Crispy fried shrimp covered in a classic tangy buffalo sauce. This bar favorite appetizer is a memorable dish for game day or a unique seafood dinner.
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If you are a fan of buffalo wings and seafood, you definitely need to try them buffalo shrimp.
Instead of wings, this recipe takes crunchy, small, succulent shrimp and coats them in a tangy, buttery hot sauce that has a hint of sweetness.
Dip them in a side of ranch dressing or blue cheese to cool them down!
These shrimp are a great addition to any holiday menu. We especially love serving them at football parties and the Super Bowl. They hold their own against any wing and guests seem to appreciate something a little less traditional.
You can adjust the heat levels to your liking by adding more hot sauce. When we want it really spicy, I add a little. heartbeat habanero hot sauce to the mixture. 🔥
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ingredients
- Shrimp – Use extra large shrimp that are peeled and de-haired.
- Cornstarch – This gives the shrimp a crunchy coating and helps the sauce stick.
- Condiments – You will need salt, pepper and cayenne pepper.
- Oil – Use peanut oil or canola oil to fry the shrimp.
- Butter – Be sure to use unsalted butter, otherwise the dish may be too salty.
- Spicy sauce – Frank’s it is the reference point for buffalo sauce.
- Brown sugar – A little brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness. You can leave it out if you prefer.
How to do
Step 1
Add the cornstarch and seasonings to a bowl. Use a whisk or fork to combine.
Step 2
Add the peeled and stripped shrimp to the cornstarch mixture. Use a rubber spatula to gently mix and coat the shrimp pieces.
Step 3
Fry shrimp in batches of 6 in oil at 350F for about 1 minute on each side.
Step 4
Add the melted butter, brown sugar and hot sauce to a bowl. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and the sauce comes together.
Step 5
Add the shrimp and mix.
Step 6
Remove shrimp from bowl and serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.
Suggestions
- Oil temperature is important. Maintain a constant oil temperature around 350°F for perfectly crispy shrimp. Use a Fryer it’s the easiest way to achieve this.
- Don’t crowd the pan. Adding too many shrimp at one time will cause the oil temperature to drop, resulting in the shrimp being soggy. To avoid this, do not fry more than 6 at a time.
- Make it spicier. Add more Frank’s, a little cayenne pepper seasoning, or even a little of another spicier hot sauce (we like Heartbeat AND Yellow bird).
- Serve immediately. Buffalo shrimp are at their best when they are hot and crunchy. Don’t let it sit too long before serving.
Advance
How to store
If you somehow manage to have leftovers (which is rare because they’re so damn tasty), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
How to warm up
To reheat them, place them in the oven at 180°C for about 10 minutes until they are crispy again. Avoid the microwave unless you like soggy shrimp. You can also use an air fryer for extra crunch.
More recipes with shrimp
Buffalo Shrimp
Crispy fried shrimp covered in a spicy and tangy buffalo sauce.
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Instructions
-
In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper; blend until completely combined.
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Heat 1 inch of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet, cast iron or Dutch oven to 360 degrees.
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While the oil heats, add the shrimp to the bowl with the cornstarch mixture, toss with a rubber spatula to coat the shrimp.
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Fry shrimp in batches of 6, turning after 60 seconds, frying another 60 seconds or until shrimp are cooked through.
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Remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined baking sheet or wire rack.
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Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave.
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In a large bowl, add the melted butter, hot sauce and sugar, beat until smooth.
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Toss the shrimp in the prepared buffalo sauce until completely coated.
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Serve with prepared ranch dressing or additional buffalo sauce.
Notes
It can be prepared in an air fryer
- Preheat air fryer for 5 minutes at 400 degrees.
- Carefully arrange cornstarch-coated shrimp in basket in a single layer, spray lightly with vegetable oil.
- Air fry for 3 minutes, turn the prawns, fry another 3 minutes.
- Season with the prepared sauce.
