Wild West Shrimp Copy Cat
Wild West Shrimp has been on the menu at Longhorn Steakhouse for over a decade, for good reason! Small shrimp are fried, seasoned, and then they’re tossed with a garlic butter with sliced pepperoncini and cherry peppers. Serve with ranch on the side and lemon wedges
Ingredients
1 lb small shrimp, deveined and shell removed, thawed and pat dry
½ cup buttermilk
1 cup self-rising flour
½ cup pickled pepperoncinis, sliced
½ cup pickled cherry peppers, sliced
¼ cup butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
neutral oil, for frying
Ranch, for serving
lemon wedges, for serving
Seasoning blend (or use your favorite seasoned salt)
1 Tbsp Salt
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp cayenne
¼ tsp ground coriander
Directions
Combine the seasoning ingredients and use a spice grinder or food processor to process for 10 seconds. This ensures all the seasoning is combined and the same size. Set aside.
Prepare frying oil to 350 F degrees
In a large plastic bag or bowl, add the self-rising flour. Season with some of the seasoning blend.
In a large plastic bag or bowl, add the shrimp. Add the buttermilk and combine well.
Using a slotted spoon, scoop the shrimp out of the buttermilk and add to the flour. Toss the shrimp until they are all coated. Place the shrimp on a pan with a wire rack until you’re ready to fry (only for a few minutes)
Drop the shrimp into the hot oil and fry until crispy, about 3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the fire onto a plate lined with paper towels and immediately season with the blend. (You will not need to use ALL of the seasoning)
In a microwave safe bowl, add the butter, garlic, pepperoncinis, and cherry peppers. Microwave at 10 second intervals until the butter is melted.
In a large bowl, combine the fried shrimp and the peppers and garlic butter. Toss and serve immediately with ranch dipping sauce and lemon wedges.