If you’re craving a dish that packs a punch of flavor and a satisfying crunch, this Buffalo Shrimp Recipe is exactly what you need. Succulent shrimp tossed in smoky, spicy sauce create an irresistible bite that is both fiery and buttery, making it the perfect appetizer or main course for any gathering. It’s quick, easy, and delivers that classic buffalo flavor with a seafood twist. Trust me, once you make this, it will become a go-to recipe you’ll want to share with every friend and family member.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of the ingredients fool you—each one is chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish so delightful. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Shrimp: Use peeled and deveined shrimp with the tails on for easy eating and maximum flavor.
- Olive oil: Helps the spices adhere and gives the shrimp a nice sear.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a warm, smoky depth, elevating the classic buffalo taste.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
- Coarse ground black pepper: Provides a subtle heat and freshness.
- Butter: The rich base for the buffalo sauce, balancing the heat perfectly.
- Frank’s Hot Sauce: The star of buffalo flavor, delivering the iconic tang and spice.
- Blue Cheese or Ranch dressing (optional): Offers a cooling contrast that complements the spicy shrimp beautifully.
How to Make Buffalo Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Shrimp
Start by placing the peeled and deveined shrimp in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and coarse ground black pepper. Stir well to coat each shrimp evenly in this flavorful mixture. This seasoning step is crucial because it ensures every bite is bursting with that signature smoky and spicy taste.
Step 2: Make the Buffalo Sauce
Next, melt the butter and combine it with Frank’s Hot Sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and glossy. This sauce is what transforms simple shrimp into a fiery buffalo delight, balancing the richness of butter with that beloved tangy heat.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 3 minutes on one side until pink and slightly caramelized. Flip them and cook for another 3 minutes. The shrimp should be perfectly opaque and tender, with a hint of crispness on the edges—just waiting for the buffalo sauce.
Step 4: Coat with Buffalo Sauce
Pour the warm buffalo sauce into the pan and toss the shrimp thoroughly to coat every piece. This final step ensures that the shrimp are enveloped in a luscious, spicy glaze that clings to every bite.
How to Serve Buffalo Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes takes the Buffalo Shrimp Recipe to the next level. Chopped fresh parsley or green onions provide a bright, herbaceous contrast to the rich sauce. A sprinkle of celery salt or a few thinly sliced celery sticks on the side can add a refreshing crunch that cuts through the heat.
Side Dishes
Serving buffalo shrimp alongside cool blue cheese or ranch dressing is a classic pairing that helps tame the spice. For a heartier meal, try crispy French fries or crunchy celery sticks. A simple crisp salad with a citrus vinaigrette also offers a fresh bite to balance the intense flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
This Buffalo Shrimp Recipe also makes for a fantastic party platter. Arrange the shrimp on a bed of crisp lettuce with dipping sauces in small bowls around the edges. You can also serve the shrimp in lettuce wraps or taco shells topped with shredded cabbage and a drizzle of crema for a fun finger-food experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover buffalo shrimp, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days, making for a quick snack or addition to a salad the next day.
Freezing
While shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked buffalo shrimp. Place the cooled shrimp in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’re best used within a month for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftover buffalo shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking. If microwaving, use short bursts of 20 seconds to keep the shrimp tender. Adding a splash of water or extra buffalo sauce can help retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I make this Buffalo Shrimp Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses simple fresh ingredients and Frank’s Hot Sauce, which contains no gluten. Just ensure any dipping sauces you use are gluten-free as well.
What type of shrimp is best for this recipe?
Medium to large shrimp (16-20 per pound) peeled and deveined with tails on work best here. The tail adds flavor during cooking and makes it easy to eat as finger food.
How spicy is this Buffalo Shrimp Recipe?
The heat level is moderate because of the classic Frank’s Hot Sauce—but you can adjust it by using more or less hot sauce or adding some cayenne pepper for extra kick.
Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?
Yes, for a lighter option, bake the seasoned shrimp at 400°F for about 8-10 minutes, then toss with buffalo sauce. They won’t have quite the same sear but will still taste fantastic.
What can I use instead of blue cheese or ranch dressing?
If you’re not a fan of those dressings, plain Greek yogurt mixed with a little lemon juice and fresh herbs makes a delicious cooling dip that complements the spicy shrimp beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Shrimp Recipe is a total winner for anyone who loves a bold, flavorful dish that’s quick and easy to make. Whether you’re serving it at your next party or just treating yourself on a busy weeknight, these spicy shrimp deliver all the classic buffalo flavor with a fun seafood twist you’ll crave again and again. So grab some shrimp, get that sauce ready, and dive into this taste sensation—you won’t regret it!
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Buffalo Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Buffalo Shrimp recipe offers a spicy, tangy twist on classic buffalo flavors with perfectly cooked shrimp coated in a buttery, smoky hot sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a quick and delicious appetizer or main dish served best with creamy blue cheese or ranch dressing.
Ingredients
Shrimp Mixture
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined with tails on, about 16 per pound)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
Buffalo Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup Frank’s Hot Sauce
Optional
- Blue Cheese or Ranch dressing, for serving
Instructions
- Season the shrimp: In a large bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together to ensure the shrimp are evenly coated with the seasoning. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld briefly.
- Prepare the buffalo sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add Frank’s Hot Sauce and whisk continuously until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Remove from heat and keep warm.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the seasoned shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook for about 3 minutes on one side until pink and slightly firm, then flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes on the other side.
- Toss shrimp with sauce: Pour the prepared buffalo sauce over the cooked shrimp in the pan. Toss thoroughly to coat each shrimp evenly with the spicy sauce. Remove from heat.
- Serve: Plate the buffalo shrimp and serve immediately with blue cheese or ranch dressing on the side for dipping, enhancing the rich and spicy flavors.
Notes
- Keep the shrimp tails on for easier handling and a prettier presentation.
- You can adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the amount of Frank’s Hot Sauce.
- Use fresh shrimp for best texture and flavor; thaw thawed shrimp completely before cooking.
- If you prefer less sauce, reserve some buffalo sauce for drizzling rather than tossing all shrimp in it.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with celery sticks or a light green salad for a balanced meal.
