Buffalo Shrimp Recipe

Buffalo Shrimp Recipe – A Spicy and Crispy Delight

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If you love spicy, crispy, and flavorful shrimp, this buffalo shrimp recipe is going to be your new favorite! These shrimp are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and tossed in a bold, buttery buffalo sauce that delivers the perfect balance of heat and tang.

Buffalo shrimp makes a fantastic appetizer, game-day snack, or even a main course when served with rice, salad, or tacos. Plus, it’s easy to make in under 30 minutes, whether you choose to deep-fry, bake, or air-fry.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make the crispiest, most flavorful buffalo shrimp, along with expert tips, variations, and the best sides to serve. Let’s get started!

Ingredients for Buffalo Shrimp

To make the best buffalo shrimp, you’ll need a few simple ingredients for crispy shrimp and a bold, buttery buffalo sauce.

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 lb (450g) large shrimp – Peeled and deveined (tails on for presentation, optional).
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour – For a light coating that helps the batter stick.
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch – Adds extra crispiness to the shrimp.
  • 1 tsp salt – Enhances the natural shrimp flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper – Adds a touch of spice.
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder – For extra depth of flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp paprika – Gives a subtle smokiness and color.
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional) – Adds extra heat.
  • 2 eggs – Helps the coating stick to the shrimp.
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs – For extra crunch (optional but highly recommended).
  • Vegetable oil (for frying) – Canola or peanut oil works best.

For the Buffalo Sauce:

  • 1/3 cup hot sauce – Frank’s RedHot is the classic choice.
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter – Melts into the hot sauce for a rich, smooth texture.
  • 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar – Balances the spice with a touch of sweetness.
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce – Adds depth of flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder – Enhances the sauce’s flavor.

For Serving and Garnishing:

  • Chopped parsley or green onions – For a fresh finish.
  • Crumbled blue cheese or ranch dressing – Perfect for dipping.
  • Celery and carrot sticks – A classic buffalo wing side.
  • Lemon wedges – For a citrusy contrast.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

  1. If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs.
  4. In another dish, add panko breadcrumbs (if using).

Step 2: Coat and Fry the Shrimp

  1. Dip each shrimp into the flour mixture, then into the egg wash, and finally into panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
  2. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat (350°F/175°C).
  3. Fry the shrimp in small batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
  4. Remove shrimp and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3: Make the Buffalo Sauce

  1. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter.
  2. Stir in hot sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
  3. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 4: Toss Shrimp in Buffalo Sauce

  1. Place the crispy shrimp in a large bowl.
  2. Pour the warm buffalo sauce over the shrimp and toss gently to coat evenly.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

  1. Transfer shrimp to a serving plate.
  2. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.
  3. Serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing, celery sticks, and lemon wedges.

Tips for the Best Buffalo Shrimp

To make sure your buffalo shrimp turns out crispy, flavorful, and perfectly spicy, follow these expert tips:

1. Choose the Right Shrimp

  • Use large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture and presentation.
  • Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen shrimp works too—just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
  • Leave the tails on for extra crunch and a more restaurant-style look.

2. Get the Perfect Crispy Coating

  • Cornstarch + flour creates a light, crispy coating without being too heavy.
  • Panko breadcrumbs add an extra crunch—use them for an ultra-crispy texture.
  • Make sure to shake off excess flour before frying to avoid clumps.

3. Adjust the Spice Level

  • For spicier shrimp: Add more cayenne pepper to the flour mix or an extra 1 tbsp of hot sauce to the buffalo sauce.
  • For milder shrimp: Use less hot sauce and add more butter and honey to balance the heat.

4. Best Frying Technique

  • Use medium-high heat (350°F/175°C) for frying to get a golden-brown crust.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook shrimp in batches so they crisp up properly.
  • Drain on paper towels or a wire rack to keep them crispy.

5. Want to Skip Frying?

  • Air Fryer Method: Cook shrimp at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Oven-Baked Method: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.

Variations of Buffalo Shrimp Recipes

1. Grilled Buffalo Shrimp

  • Toss shrimp in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill for 2-3 minutes per side.
  • Brush with buffalo sauce before serving.

2. Air Fryer Buffalo Shrimp

  • Coat shrimp as usual but spray with cooking oil before air frying.
  • Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.

3. Buffalo Shrimp Tacos

  • Serve shrimp in warm tortillas with shredded lettuce, blue cheese crumbles, and ranch drizzle.

4. Low-Carb Buffalo Shrimp

  • Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Serve with cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps instead of bread or tortillas.

What to Serve with Buffalo Shrimp?

1. Best Dipping Sauces

  • Blue Cheese Dressing – A classic buffalo pairing.
  • Ranch Dressing – For a milder, creamy contrast.
  • Garlic Aioli – Adds an extra layer of richness.

2. Classic Side Dishes

  • Celery & Carrot Sticks – The perfect cooling side.
  • French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries – For a heartier meal.
  • Coleslaw – Adds a refreshing crunch.

3. Refreshing Drink Pairings

  • Lemonade or Iced Tea – A great non-alcoholic option.
  • Margaritas or Spicy Bloody Marys – If you want a fun cocktail pairing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?

Yes! Just thaw them completely under cold running water and pat dry before coating.

2. How Do I Store and Reheat Buffalo Shrimp?

  • Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes to keep them crispy. Avoid microwaving as it makes the shrimp soggy.

3. Can I Make It Without Frying?

Yes! Bake or air fry for a healthier alternative without sacrificing crispiness.

4. What’s the Best Hot Sauce for Buffalo Shrimp?

  • Frank’s RedHot – The classic buffalo sauce base.
  • Texas Pete or Crystal Hot Sauce – Slightly milder options.
  • Tabasco – Spicier and tangier alternative.

5. Can I Make It Mild?

Yes! Reduce the hot sauce amount and add more butter and honey to mellow out the heat.

Conclusion

This buffalo shrimp recipe is the ultimate crispy, spicy, and flavorful dish, perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a game-day snack, appetizer, or main course. With quick cooking time and customizable heat levels, this dish is both easy to make and packed with bold flavor.

Whether you choose to deep-fry, bake, or air-fry, these shrimp turn out golden, crispy, and coated in the perfect buffalo sauce. Pair them with blue cheese or ranch, celery sticks, and a cold drink, and you’ve got a winning meal!

So, grab your shrimp, whip up that buffalo sauce, and get ready to enjoy the best buffalo shrimp ever! 🔥🍤