Grilled Buffalo Shrimp brings bold, fiery flavors to your table in under 45 minutes, perfect for a quick yet impressive meal. Juicy, succulent shrimp are kissed by the grill, creating a smoky char that pairs perfectly with the tangy, spicy buffalo sauce. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch and a burst of zesty heat, balanced by a creamy, cooling dip. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, offering a protein-packed, low-carb option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Whether for game day or a weeknight dinner, it’s a recipe that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to devour.
With just 10 minutes on the grill, these shrimp stay tender and juicy, while the buffalo sauce caramelizes into a sticky, irresistible glaze. The combination of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors is downright addictive, making it hard to stop at just one. Serve them as an appetizer or a main dish, and watch them disappear in no time. Plus, they’re ready in under an hour, so you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying. This recipe is a surefire way to bring a little excitement to your plate without any fuss.
What You’ll Need for Grilled Buffalo Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails optional)
- ½ cup buffalo sauce, divided (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup butter, melted (unsalted recommended for better control of flavor)
- ¾ cup bleu cheese dressing (substitute ranch dressing if preferred)
How to Make Grilled Buffalo Shrimp
- Marinate the shrimp: In a bowl, combine the shrimp with 1/3 cup buffalo sauce. Toss to coat evenly, then let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to 1 hour for more flavor).
- Prepare the basting sauce: In a small bowl, mix the remaining buffalo sauce with the melted butter. Set aside.
- Skewer the shrimp: Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning).
- Grill the shrimp: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 2-4 minutes per side, brushing frequently with the butter and buffalo sauce mixture. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove the shrimp from the skewers and serve with bleu cheese dressing for dipping. Pair with celery sticks or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Spice It Up: Sauce and Topping Ideas
While bleu cheese dressing is a classic pairing for buffalo shrimp, you can switch things up with ranch dressing or a cooling avocado crema. For extra heat, drizzle with sriracha mayo or sprinkle with crumbled bacon for a smoky twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a squeeze of lime juice for a zesty kick!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
Serve your grilled buffalo shrimp as an appetizer with celery sticks and carrot slices for a classic buffalo vibe. For a heartier meal, pair them with cilantro-lime rice or a fresh garden salad. They also make a great addition to tacos—just toss them in warm tortillas with shredded lettuce and a dollop of sour cream!
Quick Tips: Time-Saving Hacks
To save time, buy pre-peeled and deveined shrimp from your local seafood counter. You can also prep the marinade and butter mixture the night before, so all you need to do is skewer and grill. If you’re short on time, skip the skewers and cook the shrimp in a grill pan for the same delicious results!
Leftovers? No Problem: Storage and Reheating
Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp rubbery. For the best texture, enjoy them cold in a salad or wrap!
Grill Like a Pro: Equipment Guidance
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. A grill basket can also make flipping shrimp easier and prevent them from falling through the grates. Don’t have a grill? A stovetop grill pan works just as well for achieving those perfect char marks!
Grilled Buffalo Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, (peeled and deveined)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce, divided
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 3/4 cup bleu cheese dressing
Instructions
- Marinade large shrimp in 1/3 cup buffalo sauce for at least 30 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix together remaining buffalo sauce and butter.
- Skewer shrimp, and grill over medium heat for 2-4 minutes on each side, brushing with butter and buffalo sauce mixture, until cooked through.
- Dip in bleu cheese dressing.