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Buffalo Shrimp

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close up shot of a plate of Buffalo Shrimp served with a bowl of ranch
This spicy and savory buffalo shrimp dish combines buffalo sauce with succulent shrimp for a unique twist on the classic buffalo chicken.
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Table of Contents
  1. Buffalo Shrimp Ingredients
  2. Substitutions And Additions
  3. How To Make This Buffalo Shrimp Recipe
  4. How To Serve
  5. Storage
  6. Why We Love This Recipe
  7. Frequently Asked Questions
  8. More Recipes You’ll Love
  9. JUMP TO RECIPE
  10. Even More Recipes You’ll Love

Experience a flavor explosion with our buffalo shrimp recipe, where the fiery kick of tangy buffalo sauce meets the delicate, juicy shrimp in a symphony of taste. The crunch of the shrimp coating adds plenty of texture to this simple dish.

close up shot of a plate of Buffalo Shrimp served with a bowl of ranch

Buffalo Shrimp Ingredients

Buffalo Shrimp raw ingredients that are labeled
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Our buffalo shrimp recipe calls for a simple yet flavorful combination of ingredients that work together to create a dish that’s truly more than the sum of its parts.

The shrimp is the star of our recipe and brings a sweet, delicate flavor and a satisfyingly juicy texture that contrasts beautifully with the spicy buffalo sauce.

Frank’s buffalo sauce is our choice for this recipe. Its tangy, spicy flavor profile gives our buffalo shrimp its signature kick.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 pound of raw, peeled, deveined shrimp
  • ¾ cup of all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup of cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of coarse black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of paprika
  • 1 teaspoon of Cajun or Creole seasoning
  • ½ cup of Frank’s buffalo sauce
  • Vegetable oil or shortening for frying (at least 4 cups)
  • Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for dipping, optional

Substitutions And Additions

SHRIMP: If you’re allergic to shrimp, you can substitute it with chicken bites or cauliflower florets for a vegetarian option.

Just remember that the cooking time may vary.

BUFFALO SAUCE: If you find Frank’s buffalo sauce too spicy, you can substitute it with a milder hot sauce or even a barbecue sauce for a different flavor profile.

SEASONINGS: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. If you like it spicier, add more Cajun or Creole seasoning.

If you prefer it less spicy, reduce the amount of black pepper.

FRYING OIL: If you prefer a different type of oil for frying, you can use canola oil, peanut oil, or any other oil with a high smoke point.

DIPPING SAUCE: If you’re not a fan of ranch or blue cheese dressing, you can serve the buffalo shrimp with garlic aioli or spicy mayo.

How To Make This Buffalo Shrimp Recipe

Creating our easy buffalo shrimp recipe is a fun and rewarding process. Each step brings you closer to a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Let’s dive into the cooking process.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

If you have access to a deep fryer, they work really well for this recipe because the oil temperature is held even, and you don’t have to toss the oil every time.

STEP ONE: Be sure that the raw shrimp are thawed completely. Rinse in a sieve and allow to drain.

STEP TWO: Combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and Cajun seasoning in a large Ziploc bag. Stir to combine the flour mixture thoroughly.

flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and Cajun seasoning added to a bowl

STEP THREE: Working in batches, add a handful of the shrimp to the bag, seal, and shake to coat the shrimp in the seasoning mixture.

Remove the shrimp from the bag and set it on a wire rack. Place the rack on top of a sheet pan to catch any excess flour. 

shrimps added to the bag of seasonings

STEP FOUR: After coating all of the shrimp in the first coating, set the shrimp in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes to help the coating adhere to the shrimp.

coated shrimp on a rack

STEP FIVE: Coat the shrimp with a second layer of flour/seasoning.

STEP SIX: Meanwhile, fill a Dutch oven or heavy stock pot with three to four inches of oil. Heat until the oil reaches 375°F. This will take 10 to 15 minutes.

PRO TIP:

Use a candy or deep fryer thermometer to check and monitor the temperature of the oil. The oil will lose some heat as the cold shrimp are added, so adjust the burner as needed to keep the oil hot. 

STEP SEVEN: Carefully drop several coated shrimp at a time into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about two to three minutes.

Toss the shrimp around in the oil a couple of times to ensure even cooking. Maintain an oil temperature of 350°F for best results.

The shrimp will cook through in about five minutes.

As long as the oil temperature is maintained correctly, the shrimp will be cooked by the time the breading is a deep golden brown.

shrimps fried in a pot of hot oil

STEP EIGHT: Place cooked shrimp on a few layers of paper towels to soak up excess oil.

STEP NINE: Carefully toss the shrimp with the buffalo sauce and serve immediately with a side of blue cheese dressing or ranch.

PRO TIP:

The shrimp are the crispiest right as they come out of the fryer. You can toss individual batches with the buffalo sauce and serve as they come out of the oil. Adjust the amount of sauce for individual taste.

If your shrimp sit out, the breading will start to soften, which makes it harder to toss them with the sauce. You can also dip the cooked shrimp in the sauce instead of coating them.

shrimps tossed with the buffalo sauce

How To Serve

Our buffalo shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways.

Whether you’re hosting a game day party or looking for a quick and delicious dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.

Serve the buffalo shrimp as a tasty appetizer with blue cheese dip or ranch dressing, celery sticks, and carrot sticks on the side.

For a hearty meal, serve the buffalo shrimp on a bed of rice or with a side of coleslaw. The rice or coleslaw will help balance out the heat of the buffalo sauce.

Buffalo shrimp also makes a great topping for salads. Add them to a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber for a spicy and satisfying salad.

For a fun twist, use the buffalo shrimp to make tacos. Add them to soft tortillas with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing.

If you’re a fan of seafood pasta, try adding buffalo shrimp to creamy Alfredo pasta. The spicy shrimp will add a kick to the rich and creamy pasta.

Our Cajun shrimp and bang bang shrimp are two more easy recipes loaded with plenty of spicy flavor.

Storage

After enjoying a delicious meal of buffalo shrimp, you might find yourself with leftovers. Here’s how to store them to ensure they remain fresh and tasty.

MAKE AHEAD: While buffalo shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the shrimp and the flour/seasoning mixture beforehand.

Store them separately in the refrigerator and proceed with the rest of the recipe when you’re ready to cook.

IN THE FRIDGE: Leftover shrimp can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to two days.

Keep in mind that the coating will become soggy over time.

IN THE FREEZER: We do not recommend freezing buffalo shrimp as the coating will become soggy and lose its crispness.

REHEATING: To reheat buffalo shrimp, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and heat 350°F for about ten minutes or until heated through.

Avoid using the microwave as it can make the shrimp rubbery and the coating soggy.

Why We Love This Recipe

Buffalo shrimp is a recipe that’s close to our hearts, and here’s why:

FLAVORFUL: The combination of spicy buffalo sauce and sweet, juicy shrimp creates a flavor profile that’s hard to resist.

CROWD-PLEASER: Whether you’re hosting a game day party or a casual dinner, buffalo shrimp is a crowd-pleaser. Its bold flavor and satisfying crunch make it a hit with adults and kids alike.

UNIQUE: While buffalo chicken is a common dish, buffalo shrimp is a unique twist that’s sure to surprise and delight your guests.

overhead shot of a plate of Buffalo Shrimp served with a bowl of ranch and celery

Our buffalo shrimp recipe is a delightful dish that combines the spicy kick of buffalo sauce with the sweet, succulent flavor of shrimp. With its bold flavor, satisfying crunch, and easy-to-follow recipe, it’s a dish that you’ll find yourself coming back to time and time again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh shrimp for this recipe?

You can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before starting with the recipe.

Can I use a different type of hot sauce?

You can substitute Frank’s buffalo sauce with a different spicy sauce. Just keep in mind that the flavor of the dish will change depending on the sauce you use.

Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying them? 

While deep frying gives the shrimp a crispy coating, you can bake them for a healthier option. However, the texture will be different.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? 

While buffalo shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the shrimp and the flour/seasoning mixture ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and proceed with the rest of the recipe when you’re ready to cook.

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close up shot of a plate of Buffalo Shrimp served with a bowl of ranch

Buffalo Shrimp

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This spicy and savory buffalo shrimp dish combines buffalo sauce with succulent shrimp for a unique twist on the classic buffalo chicken.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 3 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound raw shrimp, deveined and peeled
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun or creole seasoning
  • ½ cup Frank’s buffalo sauce
  • vegetable oil or shortening for frying (at least 4 cups)
  • Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing, for optional dipping

Instructions
 

  • Be sure that the shrimp are thawed completely. Rinse in a sieve and allow to drain.
  • Combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and Cajun seasoning in a large Ziploc bag. Stir to combine thoroughly.
  • Working in batches, add a handful of the shrimp to the bag, seal, and shake to coat the shrimp in the seasoning mixture. Remove the shrimp from the bag and set it on a wire rack (place rack on top of a sheet pan to catch any excess flour).
  • After coating all of the shrimp in the first coating, set the shrimp in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes to help the coating adhere to the shrimp.
  • Coat the shrimp with a second layer of the flour/seasoning.
  • Meanwhile, fill a Dutch oven or heavy stock pot with 3 to 4 inches of oil. Heat until the oil reaches 375°F (this will take 10 to 15 minutes).
  • Carefully drop several coated shrimp at a time into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy (about 2 to 3 minutes). Toss the shrimp around in the oil a couple of times to ensure even cooking. Maintain an oil temperature of 350°F for best results. The shrimp will cook through in about 5 minutes. I’ve found that as long as the oil temperature is maintained correctly, the shrimp will be cooked by the time the breading is a deep golden brown.
  • Place cooked shrimp on a few layers of paper towel to soak up excess oil.
  • Carefully toss the shrimp with the buffalo sauce and serve immediately with blue cheese dressing (or ranch.)

Notes

  • If you have access to a deep fryer, they work really well for this recipe because the oil temperature is held even, and you don’t have to toss the oil every time.
  • Use a candy or deep fryer thermometer to check and monitor the temperature of the oil. The oil will lose some heat as the cold shrimp are added, so adjust the burner as needed to keep the oil hot.
  • The shrimp are the crispiest right as they come out of the fryer. You can toss individual batches with the buffalo sauce and serve as they come out of the oil. Adjust the amount of sauce for individual taste. If your shrimp sit out, the breading will start to soften, which makes it harder to toss them with the sauce. You can also dip the cooked shrimp in the sauce instead of coating them.

Nutrition

Calories: 202kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 143mg | Sodium: 1564mg | Potassium: 187mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 699IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 2mg
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Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

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