion, Taylor’s Jalapeno Poppers recipe offers a delightful marriage of barbecue goodness and spicy excitement, capturing the essence of Taylor Hicks’ passion for delicious flavors. This delectable appetizer combines two beloved favorites, barbecue, and jalapeno poppers, resulting in a tantalizing dish that holds a special place on the menu at Taylor’s barbecue joint in Birmingham, Alabama.
The journey begins with plump and flavorful jalapeno peppers, expertly deseeded and cooked to just the right crisp-tender texture. The filling of fully cooked barbecued shredded pork, mild cheddar cheese, and zesty barbecue sauce adds a burst of smoky and cheesy richness to each popper.
The batter, a perfectly seasoned blend of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, paprika, and beer, coats the stuffed jalapenos to perfection. Fried to a golden brown, these poppers boast a delightful crunch that complements the tender jalapeno and luscious filling.
The optional white barbecue sauce provides a creamy and tangy counterpart to the poppers, enhancing their flavor profile and adding a refreshing touch. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply as an irresistible snack, Taylor’s Jalapeno Poppers promise to be a hit among all who taste them.
For those who seek a creative twist, experimenting with alternative fillings like cooked chicken or beef will undoubtedly yield delightful variations of this crowd-pleasing appetizer.
In conclusion, Taylor’s Jalapeno Poppers recipe is a testament to the culinary passion and innovation that characterizes the offerings at Taylor Hicks’ barbecue joint. Share these delectable poppers with friends and family, and experience the harmonious blend of barbecue and spice that makes them an appetizer to remember.
