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
Units
Scale
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
