Buffalo Shrimp: The Perfect Appetizer or Meal
Are you searching for an appetizer that will leave your guests begging for more? Everyone need a quick and easy appetizer that is done in minutes and only needs 4 ingredients to make?
Get ready to discover the ultimate crowd-pleaser: buffalo shrimp. This tangy and spicy shrimp appetizer made with Buffalo sauce is guaranteed to impress with its addictive flavors and easy preparation.
Whether you serve it as a mouthwatering appetizer or a satisfying meal, this delicious dish is sure to make any occasion memorable.
So, get ready to tantalize your taste buds and wow your guests with this irresistible buffalo shrimp recipe.
Why Buffalo Shrimp is the Ultimate Appetizer
Buffalo shrimp is not just your average appetizer - it's the ultimate choice for any gathering. Its irresistible tang and spice make it a crowd favorite, leaving your guests craving more.
But what exactly is it about buffalo shrimp that makes it so perfect for starting off a meal? Let's dive into the tangy and spicy goodness that sets this dish apart.
The secret lies in the combination of two key elements: the tangy flavor and the fiery spice. The tanginess comes from the perfect blend of flavors that make up a good bottle of buffalo sauce.
It's that burst of spicy flavors that wakes up your taste buds and keeps you coming back for more.
The heat from the cayenne pepper and other spices adds a fiery kick that balances out the tanginess, creating a harmonious flavor profile that everyone loves.
The great thing about buffalo shrimp is that you can easily adjust the spicy level to suit your taste.
If you prefer a milder flavor, simply use a mild Buffalo sauce.
For those who crave an extra kick, use a "hot" Buffalo sauce.
So how do you make this delectable appetizer? Lucky for you, it's as easy to prepare as it is delicious to eat.
👇See the step by step directions below
Start by seasoning fresh shrimp with a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning to add another layer of spicy flavors. Quickly sauté the seasoned shrimp in butter.
Once cooked, toss them in a tangy buffalo sauce and serve with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or blue cheese. This dish is ready In less than 20 minutes!
Appetizer or Meal
Not only is buffalo shrimp an irresistible appetizer, but it can also be a satisfying meal on its own.
Serve it with a creamy dipping sauce with a side of celery sticks for a refreshing crunch, and you've got an amazing appetizer for any occasion.
Or use the shrimp to make shrimp tacos, wraps or a salad for a complete and satisfying meal that will leave everyone at the table satisfied.
No matter the occasion, buffalo shrimp is a surefire way to make a lasting impression.
Its tangy and spicy flavors are a guaranteed hit, and its easy preparation makes it a go-to choice for many occasions.
So, why settle for ordinary appetizers or a boring meal when you can wow your family or guests with the ultimate crowd-pleaser?
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and indulge in the irresistible flavors of buffalo shrimp.
Buffalo Shrimp Ingredients
Here is a quick look at the Buffalo Shrimp ingredient list and instructions. You can find the full ingredient quantities and full directions in the recipe card below. P. S. You can also save your favorite recipes to your personal recipe box! ⬇️
- frozen or fresh shrimp: I am partial to Florida Pink shrimp. Any large white or pick shrimp will work.
- spicy seasoning: buy a bottle of your favorite Cajun seasoning.
- Buffalo sauce: There are many brands of buffalo sauce available. Each one has its own flavor profile and spicy level. Use your favorite.
- butter: I always use unsalted butter in my cooking. Use unsalted or salted it really makes no difference to the recipe.
- dipping sauce or dressing: Buttermilk Ranch Dressing, blue cheese dressing or a creamy Garlic Parmesan Dressing.
Buffalo Shrimp Directions
Recipe Prep: If using frozen shrimp thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Peel the shrimp and devein leaving the tail intact.
📌Pro Tip
📌If prepping the shrimp more than a few minutes ahead of cooking time put the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl and cover with ice to keep chilled.
- Step 1: After peeling and deveining shrimp rinse with cold water. Drain well in a colander. Then pat dry with a paper towel. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Step 2 seasoning the shrimp: Sprinkle the shrimp with Cajun seasoning on both sides.
- Step 3: Melt the butter over medium heat in a skillet. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the hot pan trying not to crowd the shrimp.
- Step 4: Cook the large shrimp on the first side for 3 minutes. Turn each of the shrimp over and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes or until the center of the shrimp has turned opaque and white in color.
📌Pro Shrimp Cooking Tips
📌Shrimp cook fast. For sweet, plump and tender shrimp only cook the shrimp 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until it has turned an opaque color. Over cooked shrimp will have a rubbery texture.
📌How to know when shrimp are done
The best way to check to see if the shrimp are done is to check one of the larger shrimp by cutting in half to see the color. Cooked shrimp with have a whitish color compared to the greyish color of raw shrimp.
The bright color of the Cajun seasoning will make it difficult to tell just by looking at the outer sides of the shrimp which will also have turned a pink or orange color as it cooks.
- Step 5: Once the shrimp are done pour the Buffalo sauce into the skillet and toss the shrimp to coat for a minute to give the buffalo sauce time to warm up.
To avoid overcooking immediately transfer the shrimp to a serving bowl or plate.
- Step 6: Serve the buffalo shrimp as an appetizer with a creamy dipping sauce or use the spicy shrimp to make another meal.
Buffalo Shrimp Serving ideas
- Make Buffalo Shrimp Tacos
- Serve with celery sticks and a dipping sauce.
- Popular Buffalo shrimp dipping sauces are traditional blue cheese, ranch dressing or one of my favorites is creamy Parmesan and garlic dressing.
- Buffalo shrimp wraps
📌Pro Recipe Tip
📌A creamy dressing like Buttermilk Ranch or Creamy Garlic Parmesan Dressing is a perfect dipping sauce for spicy Buffalo shrimp. Each bite is a perfect blend of spicy Buffalo shrimp and a cooling creamy dip.
Recipe FAQs
The secret to cooking tender shrimp is to not over cook them. Large shrimp only take about 6 minutes to cook depending on the cooking method.
Buffalo Shrimp is usually served as an easy appetizer but this spicy recipe can do double duty. Use the shrimp to make Buffalo Shrimp Tacos, wraps or add them to a salad for a kick of spicy shrimp flavor.
📌Pro Recipe Tips
- Cooking methods: You have 3 cooking method options when it comes to making tender buffalo shrimp. Broiling, grilling and sautéing the shrimp are easy cooking method you can use to make this unbattered Buffalo shrimp recipe. I like to sauté the shrimp in a skillet.
- Cooking the shrimp: For sweet, plump and tender shrimp only cook the shrimp 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until it has turned an opaque color. The best way to check to see if the shrimp are done is to check the color of the center by cutting one in half. Cooked shrimp with have a whitish color compared to the greyish color of raw shrimp.
- Immediately remove the buffalo shrimp from the pan otherwise the shrimp will continue to cook from the heat of the hot pan. Over cooked shrimp will have a rubbery texture.
Buffalo Shrimp Appetizer or Meal
Buffalo shrimp effortlessly blends tang and spice to create the ultimate appetizer or meal.
Its versatility makes it a perfect dish for any occasion, satisfying both casual snacking and more substantial cravings.
With its easy recipe and endless variations, Buffalo shrimp offers a crowd-pleasing option that will leave your guests craving more.
So, why not host your next gathering and indulge in these addictive bites?
Gourmet Dressing Mixes
You can check out my shop for the gourmet dressing mixes I have available. Either my Buttermilk Ranch or Garlic Parmesan Dressings make a perfect dipping sauce for this recipe.
Gourmet Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix
Rich and creamy gourmet restaurant style buttermilk ranch dressing mix. Mix the gourmet seasoning blend with fresh buttermilk and mayonnaise. Chill before serving. Use for salad dressing, wing dip, pizza dip or any other way you like to enjoy buttermilk ranch dressing.
📋More recipes you will love!
Buffalo Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 lb. frozen or fresh large pink or white shrimp (about 25-30 large shrimp)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- ½ cup Buffalo wing sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
Preparing Shrimp
- If using frozen shrimp thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Peel the shrimp and devein leaving the tail intact.
How to make Buffalo Shrimp
- After peeling and deveining the shrimp rinse with cold water. Drain well in a colander. Then pat dry with a paper towel. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Sprinkle the shrimp with Cajun seasoning. Flip them over and sprinkle the second side.
- Melt the butter over medium heat in a skillet. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the hot pan trying not to crowd the shrimp.
- Cook the large shrimp on the first side for 3 minutes. Turn each of the shrimp over and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes or until the center of the shrimp has turned opaque and white in color.
- Once the shrimp are done pour the Buffalo sauce into the skillet and toss the shrimp to coat for a minute to give the buffalo sauce time to warm up.
- To avoid overcooking immediately transfer the shrimp to a serving bowl or plate.
- Serve with a creamy dipping sauce or Ranch or Garlic Parmesan dressing.
- Makes about 4 servings.
Recipe Expert Tips
Serving Ideas
- Serve with celery sticks and a dipping sauce.
- Make Buffalo Shrimp Tacos
- Buffalo shrimp wraps
- Dipping sauce: A creamy dressing like Buttermilk Ranch or Creamy Garlic Parmesan Dressing is a perfect dipping sauce. Each bite is a perfect blend of spicy Buffalo shrimp and a cooling creamy dip.
?Pro Recipe Tips
- Cooking methods: You have 3 cooking method options when it comes to making tender buffalo shrimp. Broiling, grilling and sautéing the shrimp are easy cooking method you can use to make this unbattered Buffalo shrimp recipe. I like to sauté the shrimp in a skillet.
- Cooking the shrimp: For sweet, plump and tender shrimp only cook the shrimp 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until it has turned an opaque color. The best way to check to see if the shrimp are done is to check the color of the center by cutting one in half. Cooked shrimp with have a whitish color compared to the greyish color of raw shrimp.
- Immediately remove the buffalo shrimp from the pan otherwise the shrimp will continue to cook from the heat of the hot pan. Over cooked shrimp will have a rubbery texture.
Maria Bonacci
Thank you for sharing your Buffalo Shrimp recipe at the Senior Salon Pit Stop party this week. I’m excited to be featuring it at the party tomorrow. Sharing on Facebook and pinned.
Hugs,
Maria @ kraftyplanner.com
Estelle Forrest
These sound so delicious - love a spicy kick. Thanks for sharing on SSPS, hope to see you again next week.
Cara ~ Vintage Style Gal
I call this a meal! We love shrimp, but can you believe I have never had buffalo shrimp? I never thought to put wing sauce on shrimp. YUM!
Esmé Slabbert
Oh yum shrimps - love them and will have them daily if I can! Pinning this to try out soon.
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