Description
Crispy and flavorful Buffalo Shrimp coated in a spicy, tangy buffalo sauce, perfect for appetizers or a main course. This recipe features jumbo shrimp dredged in a seasoned flour mixture, fried to golden perfection, and then tossed in a buttery hot sauce. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks for a classic game day treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying (about 2 inches deep)
Buffalo Sauce
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- Pinch of garlic powder
For Serving (Optional)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Celery sticks
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with buttermilk. Allow them to marinate for 10 minutes, which helps tenderize the shrimp and allows the coating to adhere better.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful dredge for the shrimp.
- Heat the Oil: Pour about 2 inches of oil into a deep skillet or saucepan and heat over medium-high until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Proper oil temperature is key for crispy shrimp.
- Coat the Shrimp: Remove shrimp from the buttermilk, shaking off any excess liquid. Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture until fully coated, ensuring an even crispy layer after frying.
- Fry the Shrimp: Carefully fry the coated shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan for even cooking. Drain the fried shrimp on a paper towel–lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Make Buffalo Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, melted butter, optional honey or brown sugar, and a pinch of garlic powder to form the classic buffalo sauce.
- Toss Shrimp in Sauce: Place the fried shrimp in a bowl and toss with the buffalo sauce until all pieces are evenly coated with the spicy buttery mixture.
- Serve: Plate the buffalo shrimp immediately and serve with your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery sticks, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter alternative, bake or air-fry the shrimp instead of frying and drizzle with buffalo sauce after cooking.
- You can also grill the shrimp and brush them with buffalo sauce for a smoky, healthier twist.
- Adjust the heat level of the buffalo sauce by varying the amount of hot sauce and honey.
- Using tails-on shrimp can add extra flavor and make them easier to handle while eating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
