Get ready to experience a culinary delight with our Cowboy Butter Smoked Shrimp Recipe! This dish is an explosion of flavors, combining the creamy richness of ghee, zesty lemon nuances, and a deliciously smoky finish. It’s the kind of recipe that makes friends RSVP to your BBQ the instant they hear about it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of smoked paprika and cayenne creates a bold flavor that stands out.
- Easy Prep: With simple preparation and short marination, you’ll spend less time cooking and more time enjoying.
- Versatile Serving: Pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it suitable for different occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cowboy Butter Smoked Shrimp Recipe is as much about carefully selected ingredients as it is about technique. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, enhancing either the taste or texture, or adding a blast of vibrant color to the dish.
- Large shrimp: Opt for fresh, firm shrimp for the best texture.
- Ghee: Provides a rich, buttery flavor that holds up well to smoking.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for an aromatic boost.
- Lemon: Both zest and juice are used for a refreshing, tangy profile.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth to the butter.
- Smoked paprika: Delivers a smoky, earthy flavor.
- Cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes: For that perfect kick of heat.
- Onion powder: Adds a touch of sweetness and savory notes.
- Fresh parsley and chives: For a pop of color and freshness.
- Worcestershire sauce: Add if you want a complex, umami flavor.
Variations
This recipe is incredibly flexible, which makes it a fantastic choice for experimenting. Feel free to adjust according to your dietary needs or taste preferences!
- Spicy Variation: Increase the cayenne and red pepper flakes if you love more heat.
- Herbs Galore: Swap parsley and chives for dill or cilantro for a different herby flavor.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Smoked Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Smoker
Preheat your smoker to 225-250°F using hickory or oak wood to give the shrimp that irresistible smoky aroma. Consistent temperature is key for ensuring even cooking.
Step 2: Create the Cowboy Butter
Whisk together the ghee, garlic, lemon zest and juice, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, cayenne, red pepper flakes, onion powder, and herbs. This rich and aromatic cowboy butter is what makes the shrimp shine.
Step 3: Marinate the Shrimp
Coat the shrimp in half of your cowboy butter mixture, letting them soak in the goodness for about 15-30 minutes. This step infuses them with flavor without overwhelming their natural sweetness.
Step 4: Smoke the Shrimp
Place the shrimp in your preheated smoker and cook for 30-40 minutes until they turn pink and firm, with a slight char that gives them an enticing smoky edge.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove the shrimp from the smoker and immediately drizzle with the remaining warm cowboy butter. Serve hot, garnished with additional herbs and lemon wedges. Don’t forget the extra butter for dipping!
Pro Tips for Making Cowboy Butter Smoked Shrimp Recipe
- Marination Magic: Avoid over-marinating to preserve the perfect shrimp texture. Marinate no longer than 30 minutes.
- Wood Wonders: Choose hickory or oak wood to enhance the smoky flavor profile without overpowering the shrimp.
- Butter Warmth: Keep the remaining cowboy butter warm for an indulgent dipping experience.
- Ghee Choice: Use ghee over regular butter for its higher smoke point and richer flavor.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Smoked Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your shrimp with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and chives, plus a few lemon wedges for that burst of color and tanginess that invites everyone to dig in!
Side Dishes
Pair these smoky shrimp with a warm loaf of crusty bread, some grilled corn on the cob, or a light, refreshing salad. Each complements the smoky and buttery flavors in unique ways.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the shrimp in a large, beautiful platter with fresh herbs scattered on top. Use a tiered serving dish for dramatic effect at parties to elegantly showcase your creation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days, ensuring they maintain their delightful flavor and freshness.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze these shrimp for up to a month. Store them in a freezer-safe bag, making sure to remove any excess air to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
To reheat, place shrimp in a preheated oven at a low temperature or lightly sauté them to preserve their moisture and flavor. Avoid microwaving as it can toughen the seafood.
FAQs
-
Can I use regular butter instead of ghee?
While you can use regular butter, ghee is preferred for its higher smoke point and richer flavor, ideal for smoking at elevated temperatures.
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What’s the best way to devein shrimp?
Use a small, sharp knife to carefully remove the vein running along the back of the shrimp, or invest in a handy deveining tool for quicker prep.
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Can I use a grill instead of a smoker?
Absolutely! If using a grill, create an indirect heat zone and add a smoker box for flavor, or grill directly over a lower heat to avoid overcooking.
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Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
Yes, you can substitute Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce and a splash of vinegar or tamari for a similar umami profile.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t yet tried this Cowboy Butter Smoked Shrimp Recipe, now is your chance to dive into a dish that promises sumptuous flavors and a dash of smoky fun. It’s destined to become a beloved go-to in your recipe arsenal! Enjoy it with loved ones and watch it become an instant favorite!
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Cowboy Butter Smoked Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cowboy Butter Smoked Shrimp recipe combines smoky, spicy flavors with tender, succulent shrimp, enhanced by a flavorful cowboy butter infused with garlic, lemon, and herbs. Perfect for grilling enthusiasts and seafood lovers, it offers a savory and satisfying meal with a hint of smoky goodness.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 1/2 lbs large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp ghee melted
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives chopped
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cowboy Butter
- 1/2 cup ghee melted
Additional for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat smoker: Set your smoker to 225-250°F using hickory or oak wood to impart a rich smoky flavor to the shrimp.
- Make cowboy butter: Whisk together melted ghee, minced garlic, lemon zest and juice, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, onion powder, chopped parsley, chopped chives, Worcestershire sauce (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined and smooth.
- Marinate shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl and toss with half of the cowboy butter. Let marinate for 15-30 minutes, being careful not to over-marinade to prevent texture issues from the acid.
- Smoke the shrimp: Arrange the shrimp on a smoker rack or tray and smoke for 30-40 minutes, or until they turn pink, are firm, and slightly charred for added flavor.
- Finish and serve: Remove the smoked shrimp immediately and drizzle with the remaining warm cowboy butter. Serve hot with extra cowboy butter on the side for dipping. Garnish with additional herbs and lemon wedges for presentation.
Notes
- Don’t over-marinate the shrimp, as the acidity from lemon can affect their texture.
- Using ghee instead of butter enhances smoking performance and flavor.
- Keep the remaining cowboy butter warm for dipping or pouring over the shrimp just before serving.
- Ensure the smoker maintains a steady temperature for even cooking and optimal smoky flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 pound (about 4-5 large shrimp)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
