Buffalo shrimp – These crispy shrimp are tossed in a spicy buffalo sauce, giving them that irresistible combination of heat and tang for an appetizer to wow guests or a tasty main dish for a casual dinner.
What Makes Buffalo Shrimp So Irresistible?
Buffalo shrimp brings together the best of both worlds: succulent shrimp coated in a crispy layer, paired with a spicy and flavorful buffalo sauce. The tender shrimp take on the heat from the hot sauce, balanced by the richness of butter and other seasonings. The result? A crispy, mouthwatering snack or dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
This recipe is inspired by the classic buffalo wings but swaps in shrimp for a lighter, yet equally indulgent, alternative. The shrimp are crispy on the outside but tender and juicy on the inside, while the buffalo sauce provides a tangy, peppery punch.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Buffalo Shrimp
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will always give you the best texture and flavor. If you must use frozen shrimp, ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry to prevent sogginess.
- Customize the Heat Level: The buffalo sauce’s heat level can be adjusted by adding more or less cayenne pepper or by choosing a hotter hot sauce. For a milder option, use a mild buffalo sauce or cut back on the hot sauce.
- Frying Tips: Ensure the oil is at the right temperature (350°F) before frying the shrimp. If the oil is too cold, the shrimp will absorb excess oil and become greasy. Too hot, and they’ll burn before cooking through.
- Crispier Shrimp: For even crispier shrimp, double-dip them in the flour mixture and egg wash. This extra layer will give you a thicker, crunchier coating.
- No Frying? Try Baking! If you’re looking to make this recipe healthier, you can bake the breaded shrimp at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.
Variations of Buffalo Shrimp
While the classic buffalo shrimp recipe is perfect on its own, there are a few ways you can make it your own:
- Spicy Garlic Buffalo Shrimp: Add extra minced garlic to the buffalo sauce for an extra kick.
- Buffalo Shrimp Tacos: Use the buffalo shrimp as a filling for tacos. Top with coleslaw, diced tomatoes, avocado, and a drizzle of ranch dressing for a flavorful taco night.
- Buffalo Shrimp Salad: For a lighter meal, toss the buffalo shrimp on top of a bed of greens, such as arugula or romaine, and add some avocado, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette.
- Buffalo Shrimp Skewers: If you’re grilling, thread the shrimp onto skewers and grill until slightly charred, then coat with the buffalo sauce.
How to Serve Buffalo Shrimp
Buffalo shrimp is incredibly versatile, so you can serve it in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas:
- Appetizer: Serve the shrimp as an appetizer at parties, game day events, or casual gatherings. Pair with some celery sticks and a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.
- Main Course: Buffalo shrimp pairs beautifully with a side of fries, coleslaw, or a light salad for a hearty yet flavorful main dish.
- Tacos: As mentioned earlier, buffalo shrimp makes an amazing taco filling when combined with your favorite toppings.
How to Store Leftover Buffalo Shrimp
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how you can store them:
- Refrigeration: Place the leftover shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The shrimp will still be flavorful but might lose some of their crispiness.
- Freezing: To freeze buffalo shrimp, arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them for a few hours until solid. Then transfer the shrimp to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and store them for up to 1 month. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes to get them crispy again.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make buffalo shrimp ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the shrimp and buffalo sauce ahead of time. Fry the shrimp and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before tossing them in the buffalo sauce and serving.
Can I use frozen shrimp? Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before breading and frying to prevent them from becoming soggy.
How can I make buffalo shrimp less spicy? To make the dish milder, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and use a milder hot sauce. You can also add a tablespoon of honey to the buffalo sauce to balance out the heat with sweetness.
What can I serve with buffalo shrimp? You can serve buffalo shrimp with sides like coleslaw, French fries, crispy potato wedges, or even a simple green salad. Dipping sauces such as ranch or blue cheese are perfect accompaniments.
Buffalo Shrimp (Crispy Fried)
Buffalo shrimp - These crispy shrimp are tossed in a spicy buffalo sauce, giving them that irresistible combination of heat and tang for an appetizer to wow guests or a tasty main dish for a casual dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound med-large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails intact
- 4 cups oil for frying
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons Creole-style seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 2 ½ tablespoons butter, melted
- 6 oz. hot pepper sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 4 minced garlic cloves
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add Creole seasoning, flour, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Combine well.
- Add the shrimp to the flour bowl, mix until well coated.
- Transfer the coated shrimps on to the baking sheet and refrigerate for atleast 15 - 20 minutes. Set aside flour mixture in the bag.
- In a small mixing bowl, add the hot sauce, garlic, butter, and cayenne pepper. Combine well.
- Heat a saucepan on medium high heat to 350 degrees F. Add oil.
- Take out the shrimp from the refrigerator and tranfer the flour mixture bowl. Shake and coat again with the flour.
- Shake off any excess and fry shrimp for about 2-3 minutes or until opaque.
- Work in batches and fry the remaining shrimps and transfer to a serving bowl and coat with the buffalo sauce.
- Serve with lettuce leaves or tacos.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 614Total Fat 62gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 54gCholesterol 6mgSodium 927mgCarbohydrates 14gFiber 1gSugar 0gProtein 2g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Check my other shrimp recipes:
Buffalo shrimp is an exciting twist on traditional buffalo wings, and it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or making it the star of the meal, this spicy and crispy dish will satisfy your craving for bold flavors. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make this zesty shrimp at home anytime you want something delicious and fun to eat.
