Wild West Shrimp from LongHorn Steakhouse features crispy, hand-breaded shrimp tossed in a spicy, tangy signature sauce, garnished with fresh green onions and served with a side of ranch dressing, delivering a bold and flavorful appetizer with a crunchy texture.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Sheet pan
- Paper towels
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Serving platter
- Small ramekins
- Slotted spoon
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 green onions
- 1 cup ranch dressing
Ensure the shrimp you use are large, peeled, and deveined for the best texture and flavor. Buttermilk is essential for tenderizing the shrimp and helping the breading adhere properly. A combination of all-purpose flour and cornmeal creates the signature crispy coating, while spices like paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper add a balanced heat and depth. Use vegetable oil with a high smoke point for frying to achieve the perfect crunch without burning. Your Wild West Shrimp from LongHorn Steakhouse copycat menu will deliver a bold, spicy, and crispy appetizer experience just like the original.
Instructions
- INSTRUCTIONS:
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, combine buttermilk and shrimp; let soak for 10-15 minutes.
- In another bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Coat shrimp in flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Place coated shrimp on a sheet pan.
- Fry shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- In a saucepan, whisk together mayonnaise, hot sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar over low heat until combined.
- Toss fried shrimp in the signature sauce until well coated.
- Thinly slice green onions with a chef’s knife on a cutting board.
- Arrange shrimp on serving platter.
- Sprinkle with sliced green onions.
- Serve immediately with ranch dressing in small ramekins.
Substitution
Wild West Shrimp from LongHorn Steakhouse copycat recipe can be adapted by substituting buttermilk with plain yogurt or milk mixed with lemon juice to achieve a similar tanginess. If you don't have cornmeal, panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers provide a comparable crispy coating. When frying, maintain oil temperature around 350degF to ensure shrimp cook evenly without absorbing excess oil. Use a slotted spoon to remove shrimp and place them on paper towels to drain, preserving their crunchiness. You can customize the spicy sauce by adjusting hot sauce levels according to your desired heat, balancing it with honey for sweetness.
Tips
Ensure the shrimp are thoroughly patted dry before soaking in buttermilk to help the flour mixture adhere properly, resulting in a crispier coating. Maintain the deep fryer's oil temperature at a steady 350degF (175degC) to achieve an evenly golden and crunchy texture without overcooking. Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp from the oil and drain them on paper towels to eliminate excess grease. When tossing your fried shrimp in the signature sauce, do so gently to preserve the crispy exterior while fully coating each piece for balanced flavor.
Nutritions
Wild West Shrimp from LongHorn Steakhouse provides a protein-rich appetizer, as shrimp are an excellent source of lean protein essential for muscle repair. The hand-breading with flour and cornmeal adds carbohydrates while the spicy signature sauce, made with mayonnaise, hot sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar, contributes fats and sugars that balance flavor and energy content. Serving the shrimp with ranch dressing increases fat intake, primarily from dairy-based ingredients. You can enjoy a crunchy, flavorful dish that satisfies cravings while supplying key nutrients like vitamins B12 and selenium commonly found in shrimp.
Storage
To preserve the crispy texture of your Wild West Shrimp, store the fried shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the shrimp in a preheated oven at 375degF (190degC) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness before tossing in the sauce. Keep the sliced green onions and ranch dressing chilled separately until ready to serve for optimal freshness.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute panko breadcrumbs for the cornmeal and flour mix to create an even crunchier coating on the shrimp. Instead of deep frying, bake the coated shrimp at 425degF (220degC) for 15-18 minutes, turning halfway, to reduce oil usage while maintaining crispiness. For a milder sauce, reduce the cayenne pepper and hot sauce amounts, or swap hot sauce for sweet chili sauce to add a touch of sweetness. Garnishing with fresh cilantro or parsley offers a different fresh herb flavor that complements the spicy shrimp.
Allergies
Wild West Shrimp contains shellfish, which can cause severe allergic reactions in individuals with shrimp allergies. The dish also includes dairy ingredients such as buttermilk and ranch dressing, potentially triggering allergies for those sensitive to milk proteins. If you have food allergies, ensure you communicate your concerns clearly to avoid adverse reactions.
Why this recipe?
Wild West Shrimp from LongHorn Steakhouse is popular for its crispy, hand-battered shrimp tossed in a bold, spicy Cajun sauce, offering a perfect balance of crunch and zesty flavor. The combination of tender shrimp and a savory, creamy dipping sauce creates a savory experience that keeps customers coming back. Your attempt to make a copycat version lets you enjoy fresh, flavorful shrimp tailored to your taste while experimenting with the iconic seasoning blend at home. This dish stands out for its distinctive texture and rich, mouthwatering profile, making it a must-try for seafood lovers.