Buffalo Shrimp: A Perfectly Crispy, Spicy Delight

If you’re a fan of Buffalo wings, then Buffalo shrimp will quickly become your new favorite snack. These crispy shrimp are coated in a flavorful sauce that balances the heat from cayenne pepper with the tangy kick of Frank’s RedHot Sauce. With a crunchy exterior and juicy interior, each bite delivers an explosion of flavor. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, game-day snack, or main dish, these Buffalo Shrimp are sure to impress!

For more delicious shrimp recipes, check out this Ultimate Shrimp Recipe Collection or find more ways to use hot sauce in this Hot Sauce Recipes.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Buffalo Shrimp Recipe: Crispy, Spicy, and Irresistible!

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 20-25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Buffalo Shrimp is a perfect combination of crispy, succulent shrimp tossed in a spicy, tangy buffalo sauce. This dish packs all the bold flavors of classic buffalo wings, but with shrimp as the star. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, snack, or main course, these Buffalo Shrimp are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a little heat!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs. raw extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• ⅓ cup cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• ½ cup Frank’s RedHot Original Sauce (room temperature)

• 1 teaspoon brown sugar

• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp:
   Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the coating stick better when frying.

2. Season the Shrimp:
   In a bowl, mix together the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Toss the shrimp in the cornstarch mixture until they are evenly coated. Shake off any excess coating.

3. Heat the Oil:
   Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot over medium-high heat, ensuring there’s enough oil to fully submerge the shrimp. Heat the oil to about 375°F (190°C).

4. Fry the Shrimp:
   Working in batches, fry the shrimp for 2-3 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

5. Make the Buffalo Sauce:
   While the shrimp are frying, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, add the Frank’s RedHot Sauce and brown sugar. Stir until the brown sugar has dissolved and the sauce is well combined. Remove from heat.

6. Coat the Shrimp:
   Once all the shrimp are fried, place them in a large mixing bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the shrimp and toss them gently to coat them evenly in the sauce.

7. Serve:
   Transfer the buffalo shrimp to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley or blue cheese crumbles, if desired, and serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.

Notes

If you prefer a milder version, reduce the cayenne pepper or use a milder hot sauce in place of Frank’s RedHot.

For a crispier texture, double coat the shrimp by dipping them in cornstarch twice before frying.

Buffalo Shrimp can be served with celery sticks or a side salad to balance the heat.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 shrimp
• Calories: 150 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 135mg

Keywords: Buffalo Shrimp Recipe

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Shrimp: Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels. This will help the coating stick better and result in a crispier finish.
2. Make the Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix the dry ingredients together until they are evenly distributed.
3. Coat the Shrimp: Toss the shrimp in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring that each shrimp is evenly coated. Shake off any excess coating before frying.
4. Heat the Oil: Heat about 2 inches of oil in a large frying pan or deep fryer over medium-high heat. The oil should reach a temperature of 350°F (175°C). To check if the oil is ready, drop in a small amount of the coating—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is hot enough.
5. Fry the Shrimp: Carefully place the coated shrimp into the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Fry the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
6. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Frank’s RedHot Sauce, and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
7. Toss the Shrimp: Once all the shrimp are fried and drained, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the Buffalo sauce over the shrimp and toss gently to coat each shrimp in the sauce.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Buffalo Shrimp immediately, garnished with chopped parsley or celery sticks on the side, if desired. You can also pair them with a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.

Advanced Techniques for Perfecting Your Buffalo Shrimp

While the recipe is simple, these tips will ensure your Buffalo Shrimp turn out perfectly every time:

Achieving the Perfect Crisp

To ensure your shrimp have the perfect crispy coating, be sure the oil is at the correct temperature (350°F/175°C) before frying. If the oil is too cool, the shrimp will absorb more oil and become greasy instead of crispy.

Double Frying for Extra Crunch

For an even crunchier texture, you can try double frying the shrimp. Fry the shrimp once for 2-3 minutes, then let them rest for a minute or two before frying them again for an additional 1-2 minutes. This technique gives the shrimp an extra crispy exterior.

Air Fryer Method (for a Healthier Option)

For a healthier alternative, you can use an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly coat the shrimp with oil spray and cook in the air fryer for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and golden. Toss them in the Buffalo sauce afterward.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Buffalo Shrimp leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to regain their crispy texture.

Freezing for Later

To freeze the shrimp, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm, about 1-2 hours. After freezing, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze the shrimp for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Reheating Tips

To keep the shrimp crispy when reheating, avoid using the microwave, as this can make the coating soggy. Instead, use an oven or air fryer to maintain the crispiness.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

This recipe can be easily adapted to fit various dietary preferences and needs:

Gluten-Free

This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses cornstarch for the coating rather than flour. Just ensure that the hot sauce you use is gluten-free (most are, but it’s always worth checking labels).

Low-Carb / Keto-Friendly

For a keto-friendly version, you can substitute the cornstarch with almond flour or another low-carb flour alternative. Just be aware that the texture may be slightly different.

Dairy-Free

For a dairy-free version, simply replace the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or olive oil. The rest of the recipe remains the same, and the flavor will still be fantastic.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I make these shrimp ahead of time?

You can fry the shrimp ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat them in the oven or air fryer and then toss them in the Buffalo sauce.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before coating and frying to ensure the batter adheres well.

Can I make the Buffalo sauce in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the Buffalo sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat it before tossing with the shrimp.

What can I serve with Buffalo Shrimp?

Buffalo Shrimp pair perfectly with a side of celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a simple salad. For dipping, blue cheese or ranch dressing are classic choices.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

These Buffalo Shrimp are the perfect combination of crispy, spicy, and tangy. The heat from the cayenne pepper and Frank’s RedHot Sauce, balanced by the sweetness of the brown sugar, creates an irresistible flavor profile that’s sure to please your taste buds. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, these shrimp are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. So get your frying oil ready and enjoy this delectable treat!