There’s nothing quite like the thrill of crafting restaurant-quality appetizers right in your own kitchen, and this Crispy Longhorn Steakhouse Wild West Shrimp Copycat recipe is a perfect way to bring that excitement to your table. As soon as the oil starts to sizzle, the tantalizing scent of spices fills the air, instantly transporting me back to my favorite steakhouse moments. The crunchy panko coating envelops each juicy shrimp, creating a delightful contrast that’s simply irresistible.
Whether you’re hosting friends for game day, enjoying a cozy night in, or searching for the perfect dish to impress your dinner guests, this easy recipe has got you covered. Even better? You can customize the spice levels to suit your palate. With a zesty dipping sauce to complement the crispy shrimp, this dish is all about flavor and fun—making it a go-to choice for any gathering. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get cooking!
Why is Longhorn Steakhouse Wild West Shrimp a Must-Try?
Irresistible flavors come together in this copycat recipe that captures the essence of your favorite steakhouse shrimp. Customizable spice levels let you create the perfect heat for everyone at the table. Quick and easy preparation means you can whip these up in no time, perfect for impromptu gatherings. Crowd-pleaser appeal ensures your guests will be coming back for more, while a zesty dipping sauce elevates this dish to the next level. For even more fun, explore different dipping sauce options to keep things exciting!
Longhorn Steakhouse Wild West Shrimp Ingredients
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For the Shrimp
• Large Shrimp – Use fresh or fully thawed frozen shrimp for unbeatable tenderness.
• Buttermilk – Tenderizes shrimp and adds flavor; substitute with milk mixed with vinegar if needed.
• All-Purpose Flour – Acts as the coating base; can be swapped with gluten-free flour.
• Garlic Powder – Enhances flavor with savory notes; fresh garlic can make it even better.
• Cayenne Pepper – Adds desired heat; adjust per taste or omit for milder shrimp.
• Eggs – Binds the coating together, ensuring every shrimp is crispy.
• Panko Breadcrumbs – Essential for that perfect crunch; regular breadcrumbs can work but sacrifice some texture.
• Vegetable Oil – For frying; peanut oil offers a higher smoke point alternative. -
For the Dipping Sauce
• Sour Cream – Creates a creamy base that balances the spice; plain Greek yogurt is a nice, healthier swap.
• Hot Sauce – Provides the signature kick; Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice.
• Fresh Lemon Juice – Brightens flavors of the dipping sauce; bottled lemon juice works in a pinch. -
For Garnish
• Chopped Green Onions – Adds vibrant color and freshness to your dish.
This Longhorn Steakhouse Wild West Shrimp recipe is the perfect blend of flavors and textures, ready to be tailored to your liking! Enjoy cooking!
How to Make Longhorn Steakhouse Wild West Shrimp
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Marinate Shrimp: Soak your peeled and deveined shrimp in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for tenderizing the shrimp and infusing flavor.
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Prepare Coating: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, whisk the eggs until fluffy, and keep panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl for breading.
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Bread Shrimp: Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Then, dip them in the egg wash before generously coating them with panko breadcrumbs. This creates that irresistible crunch!
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Fry Shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry the breaded shrimp in batches, turning them until they are golden brown—approximately 2-3 minutes on each side—ensuring they stay crispy.
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Make Dipping Sauce: While the shrimp fries, mix together the sour cream, hot sauce, and fresh lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. This tangy sauce will be the perfect complement to your spicy shrimp!
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Serve: Plate the crispy shrimp warm, garnished with chopped green onions, and serve alongside your zesty dipping sauce for an irresistible appetizer spread.
Optional: Serve with celery sticks for a cooling crunch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Longhorn Steakhouse Wild West Shrimp?
Elevate your gathering with delicious side dishes that perfectly complement the crunch and spice of these delightful shrimp.
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Crispy Coleslaw: This refreshing side provides a crunch that mirrors the shrimp’s texture and balances spiciness with a hint of creaminess.
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Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread pairs well with wild west shrimp, making it easy to soak up every drop of that zesty dipping sauce!
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Zesty Potato Wedges: Baked or fried potato wedges seasoned with spices add a satisfying contrast in flavor and texture to the shrimp’s crispy coating.
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Creamy Potato Salad: A rich, creamy potato salad can tone down the heat of the shrimp while enhancing the meal’s comfort food appeal.
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Cool Ranch Dip with Veggies: Lightly seasoned ranch dip with fresh vegetables offers a refreshing, crunching counterpart to the bold flavors of the shrimp.
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Mango Salsa: Bright, fruity mango salsa adds a sweet and spicy dynamic, cutting through the richness for a tropical, refreshing bite.
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Lemonade or Iced Tea: Pair your shrimp with a refreshing glass of lemonade or iced tea to quench your thirst and cleanse your palate between bites.
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Mini Cornbread Muffins: These sweet and tender muffins provide a lovely contrast to the spiciness of the shrimp, making them a comforting addition to the meal.
How to Store and Freeze Longhorn Steakhouse Wild West Shrimp
- Fridge: Store any leftover Longhorn Steakhouse Wild West Shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure they cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the shrimp in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or use an air fryer for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them soggy.
- Avoiding Sogginess: If you opt to freeze before cooking, bread the shrimp and freeze raw in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, and cook from frozen when ready for a fresh taste!
Longhorn Steakhouse Wild West Shrimp Variations
Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own by incorporating these delightful twists that will tickle your taste buds!
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Spice Level: Adjust cayenne pepper or add smoked paprika for a unique depth of flavor. This is your chance to create the perfect heat that dances on your palate!
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Dipping Sauce Swaps: Try ranch dressing or a creamy cilantro-garlic sauce for a different taste sensation. The exploration of flavors adds excitement to every bite!
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Veggie Twist: Add finely chopped jalapeños or diced bell peppers into the panko mix for an extra crunch and nice pop of color. This will elevate your dish, bringing both flavor and texture together!
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Cheesy Crunch: Incorporate shredded Parmesan cheese into the panko breadcrumbs for a rich, savory twist that’s hard to resist. The garlic and cheese combo creates a comforting, savory experience!
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Sweet Heat: Blend in some honey or a touch of brown sugar to the dipping sauce for a sweet contrast to the spice. This balance will surprise and satisfy your guests, making every bite memorable!
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Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or parsley can be stirred into the dipping sauce for an added layer of freshness. The bright notes of herbs will brighten up the dish beautifully!
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Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko for a guilt-free and just as crunchy alternative. Everyone can enjoy this dish without compromising on flavor!
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Coconut Twist: For a tropical flair, add shredded unsweetened coconut to the panko coating for a unique twist. This will transport you to a sunny paradise with each bite!
Expert Tips for Longhorn Steakhouse Wild West Shrimp
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Marination Magic: Let the shrimp soak in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This tenderization step significantly enhances the overall flavor and texture of the Longhorn Steakhouse Wild West Shrimp.
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Coating Consistency: Ensure each shrimp is evenly coated with flour before the egg and panko. This helps the coating stick better and provides an exceptional crunch.
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Watch the Heat: Maintain medium-high heat when frying; too low will result in soggy shrimp, while too high can burn the coating. Fry in small batches to keep temperature consistent.
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Cooking Time Caution: Keep an eye on cooking time—2-3 minutes per side is ideal. Overcooking can lead to rubbery shrimp, so test one piece to ensure they’re perfectly cooked.
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Dipping Sauce Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the hot sauce amount based on your spice preference. Experimenting with different sauces can also add exciting twists to the Longhorn Steakhouse Wild West Shrimp experience!
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Leftover Love: If you have shrimp leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain that delightful crunch.
Make Ahead Options
These Crispy Longhorn Steakhouse Wild West Shrimp are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time during the week! You can marinate the shrimp in buttermilk up to 24 hours in advance to ensure maximum tenderness and flavor. Additionally, you can prepare the coating mixture (flour and spices) and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply dredge the marinated shrimp in the prepared coating and fry them as directed. To maintain that delicious crunch, avoid frying too many shrimp at once, and serve them warm alongside the freshly made zesty dipping sauce for a restaurant-quality experience at home!
Longhorn Steakhouse Wild West Shrimp Recipe FAQs
What type of shrimp is best for the recipe?
For the best results, use large shrimp that are either fresh or fully thawed from frozen. Make sure they are peeled and deveined for a tender and juicy bite.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftover Longhorn Steakhouse Wild West Shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the shrimp to cool completely before sealing the container to maintain their freshness and flavor.
Can I freeze the shrimp?
Absolutely! To freeze the cooked shrimp, lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet until fully frozen. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.
What should I do if the coating is not sticking to the shrimp?
If you find that the coating is not adhering well, ensure that you’ve properly dredged the shrimp in the flour mixture, then dipped them thoroughly in the egg wash before coating with panko. You can also let the breaded shrimp rest for a few minutes before frying, which can help the coating stick better when cooking.
Are there any dietary considerations with this recipe?
This recipe contains shrimp and eggs, which may pose allergen concerns for some individuals. For gluten-free options, you can substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. If you’re cooking for pets, be sure to keep the shrimp and any ingredients that may be harmful to them, like hot sauce, out of reach.
How can I adjust spice levels for my taste?
You can customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper in the breading mixture. For a milder version, simply omit the cayenne altogether, or for an extra kick, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a different flavor profile. Experiment with the hot sauce in the dipping sauce as well, tailoring it to suit your preference.
Savor Longhorn Steakhouse Wild West Shrimp at Home Today
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Soak your peeled and deveined shrimp in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs until fluffy, and keep panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, dip in the egg wash, and then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry shrimp until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Mix the sour cream, hot sauce, and lemon juice in a small bowl for the dipping sauce.
- Serve the crispy shrimp warm, garnished with chopped green onions, alongside the zesty dipping sauce.