If you’re looking for an appetizer that disappears the second it hits the table, this is it. Crispy golden shrimp tossed in rich, garlicky cowboy butter might be one of the best combinations I’ve ever made.
The shrimp are lightly coated and fried until crunchy, then drizzled with a buttery sauce packed with fresh herbs, lemon, garlic, Dijon, and just enough paprika to keep things interesting. They’re perfect as an appetizer, game day snack, or honestly just dinner if you’re feeling a little extra.
Fair warning: you might want to make a double batch.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy, golden fried shrimp
- Packed with fresh herbs and garlic
- Perfect appetizer or main course
- Easy to make in under 30 minutes
- That cowboy butter is good on absolutely everything
🧄 Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Oil for frying
Cowboy Butter
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
🍳 How to Make It
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towel.
- In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In another bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each shrimp into the egg wash, then coat in the flour mixture.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F.
- Fry the shrimp in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in garlic, lemon juice, chives, parsley, dill, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the cowboy butter over the fried shrimp or serve it on the side for dipping.
- Garnish with extra herbs and lemon wedges before serving.
Cowboy Butter Fried Shrimp
4
servings15
minutes15
minutes520
kcalIngredients
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Oil for frying
½ cup butter, melted
3 garlic cloves, minced
Juice of ½ lemon
1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towel.
- In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In another bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each shrimp into the egg wash, then coat in the flour mixture.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F.
- Fry the shrimp in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in garlic, lemon juice, chives, parsley, dill, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the cowboy butter over the fried shrimp or serve it on the side for dipping.
- Garnish with extra herbs and lemon wedges before serving.
Notes
- Fresh herbs make a huge difference in the cowboy butter.
Recipe Details & Nutrition (Estimated)
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: ~520 kcal
- Protein: ~28 g per serving
❓ FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Just thaw completely and pat dry before coating.
Can I air fry these instead?
Absolutely. Spray lightly with oil and cook at 400°F for 8–10 minutes.
Can I make the cowboy butter ahead of time?
Yes. Store it in the fridge and gently reheat before serving.
What should I serve with these?
French fries, coleslaw, rice, a fresh salad, or crusty bread are all great options.
🔗 Don’t Miss This One
If you love crispy seafood recipes, be sure to check out my Garlic Parmesan Steak Fettucine
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