Buffalo Shrimp with Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Buffalo Shrimp with Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce combine the fiery, tangy heat of buffalo sauce with tender, succulent shrimp, creating a mouthwatering appetizer or main dish. This dish is a perfect balance of bold flavors and textures—crispy shrimp coated in a spicy buffalo sauce paired with a creamy, cooling blue cheese dipping sauce. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing for a game day feast, or simply craving something flavorful, Buffalo Shrimp are sure to be a hit.

This recipe is easy to prepare, and the dish comes together in under an hour. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll create a savory, spicy dish that’s both satisfying and addictive. If you love buffalo wings, this shrimp version is a delightful twist on a classic.

Why You’ll Love Buffalo Shrimp with Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce

• Bold, Spicy Flavor: The shrimp are coated in a zesty buffalo sauce, creating the perfect level of heat that will satisfy any spice lover’s cravings. It’s balanced perfectly with the creamy blue cheese dipping sauce.
• Tender and Crispy Shrimp: The shrimp are lightly battered and fried to perfection—crispy on the outside, yet juicy and tender on the inside. The texture adds an extra layer of enjoyment to each bite.
• Easy to Make: This dish requires minimal effort for maximum flavor. The preparation is straightforward, and you don’t need to be a professional chef to get restaurant-quality results.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making these shrimp as an appetizer for a party or as a main dish for dinner, they fit the bill. They’re also perfect for game days, potlucks, or casual weeknight meals.
• Perfectly Paired with Blue Cheese: The richness of the blue cheese dipping sauce balances the heat from the buffalo sauce. The creamy texture of the sauce provides the ideal cool contrast to the spicy shrimp.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 25-30g
• Protein: 15-20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3-5g

Ingredients

For the Buffalo Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg
• ¾ cup buttermilk
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)

For the Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp

Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the batter stick better and ensures the shrimp fry up crispy.

2. Make the Coating for the Shrimp

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. These ingredients will create a light, crispy batter when fried.

In another shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk until fully combined. The buttermilk helps tenderize the shrimp and adds richness to the batter.

3. Coat the Shrimp

Dip each shrimp into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, dredge the shrimp in the dry flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the shrimp are evenly coated. Set the coated shrimp aside on a plate or baking sheet while you prepare the frying oil.

4. Heat the Oil and Fry the Shrimp

Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat. The oil should reach around 350°F (175°C). Test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of batter into the oil—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.

Carefully place the shrimp in the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

5. Toss the Shrimp in Buffalo Sauce

Once all the shrimp are fried and drained, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the shrimp and toss gently to coat each shrimp evenly with the sauce. You can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce depending on your preferred spice level.

6. Prepare the Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce

While the shrimp are frying, make the blue cheese dipping sauce. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, blue cheese crumbles, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, and garlic powder. Stir everything together until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For a thicker sauce, add a little extra sour cream or mayonnaise. For a thinner consistency, add a splash of milk.

7. Serve

Serve the buffalo shrimp immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Arrange the shrimp on a platter with the blue cheese dipping sauce on the side. You can also add celery sticks or carrot sticks for a crunchy side that complements the dish.

Tips for Perfect Buffalo Shrimp with Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce

• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh, high-quality shrimp will give you the best results. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding the pan can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy shrimp.
• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer less heat, use a milder buffalo sauce or reduce the amount of sauce you coat the shrimp in. Alternatively, add a little extra hot sauce for more spice.
• Make It Crispy: For extra crispy shrimp, double-coat them. Dip the shrimp in the egg mixture, then the flour mixture, and repeat the process for a thicker coating.
• Keep the Shrimp Warm: If you’re making a large batch, keep the cooked shrimp warm by placing them on a baking sheet in a low-temperature oven (about 200°F or 90°C) while frying the remaining shrimp.

Variations of Buffalo Shrimp with Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce

• Crispy Baked Buffalo Shrimp: For a healthier alternative, bake the shrimp instead of frying them. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the coated shrimp on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 10-12 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
• Spicy Ranch Dipping Sauce: Swap the blue cheese for ranch dressing for a different twist. Add a little hot sauce to the ranch to keep the heat level consistent.
• Lemon Garlic Buffalo Shrimp: Add minced garlic and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the buffalo sauce for an extra punch of flavor.
• Sweet and Spicy Buffalo Shrimp: Mix some honey or brown sugar into the buffalo sauce to balance the heat with a touch of sweetness. This version is especially delicious if you love sweet-and-spicy combinations.
• Grilled Buffalo Shrimp: Instead of frying or baking the shrimp, you can grill them for a smoky flavor. Marinate the shrimp in the buffalo sauce for a few minutes before grilling.

Storage and Shelf Life

Buffalo Shrimp with Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce are best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored. Store the leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore some of the crispiness. The blue cheese dipping sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 5 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the shrimp before tossing them in buffalo sauce. Arrange the shrimp on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen shrimp can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat the shrimp and toss them in the buffalo sauce.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Buffalo Shrimp with Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce

Pair your Buffalo Shrimp with these complementary sides and beverages for a complete meal or snack:

• Celery and Carrot Sticks: The crunchy freshness of celery and carrots balances the heat and adds a refreshing contrast to the rich buffalo shrimp.
• Fries or Onion Rings: Crispy fries or onion rings are perfect for dipping into the blue cheese sauce and complement the crispy texture of the shrimp.
• Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a cool, crunchy side that pairs well with the spicy shrimp.
• Beer or Cider: A cold beer, especially a light lager or pale ale, helps cut through the spice and complements the flavors of the buffalo sauce. Hard cider also makes a great pairing, offering a touch of sweetness to balance the heat.
• Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is another great side that will soak up the extra buffalo sauce and add a comforting touch to the meal.

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Conclusion

Buffalo Shrimp with Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce deliver the perfect combination of heat, crunch, and creamy goodness. Whether you’re making these as a party appetizer, a casual dinner, or a fun snack, these shrimp are sure to please anyone who loves bold, spicy flavors. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe brings a delicious twist on traditional buffalo wings. Enjoy the crispy, spicy shrimp with the cool blue cheese dipping sauce, and watch them disappear quickly!