Introducing the most delectable dish to hit your grill this season: Cowboy Butter Smoked Shrimp! Imagine succulent shrimp kissed by smoke and lovingly basted in a cowboy butter that dances across your taste buds with every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a beginner eager to explore smoky flavors, this recipe is a must-try delight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Mouthwateringly Delicious: Each shrimp is marinated in a zesty, buttery sauce that enhances the natural flavors of the seafood.
- Effortless Elegance: This dish is impressive enough for company but simple enough for a weeknight meal.
- Customizable Spice Level: You control the heat with cayenne and red pepper flakes, allowing for a mild or fiery twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cowboy Butter Smoked Shrimp lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the smokiness of the paprika to the freshness of the herbs that elevate the shrimp’s succulence. Let’s dive into what you’ll need.
- Large Shrimp: Opt for peeled and deveined to save prep time.
- Ghee: Ideal for high-heat cooking and infusing rich flavor without burning.
- Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced for an aromatic punch.
- Lemon: Both zest and juice for brightness and zing.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy depth and creamy texture.
- Smoked Paprika: Infuses a deep smoky essence, essential for this dish.
- Cayenne Pepper and Red Pepper Flakes: Balance the savory with just the right heat.
- Fresh Parsley and Chives: Provide a fresh pop of color and freshness.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Optional for added umami and richness.
Variations
Don’t be shy about putting your own spin on Cowboy Butter Smoked Shrimp! This recipe is incredibly adaptable, so feel free to tweak it to suit your palate or dietary needs—perfect for culinary creativity!
- Herb Swap: Try cilantro or dill for a differently delightful herbal note.
- Citrus Twist: Substitute lime for lemon for a tangy twist.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace shrimp with portobello mushrooms for a smoky, buttery delight.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Smoked Shrimp
Step 1: Prep Your Smoker
Kick things off by preheating your smoker to 225-250°F. This gentle heat with hickory or oak wood chips will give the shrimp their irresistible smoky aroma and flavor.
Step 2: Create Cowboy Butter
While your smoker warms up, whisk together ghee, minced garlic, lemon zest and juice, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and fresh herbs until well combined. This is your luxurious cowboy butter marinade.
Step 3: Marinate the Shrimp
Divide the cowboy butter, using half to marinate the shrimp for 15-30 minutes. This gives just enough time for the flavors to infuse without turning the shrimp mushy.
Step 4: Smoke the Shrimp
Place the shrimp on the smoker and let them cook for 30-40 minutes until they’re pink, firm, and slightly charred. The aroma will be mouthwatering!
Pro Tips for Making Cowboy Butter Smoked Shrimp
- Ghee Mastery: Use ghee instead of regular butter for its higher smoke point and richer flavor.
- Flavor Infusion: Limit marination to prevent mushy shrimp—15 minutes is a sweet spot.
- Herb Highlight: Add fresh herbs before serving for the freshest aroma and taste.
- Smoke Secret: Hickory or oak wood chips will enhance that earthy, smoky essence without overpowering.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Smoked Shrimp
Garnishes
Top your Cowboy Butter Smoked Shrimp with extra parsley and chives for color and brightness, and a sprinkle of lemon zest for that citrus flair everyone craves.
Side Dishes
These shrimp pair wonderfully with a light, crisp salad or a tangy coleslaw that cuts through the richness. For something heartier, try serving over fluffy rice or a bed of creamy polenta.
Creative Ways to Present
Present these beauties on a rustic wooden board with a side of cowboy butter for dipping, or skewer them onto cocktail picks for an elegant appetizer. Either way, your guests will be dazzled!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store your Cowboy Butter Smoked Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to keep them fresh and flavorful.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep their taste and texture for up to two months.
Reheating
Gently reheat your shrimp in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of lemon juice to reinvigorate their fresh, vibrant taste without drying them out.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of wood for smoking?
Absolutely! While hickory and oak complement the flavors wonderfully in Cowboy Butter Smoked Shrimp, you can experiment with milder woods like cherry or apple for a subtler smoke.
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Is there a substitute for ghee?
Yes, you can use clarified butter in place of ghee if needed. It’s important to maintain the high smoke point for optimal cooking results.
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How can I make the dish less spicy?
Simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to mellow down the heat to your liking while enjoying all other incredible flavors.
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Can I prepare the cowboy butter in advance?
Yes, feel free to prepare cowboy butter a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Just warm it slightly before using to ease mixing with shrimp.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find as much joy in preparing and savoring Cowboy Butter Smoked Shrimp as I do! It’s a scrumptious journey of flavors that are both familiar and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or loved ones, there’s always a moment to relish with every delicious morsel. Happy grilling!
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Cowboy Butter Smoked Shrimp Recipe with Ghee Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy this flavorful Cowboy Butter Smoked Shrimp recipe that combines smoky, spicy, and herbaceous flavors, perfect for a quick appetizer or main dish. The shrimp are marinated in a savory cowboy butter, smoked until tender and slightly charred, then served hot with extra butter for dipping, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
Ingredients
Seafood & Marinade
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat Smoker: Preheat your smoker to 225-250°F using hickory or oak wood to impart a smoky flavor to the shrimp.
- Make Cowboy Butter: In a bowl, whisk together melted ghee, minced garlic, lemon zest and juice, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, onion powder, chopped parsley, chives, Worcestershire sauce (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Marinate Shrimp: Toss the shrimp in half of the cowboy butter, ensuring they are well coated. Allow to marinate for 15-30 minutes to absorb flavors but avoid over-marinating to prevent texture issues.
- Smoke the Shrimp: Arrange the marinated shrimp on a smoker rack or tray and smoke for 30-40 minutes, or until shrimp turn pink, are firm, and have a slight char.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the shrimp from the smoker immediately drizzle them with the remaining warm cowboy butter for added flavor. Serve hot with extra cowboy butter on the side for dipping, garnished with additional fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
Notes
- Do not over-marinate shrimp to prevent textural deterioration caused by acid.
- Use ghee instead of regular butter for better smoking performance and flavor.
- Keep the remaining cowboy butter warm for easy dipping during serving.
- This recipe pairs well with crusty bread or rice for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz (113 g)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
