Longhorn Steakhouse Wild West Shrimp (Copycat Recipe) – Crispy, Spicy Shrimp Perfectly Paired

If you love Longhorn Steakhouse’s Wild West Shrimp, then you’re in for a treat! This copycat recipe brings all the bold flavors of the restaurant favorite right to your kitchen. With crispy fried shrimp, a blend of spices, and a delicious sauté of cherry peppers, every bite is packed with a mix of heat and tang, perfectly balanced by a creamy ranch dipping sauce. Whether you’re making this as an appetizer or a main dish, these shrimp are sure to impress!

Scroll down for the recipe!

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Why You’ll Love This Longhorn Steakhouse Wild West Shrimp Copycat RecipeThese shrimp are spicy, crispy, and loaded with flavor! The shrimp are dredged in a seasoned buttermilk mixture, fried to perfection, and then tossed with garlic butter and cherry peppers for an extra kick. The cherry peppers bring just the right amount of heat and tang, while the garlic butter adds richness. Pair it all with a cool ranch dipping sauce, and you have a dish that’s perfect for game days, parties, or even a weeknight indulgence!

The Inspiration Behind Wild West ShrimpThis dish is inspired by the famous Wild West Shrimp appetizer from Longhorn Steakhouse, which has become a fan favorite thanks to its perfect combination of crunchy, spicy, and tangy flavors. By frying the shrimp until golden and tossing them with a butter-garlic sauce and spicy cherry peppers, this recipe brings the same bold flavors to your home. Whether you’ve had the original or not, this copycat version will quickly become one of your go-to recipes.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings):

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Protein: 25g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fiber: 2g

These crispy shrimp pack a punch in terms of flavor and richness, so serving them with a side of ranch for dipping helps cool things down and adds balance to the dish.

Serving Suggestions and PairingsWild West Shrimp is perfect as a starter or a main course. Serve it with ranch dressing for dipping and consider adding some fresh veggies, like celery sticks or carrot slices, to balance out the heat. For a full meal, pair these shrimp with some garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a light salad to complement the rich and bold flavors.

If you’re making this for a party, try offering a few dipping options, like a spicy aioli or blue cheese dip, to give your guests a variety of flavors to enjoy. You can also serve the shrimp over a bed of rice or pasta for a hearty meal.

Storage and Reheating TipsThese shrimp are best served fresh and crispy, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as this will make the shrimp soggy.

Fun Fact: The History of Fried ShrimpFried shrimp has been a beloved dish in Southern cuisine for generations, with origins tracing back to coastal regions where seafood was plentiful. Over the years, variations of fried shrimp have emerged, incorporating different spices and sauces to create unique flavor profiles. Longhorn’s Wild West Shrimp adds a spicy, tangy twist to this classic dish, making it a hit for those who love bold flavors.

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Cooking Tips

• Perfectly Crispy Shrimp: Make sure your oil is heated to 350°F before adding the shrimp to ensure they fry up golden and crispy. If the oil is too cool, the shrimp will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
• Seasoning Tip: Save a bit of the seasoning from step 2 to toss the shrimp with after frying—it adds an extra layer of flavor!
• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer less heat, you can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or use milder peppers instead of cherry peppers. For more spice, feel free to add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the butter mixture.
• Garlic Butter Upgrade: Adding garlic paste to the butter really enhances the flavor, but if you’re not a garlic fan, you can skip it without losing too much of the dish’s bold taste.

Optional Variations

• Honey Sriracha Shrimp: For a sweet and spicy twist, drizzle honey and Sriracha over the shrimp after frying and toss to coat.
• Herb Butter Shrimp: Add some fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or dill to the garlic butter for a flavorful variation.
• Buffalo-Style Shrimp: Toss the fried shrimp in buffalo sauce for a zesty, spicy version of this dish. Serve with blue cheese dressing for dipping!

Longhorn Steakhouse Wild West Shrimp (Copycat Recipe)

Ingredients:

• Canola or vegetable oil for frying
• 2 teaspoons ground mustard powder
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 3 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon garlic paste
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• 1 cup self-rising flour
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ cup salted butter
• 2 teaspoons garlic paste (optional)
• ½ cup sliced cherry peppers
• Ranch dressing for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil: Add canola or vegetable oil to a large heavy-bottomed frying pan or Dutch oven, making sure it’s about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F.
2. Mix the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine ground mustard, black pepper, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, chili powder, kosher salt, and paprika. Set aside 1 tablespoon of the mixture for later use.
3. Prepare the buttermilk mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic paste, and lemon juice.
4. Dredge the shrimp: Add the self-rising flour and the remaining seasoning mixture to a large Ziploc bag. Dip the shrimp into the buttermilk mixture, then add them to the Ziploc bag and toss to coat.
5. Fry the shrimp: Working in batches, add the shrimp to the hot oil and fry for 1 minute per side. Remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
6. Make the garlic butter: Drain the oil from the pan and return it to the stove over medium heat. Add the butter, garlic paste, and sliced cherry peppers to the pan and sauté for 1 minute.
7. Toss the shrimp: Add the reserved seasoning mixture and the fried shrimp to the pan, tossing to coat the shrimp in the garlic butter and peppers. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
8. Serve: Transfer the shrimp to a serving platter and serve hot with ranch dressing for dipping.

This copycat Wild West Shrimp recipe brings the flavors of Longhorn Steakhouse straight to your kitchen, with its crispy shrimp, spicy cherry peppers, and tangy garlic butter. Perfect for any occasion, these shrimp will have your family and friends coming back for more!