If you’ve ever been to a Longhorn Steakhouse, you know there’s one appetizer that stands out – the Wild West Shrimp.
It’s a symphony of flavors and textures: crispy fried shrimp, a garlicky, buttery sauce, and that little kick of heat from cherry peppers.
It’s the perfect thing to order while you’re deciding on your main course. And let’s face it, you usually end up ordering seconds.
But did you know you can make this addictive dish right at home? It’s surprisingly easy, and I’m here to show you how.
In this article, we’ll dive into what makes Longhorn Wild West Shrimp so darn good, break down the ingredients and process, and even explore some fun variations!
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Key Takeaways
- Longhorn Wild West Shrimp is easy to replicate at home with simple ingredients.
- Adjust the spice level by playing with the amount of “Prairie Dust” seasoning.
- The dish is super versatile – serve as an appetizer, in tacos, or on pasta!
What is Longhorn Wild West Shrimp?
The star of the show is, of course, the shrimp. Plump, juicy shrimp get coated in a special seasoning blend known as “Prairie Dust,” then fried to golden perfection. That crispy exterior gives way to tender shrimp inside. But what really takes it over the top is the sauce – a simple yet irresistible mix of butter, garlic, lemon juice, and sliced cherry peppers.
That spicy, tangy, buttery sauce coats the shrimp beautifully, making every bite incredibly satisfying. And let’s not forget the classic side of ranch dressing – the perfect cooling element to balance out all the flavors.
Longhorn Wild West Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients & Equipment
Before we even think about cooking, let’s talk about what you’ll need. The good news is, most of the ingredients for Longhorn Wild West Shrimp are probably already in your kitchen.
Ingridients
- Shrimp: About 1 pound of medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined. You can use fresh or frozen (thawed).
- Prairie Dust Seasoning: We’re going to make our own blend! It typically includes garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and sometimes cumin.
- All-Purpose Flour
- Eggs
- Buttermilk (Optional): Gives the shrimp a tangy flavor and helps the coating stick.
- Cherry Peppers: Jarred ones work great.
- Butter
- Lemon Juice
- Ranch Dressing: For dipping, of course!
Equipment
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan: For frying the shrimp.
- Medium saucepan: For making the sauce.
- Bowls: For your dredging stations.
- Slotted spoon
How to Make Longhorn Wild West Shrimp (Step-by-Step)
Now, let’s get cooking! The process is quite straightforward, and the results are out-of-this-world delicious.
1. Prep the Shrimp
If you’re using raw shrimp, peel and devein them. Give them a good rinse and pat them dry with paper towels – this is key for a crispy coating!
2. Set Up Your Dredging Stations
Get three shallow bowls ready:
- Bowl 1: Flour mixed with your homemade Prairie Dust seasoning.
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs.
- Bowl 3 (Optional): Buttermilk.
3. Dredge and Fry the Shrimp
- Working in batches, dip the shrimp in buttermilk (if using), then the seasoned flour, and finally the eggs.
- Heat oil in your deep fryer or pan to about 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully fry the shrimp in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
4. Make the Sauce
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add sliced cherry peppers and cook for a minute or two to soften.
- Squeeze in lemon juice and add a pinch of your Prairie Dust seasoning.
5. Combine and Serve!
- Toss the hot shrimp with the cherry pepper sauce.
- Serve immediately with a generous side of ranch dressing.
Variations on Longhorn Wild West Shrimp
The best part about this recipe is how versatile it is. Let’s explore some ways to switch things up:
- Spice It Up (or Down): The beauty of that Prairie Dust seasoning is that you control the heat. Love it spicy? Add more cayenne. Prefer it milder? Cut back or omit it entirely.
- Air Fryer Fun: Want a slightly healthier version? Toss your seasoned shrimp in a tiny bit of oil and cook them in an air fryer according to manufacturer instructions.
- Sautéed Shrimp: If you’re avoiding deep-frying, cook the shrimp in a skillet with some olive oil. You’ll still get that delicious sauce action!
- Taco Time: Longhorn Wild West Shrimp tacos are seriously delicious. Top with shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and a drizzle of your favorite sauce.
- Pasta Perfection: Throw the shrimp and sauce over your favorite pasta for an easy and satisfying weeknight dinner.
How to Store Leftover Longhorn Wild West Shrimp
While it’s hard to imagine having leftover Wild West Shrimp (it’s just that good), here’s how to store it if you do:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: For the best texture, reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet with a little extra butter. You can also warm them in the oven or air fryer.
Nutritional Information
While delicious, Wild West Shrimp is definitely more of a treat than everyday food. Here’s a basic nutritional breakdown per serving
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350-450 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Fat | 20-25g |
| Carbohydrates | 20-30g |
| Sodium | 800-1000mg |
Serving Suggestions
Let’s talk about how to make your Longhorn Wild West Shrimp experience even better!
- Dips, Dips, Dips: Ranch dressing is classic, but why not try blue cheese, cocktail sauce, or a spicy remoulade for dipping variety?
- Sides Galore: French fries are a no-brainer, but coleslaw, potato salad, or a simple green salad offer some freshness to the meal.
- Drinks: An ice-cold beer is a great match. For something non-alcoholic, consider sweet tea, lemonade, or a fun mocktail.
FAQs
What kind of shrimp is best for Longhorn Wild West Shrimp?
Medium to large shrimp are ideal. You want them to be big enough for a satisfying bite, but not so large that they’re difficult to cook evenly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
How long does Longhorn Wild West Shrimp last in the fridge?
Stored properly, it should last for 3-4 days.
Is Longhorn Wild West Shrimp Spicy?
It has a bit of a kick from the cherry peppers and cayenne in the Prairie Dust, but you can easily control the heat level to your liking.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Thaw the shrimp overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Longhorn Wild West Shrimp Recipe Conclusion
Making Longhorn Wild West Shrimp at home is a breeze! With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can enjoy this restaurant favorite whenever the craving strikes.
Remember, don’t be afraid to customize the recipe based on your preferences – that’s the joy of home cooking.
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