Description
This classic Buffalo Shrimp recipe features crispy, golden fried shrimp tossed in a luscious, spicy buffalo wing sauce with a hint of honey for a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Ideal as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or paired with rice or salad for a satisfying meal, this dish combines crispy textures with bold flavors in true American style.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Breading
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 inches deep)
Sauce
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
For Serving
- Chopped green onions
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly using paper towels to ensure the coating sticks properly.
- Set up dredging stations: In one shallow bowl, mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Place beaten eggs in a second bowl, and panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Coat the shrimp: Dredge each shrimp first in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat evenly with panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat the oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or saucepan and heat over medium-high until hot but not smoking, around 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the shrimp: Fry the shrimp in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature.
- Drain excess oil: Remove fried shrimp with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess oil.
- Make the buffalo sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter then stir in buffalo wing sauce and honey for sweetness if using. Heat until combined and warm.
- Toss shrimp in sauce: Place the fried shrimp in a bowl and toss thoroughly with the buffalo sauce ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Serve: Serve immediately garnished with chopped green onions and alongside your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Notes
- For a healthier alternative, bake or air-fry the shrimp instead of deep frying to reduce oil intake.
- You can adjust the buffalo sauce heat level by choosing milder or spicier varieties based on your preference.
- This dish works great as a party appetizer or can be served over rice or salad to make a full meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
