There’s nothing quite like the crunch of perfectly baked buffalo shrimp, and each bite is a spicy testament to the joy of home cooking. I remember when a craving for something bold and exciting swept over me during a quiet weeknight. The idea of skipping yet another takeout order felt liberating. Instead, I reached for the shrimp tucked away in my freezer, and soon I was whisked away by the tangy aroma of hot sauce mingling with melted butter in my kitchen.
This buffalo shrimp recipe is a delightful twist on the classic buffalo wing, and it comes together in a flash—perfect for satisfying those cravings without the fuss. With its crispy exterior and fiery sauce, this dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a fantastic way to elevate your usual dinner routine. Plus, it’s ready in under 20 minutes, which means you can enjoy a flavorful handmade meal without spending hours slaving away in the kitchen. Join me in redefining quick weeknight dinners with this mouthwatering buffalo shrimp that’s sure to impress!
Why is Buffalo Shrimp the Ultimate Dish?
Crispy Texture: Enjoy the crunch of perfectly baked shrimp that rivals your favorite fried version.
Flavor Explosion: Each bite delivers a punch of spicy goodness combined with a hint of sweetness from honey.
Quick Preparation: Whip this up in 20 minutes or less—perfect for busy weeknights!
Versatile Serve: Great as an appetizer, main dish, or party snack, it adapts to any occasion.
Guilt-Free Indulgence: A lighter twist on classic buffalo wings, keeping the flavors while cutting down on calories.
Revitalize your weeknight meals with these stellar buffalo shrimp, and look into our other delightful recipes for more culinary inspiration!
Buffalo Shrimp Ingredients
Transform your dinner with these irresistible buffalo shrimp ingredients!
For the Shrimp
• 1 pound large shrimp – peeled and deveined for a tender, juicy bite.
• ½ cup flour – regular or gluten-free; it’s essential for that crunchy coating.
• ½ tsp garlic powder – adds depth and savory flavor to your dish.
• ½ tsp paprika – for a hint of smokiness in every bite.
• Salt and black pepper – season to taste, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Avocado oil spray or olive oil – use for a healthier baking option.
For the Buffalo Sauce
• ¼ cup hot sauce – such as Frank’s RedHot; it delivers the signature buffalo kick.
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter – or olive oil for a lighter option, melting perfectly into the sauce.
• 1 tbsp honey (optional) – for those who enjoy a touch of sweetness to balance the heat.
• ½ tsp garlic powder – another layer of garlic goodness for your sauce.
• ½ tsp onion powder – enhances the overall savory flavor in the sauce.
• ½ tsp smoked paprika – gives that rich, smoky essence to the buffalo sauce.
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper – adjust to your spice preference for a personalized kick.
• Salt and black pepper – to taste, rounding out the flavors beautifully.
Gather these ingredients and get ready to create a sensational plate of buffalo shrimp that will please your taste buds!
How to Make Buffalo Shrimp
-
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your buffalo shrimp bake evenly and get that perfect crispy texture.
-
Mix the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl until well combined. This seasoned flour will give the shrimp a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the spicy sauce.
-
Dredge the shrimp in the flour mixture until well coated. Make sure each piece is fully covered to achieve that crispy exterior when baked.
-
Prepare a baking sheet by spraying it with avocado oil spray or brushing it with olive oil. This prevents sticking and enhances the overall flavor of your dish.
-
Arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer on the baking sheet. Spacing them out allows them to bake evenly and achieve that golden-brown color.
-
Bake the shrimp for 12-15 minutes, until they turn pink and opaque. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are slightly crispy and the shrimp is tender.
-
Combine the hot sauce, butter (or olive oil), honey, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a saucepan over medium heat. This creates a rich buffalo sauce that’s bursting with flavor!
-
Stir the mixture until the butter is melted and the sauce is heated through. The warmth brings all the flavors together for that signature buffalo sauce experience.
-
Toss the baked shrimp in the buffalo sauce until they are well coated. Make sure every shrimp is enveloped in that delectable spiciness!
Optional: Serve with celery sticks and ranch dressing for a classic pairing.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Buffalo Shrimp
Fridge: Keep buffalo shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for optimal crispiness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze buffalo shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. Enjoy within 2 months for best flavor.
Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake them for 10–12 minutes to revive their crunch. Avoid the microwave, as it may make them soggy.
Meal Prep: Consider preparing extra buffalo shrimp and storing them, making for quick, spicy meals or snack options that are ready to go whenever you need a flavor boost!
Expert Tips for Buffalo Shrimp
- Proper Coating: Ensure each shrimp is fully coated in the flour mixture for the best crispy texture. Skipping this step can lead to soggy shrimp.
- Even Spacing: Place shrimp evenly on the baking sheet to promote even cooking and crispiness. Crowding can result in steaming instead of baking.
- Adjust Spiciness: Feel free to customize the cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference when making buffalo shrimp, ensuring everyone enjoys the heat level.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp lead to a more flavorful dish; frozen shrimp is okay but thaw properly for best results.
- Serve Hot: Buffalo shrimp are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, as they maintain the crispy exterior and enhance your dining experience.
These tips will guide you to create irresistible buffalo shrimp that delight and impress with every bite!
What to Serve with Buffalo Shrimp?
Elevate your dining experience with delightful sides and pairings that enhance the flavorful punch of buffalo shrimp!
- Crispy French Fries: The golden crunch of fries is the perfect companion, soaking up any extra buffalo sauce.
- Creamy Coleslaw: This refreshing and tangy slaw offers a cool contrast to the heat, balancing the overall meal. It’s a must-have for those who enjoy a textures and flavor blend.
- Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread makes for a satisfying side, perfect for scooping up any delicious leftovers from your plate.
- Veggie Sticks: Fresh celery and carrot sticks add a crunchy, healthy element to the table, complementing the spiciness wonderfully.
- Blue Cheese Dressing: Drizzling some blue cheese dressing on the side enhances the dish’s flavor, providing a rich, creamy element that perfects each bite.
- Craft Beer: A hoppy IPA pairs beautifully with the spicy buffalo shrimp, as the bitterness cuts through the heat for an enjoyable sip.
- Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad topped with a zesty lemon dressing refreshes the palate and adds a burst of color to the plate.
- Fruit Salad: Finish your meal with a sweet fruit salad, offering a refreshing contrast and a delightful way to cleanse your palate.
- Chocolate Mousse: End on a sweet note with rich chocolate mousse, providing a perfect completion to your spicy feast with a touch of indulgence.
These pairings create a vibrant spread that makes your buffalo shrimp shine like the star of the show!
Make Ahead Options
These Buffalo Shrimp are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can coat the shrimp in the flour mixture and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just place the coated shrimp in an airtight container to maintain their crispy texture. Additionally, you can prepare the buffalo sauce up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate it in a sealed jar. When you’re ready to enjoy a quick meal, simply bake the shrimp as directed and toss them in the pre-made sauce until well coated. This way, you’ll save time on busy weeknights while still serving up delicious, homemade Buffalo Shrimp!
Buffalo Shrimp Variations
Feel free to embrace your creativity and add a personal touch to this dish with these delicious twists!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend for a safe and tasty option for everyone.
- Zesty Citrus: Add the zest of one lime to the buffalo sauce for a refreshing hint of brightness that will elevate the flavors.
- Cheesy Addition: Sprinkle grated Parmesan on the shrimp during the last few minutes of baking for a delightful cheesy crust.
- Extra Spicy: Boost the heat by adding a minced jalapeño to the buffalo sauce—every bite will be a fiery experience!
- Baking Powder Crunch: Mix ½ teaspoon of baking powder into the flour for even crispier shrimp that will make you crave more.
- Honey Mustard Flair: Blend in a tablespoon of honey mustard with the buffalo sauce for a tangy-sweet sauce that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Veggie Infusion: Toss in some diced bell peppers or red onions with the shrimp for added color and crunch that complements the dish perfectly.
- Herbed Twist: Mix fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro into the final dish for a bright, herbal note that balances the spiciness beautifully.
Buffalo Shrimp Recipe FAQs
What kind of shrimp should I use for Buffalo Shrimp?
Absolutely! Using large shrimp—peeled and deveined—works best for buffalo shrimp as they provide a meaty texture that holds up well with the coating and sauce. Fresh shrimp will give you the best flavor, but you can use frozen shrimp too; just be sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before cooking.
How should I store leftover buffalo shrimp?
You can keep buffalo shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, I recommend reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain that delicious, crispy texture.
Can I freeze buffalo shrimp?
Absolutely! To freeze buffalo shrimp, first arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch each other. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Enjoy them within 2 months for the best flavor. When you’re ready to eat, you can bake them straight from the freezer but may want to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What if my shrimp didn’t get crispy?
No worries! If your buffalo shrimp lack crispiness, it may be due to not coating them evenly in the flour or overcrowding the baking sheet. To ensure a crispy finish next time, coat each shrimp thoroughly, and avoid crowding by leaving enough space for air circulation while baking.
Are buffalo shrimp suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes! You can easily make buffalo shrimp gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour. Just ensure that all the other ingredients you choose, like hot sauce and butter, are also gluten-free. Always check the labels to avoid any hidden gluten.
Can I make buffalo shrimp in advance?
Certainly! You can prepare the buffalo shrimp up to the point of baking. Simply coat the shrimp and arrange them on the baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and keep them in the fridge for up to a few hours before baking. This allows for quick and easy cooking whenever you’re ready to dig in!
Buffalo Shrimp: Crispy, Spicy, and Full of Flavor!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl until well combined.
- Dredge the shrimp in the flour mixture until well coated.
- Prepare a baking sheet by spraying it with avocado oil or brushing it with olive oil.
- Arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Bake the shrimp for 12-15 minutes, until they turn pink and opaque.
- Combine the hot sauce, butter, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir the mixture until the butter is melted and the sauce is heated through.
- Toss the baked shrimp in the buffalo sauce until they are well coated.