Buffalo Shrimp Recipe

A black plate filled with seasoned, saucy buffalo shrimp garnished with chopped chives. A lemon slice graces the plates edge, while the background reveals hints of more lemon slices nearby.

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This Buffalo Shrimp is packed with bold, buttery, and spicy flavor! Perfectly seasoned shrimp are quickly pan-seared and tossed in a rich buffalo sauce, making them an easy and irresistible dish. With no breading or deep frying, they come together in just 11 minutes. Serve them as an appetizer, in tacos, or over a salad for a delicious meal.

Prep Time5

Cook Time6

Total Time11

Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Main Dish, Main Dishes

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Author: kara

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon celery salt optional, but enhances the buffalo wing flavor
1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter

For the Buffalo Sauce:

⅓ cup buffalo sauce
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar for deeper sweetness
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 cloves garlic minced

Optional Toppings:

Freshly chopped parsley or chives
Blue cheese crumbles
Honey drizzle
Lemon wedges

Instructions

Season the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps them cook evenly.
1 pound large shrimp
In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, black pepper, and celery salt (if using).
1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon celery salt
Drizzle with olive oil (or melted butter) and mix well until all shrimp are evenly coated.
1 tablespoon olive oil

Make the Buffalo Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
2 cloves garlic
Stir in the buffalo sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, and lemon juice.
⅓ cup buffalo sauce, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes, then remove it from heat and set aside.

Cook the Shrimp

Heat a cast-iron skillet or nonstick pan over medium-high heat.
Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp develop a light char and turn opaque in the center.

Toss in Buffalo Sauce

Remove the shrimp from the heat and immediately toss them in the warm buffalo sauce until fully coated.

Serve and Enjoy

Plate the shrimp and add any toppings you like—parsley, chives, blue cheese, or a drizzle of honey.
Freshly chopped parsley or chives, Blue cheese crumbles, Honey drizzle
Serve with lemon wedges for an extra pop of brightness.
Lemon wedges

Video

Notes

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: They cook fast—just 1-2 minutes per side. Look for them to turn opaque and curl into a "C" shape. If they tighten into an "O," they may be overcooked.
Adjust the Heat: If you love extra spice, add more cayenne or use a hotter buffalo sauce. Prefer it milder? Use a mild buffalo sauce and skip the cayenne.
Best Way to Serve: These shrimp are great on their own, but they’re also amazing in tacos, over rice, or on top of a crisp salad.
Storing & Reheating: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes or in short microwave bursts to avoid overcooking.
Make It in the Air Fryer: Cook the seasoned shrimp at 400°F for 5-6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Toss them in warm buffalo sauce before serving.

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