Buffalo Shrimp from Hooters features crispy, golden-fried shrimp tossed in a tangy, spicy buffalo sauce, served with a side of creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing, delivering a bold and flavorful appetizer with a satisfying crunch.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Slotted spoon
- Baking sheet or tray
- Paper towels
- Saucepan (for buffalo sauce, if homemade)
- Whisk (for sauce or dressing)
- Serving plates or baskets
- Small cups or ramekins (for dressing)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups breadcrumbs or panko
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for serving)
- Celery sticks (optional, for serving)
When preparing Buffalo Shrimp, ensuring the shrimp are large, peeled, and deveined is crucial for optimal texture and flavor. Using a combination of all-purpose flour and cornstarch in the coating mix creates a crispy and golden crust that holds the buffalo sauce well. Freshly made buffalo sauce balances hot sauce, butter, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce to deliver tanginess and heat, but you can adjust cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference. Proper frying requires vegetable oil heated to the right temperature to achieve crunchy shrimp without greasiness. Your homemade Buffalo Shrimp from Hooters copycat menu will capture the bold, spicy taste and satisfying crunch of the original dish when you pay attention to these key ingredients.
Instructions
- Preheat deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
- Set up three bowls:
- Bowl 1: Mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Bowl 2: Whisk eggs with buttermilk.
- Bowl 3: Add breadcrumbs or panko.
- Dredge shrimp in flour mixture.
- Dip shrimp in egg-buttermilk mixture.
- Coat shrimp in breadcrumbs or panko.
- Place coated shrimp on a tray.
- Fry shrimp in batches until golden and crispy (2–3 minutes).
- Remove shrimp with slotted spoon; drain on paper towels.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
- Add hot sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper; whisk to combine.
- Toss fried shrimp in buffalo sauce until fully coated.
- Transfer shrimp to serving plates or baskets.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing in ramekins.
- Add celery sticks on the side (optional).
Substitution
Buffalo Shrimp from Hooters copycat recipes offer a crispy, fried shrimp experience with a tangy buffalo sauce that can be customized to your preferred spice level by adjusting the hot sauce or cayenne pepper quantities. If you lack a deep fryer, use a heavy-bottomed pot to fry the shrimp carefully, maintaining a consistent oil temperature of around 350degF (175degC) for optimal crunch. For a gluten-free alternative, substitute all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free flours or crushed cornflakes to maintain texture. When making the buffalo sauce, you can replace Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce for a similar umami flavor if needed. Remember that pairing this dish with cool ranch or blue cheese dressing enhances the bold, spicy flavors while offering balance to your palate.
Tips
Make sure the shrimp are completely dry before dredging to ensure a crispy coating. Maintain the oil temperature at 350degF (175degC) during frying to avoid soggy or greasy shrimp. Use a slotted spoon to remove shrimp and drain well on paper towels for optimal crispness. Toss the shrimp thoroughly in buffalo sauce while still hot to achieve even coverage without making the breading soggy.
Nutritions
Buffalo Shrimp from Hooters provides a high-protein snack with about 20 grams of protein per serving, beneficial for muscle repair and growth. The shrimp offers low-calorie nutrition, but the deep-frying process and buffalo sauce add significant fats and sodium, which you should monitor if you're cautious about heart health. The creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing contributes additional calories and fat, enhancing the richness but also increasing overall caloric intake. Serving celery sticks alongside can add fiber and vitamins, offering a lighter contrast to the indulgent appetizer.
Storage
Store leftover buffalo shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain crispness and flavor. Reheat shrimp in an oven or air fryer at 350degF (175degC) for 5-7 minutes to restore crunch without sogginess. Keep ranch or blue cheese dressing separately in a sealed container to preserve freshness and prevent dilution of the shrimp's buffalo sauce.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute panko with crushed cornflakes or pretzel crumbs for an extra crunchy texture. If you prefer baking, coat the shrimp as usual and bake at 425degF (220degC) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness. For a milder option, reduce the cayenne pepper or swap hot sauce for a milder wing sauce. Experiment with adding smoked paprika or chili powder to the flour mixture to enhance the flavor profile.
Allergies
Buffalo Shrimp contains shellfish, a common allergen that can trigger severe reactions in sensitive individuals. The breading includes wheat flour and breadcrumbs, which contain gluten, posing a risk for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Your dish is also likely to contain dairy from buttermilk, butter, and ranch or blue cheese dressing, which may cause issues for people with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
Why this recipe?
Hooters' Buffalo Shrimp menu is cherished for its crispy texture combined with a bold, tangy buffalo sauce that perfectly balances heat and flavor. The dish is crafted with fresh shrimp, lightly battered and fried to golden perfection, providing a satisfying crunch with every bite. You can replicate this popular appetizer at home to enjoy its authentic taste while customizing spice levels to match your preference. Making the copycat Buffalo Shrimp lets you savor a restaurant-quality snack without the wait or expense.