Wild West Shrimp Longhorn Recipe

If you have ever eaten at Longhorn Steakhouse, odds are that you’ve already experienced and loved their popular Wild West Shrimp appetizer. They are made of crispy, lightly breaded shrimp tossed in a zesty butter and garlic sauce with spicy cherry peppers. A delightful mix of heat, crunch, and flavor that is oh-so-good! The best part is you don’t have to get in your car and drive to Longhorn to experience this delicious treasure because it can easily be made right in your own kitchen!

The secret to this delightful recipe is Longhorn’s absolutely addictive Prairie Dust Seasoning – a seasoning that combines multiple spices, bringing the dish both a delicious flavor and a signature smokiness. Prairie Dust is used there and featured in different menu items, from steaks to ribs – today it plays the vital role of making the shrimp incredible.

This Wild West Shrimp Longhorn Recipe is easy, fun, and incredibly delicious to make any day of the week. Whether it is a casual weekend dinner, for a game night at home, or for a party platter appetizer for a get together. After making this homemade recipe, you will feel like you are back at your favorite steakhouse.

Check out some of our other steakhouse favorites; Cheddar’s Bourbon Glazed Salmon Recipe and Red Lobster Sweet Chili Shrimp Recipe!

What Does Wild West Shrimp Longhorn Taste Like?

Consider a bite that is crispy, buttery, garlicky, and just a hint of spice. That’s what Wild West Shrimp is all about: a perfect balance of flavor and crunch in every bite.

The shrimp are covered in a golden coating that gives it a satisfying crunch, and the buttery lemon-garlic sauce gives it richness and brightness. The sliced cherry peppers add a kick of heat that keeps your taste buds alive at every bite!

Wild West Shrimp encompasses that feeling of restaurant-style indulgence at home: satisfying, delicious, and plenty to want seconds. It is a comfort food classic with a little bit of gourmet flair. If you like seafood, this one is definitely a keeper!

Ingredients Required for Wild West Shrimp Longhorn Recipe

Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Wild West Shrimp Longhorn

For the Prairie Dust Seasoning:

• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
• ½ tsp regular paprika (not smoked)
• ¼ tsp ground cumin

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 1 tbsp Prairie Dust Seasoning (from above)
• Canola oil, for frying

For the Cherry Pepper Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 1 large garlic clove, grated
• Juice of ½ lemon
• ½ cup sliced cherry peppers (drained)
• 1 tbsp Prairie Dust Seasoning

Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need

1. Mixing bowls
2. Frying or sauté pan
3. Tongs
4. Drainage rack or paper towels
5. Whisk

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

How to Make Wild West Shrimp Longhorn

Simply follow the steps given below to make your Wild West Shrimp Longhorn at home

1. Prepare the Prairie Dust:
In a small bowl, combine all of the seasonings and thoroughly blend. Set aside.

2. Bread the Shrimp:
In the first bowl, whisk the eggs. In the second bowl, combine the flour and 1 tbsp of Prairie Dust.
Dip the shrimp in the egg, letting the excess drip off, and evenly coat the shrimp in the seasoned flour.

3. Fry the Shrimp:
In a frying pan, heat 1-1½ inches of canola oil to (350°F) (175°C).
Working in batches, fry shrimp about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Remove and place on a rack or paper towel to allow excess oil to drain.

4. Make the Sauce:
In a large skillet, over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the grated garlic, lemon juice, and cherry peppers.
Sauteé and allow the garlic to become fragrant and the butter to reduce a bit before serving.

5. Combine and Serve:
Add fried shrimp and 1 tbsp Prairie Dust to sauce. Gently toss shrimp until thoroughly coated, and serve immediately with ranch dressing for dipping.

Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Wild West Shrimp Longhorn

1. Over Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Our go-to combo! The rich garlic butter from the shrimp soaks perfectly into a bed of smooth, buttery potatoes. If you haven’t tried our Longhorn Steakhouse Mashed Potatoes Recipe, it’s the ultimate pairing -comfort food at its finest.

2. With Buttery Garlic Bread
Nothing beats scooping up that leftover sauce with a warm slice of garlic bread. It’s messy, indulgent, and absolutely worth it.

3. Topped on a Fresh Garden Salad
For a lighter option, toss your shrimp over crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy ranch dressing. It gives the salad a bold, steakhouse-style twist.

4. Served with Grilled Ribeye or Steak
A perfect surf-and-turf combo! The shrimp’s spicy tang pairs beautifully with a juicy ribeye – it’s a dinner that feels straight out of Longhorn’s kitchen.

5. Wrapped in Warm Flour Tortillas
Turn it into a handheld delight! Add a little slaw, ranch drizzle, and lime – and you’ve got Wild West Shrimp tacos that disappear in minutes.

6. With Creamy Coleslaw and Cornbread
This southern-inspired duo balances the heat of the cherry peppers with cool, creamy crunch and sweet, buttery cornbread on the side.

7. On a Bed of Seasoned Rice
We’ve tried it over Spanish rice, jasmine rice, even Cajun rice – and each version feels like a brand-new meal. The sauce seeps in, making every bite rich and flavorful.

8. With Crispy French Fries
When you’re in the mood for something fun and casual, serve these shrimp with a pile of golden fries. It’s like an upscale seafood basket, especially with a side of ranch for dipping.

9. Over Creamy Pasta Alfredo
Shrimp tossed in lemon-garlic butter over Alfredo noodles? It’s decadent, filling, and restaurant-level delicious.

10. As an Appetizer with Ranch or Aioli
Sometimes, simple is best. Serve these as finger food at parties with a cool ranch or smoky aioli – they’ll be gone before you know it!

Some Tips on This Wild West Shrimp Longhorn Recipe

1. Pat the shrimp dry first!
Before you dip them, use a paper towel to dry your shrimp. This helps the flour stick better!

2. Don’t skip the Prairie Dust.
That special seasoning makes your shrimp taste just like the restaurant. Mix it well!

3. Use fresh oil.
Fresh oil makes your shrimp crispy and golden, not greasy.

4. Check your oil heat.
Make sure the oil is hot – about 350°F. If it’s too cool, the shrimp will be soggy.

5. Fry in small batches.
Too many shrimp at once can make the oil cool down. A few at a time is best!

6. Don’t stir too much.
Let the shrimp cook without moving them around too much so the crispy coat stays on.

7. Use real butter for the sauce.
Butter makes the sauce rich and tasty – don’t use margarine if you can help it.

8. Go easy on the spice.
If you don’t like it too hot, use fewer cherry peppers or less cayenne pepper.

9. Toss gently.
When mixing shrimp with sauce, do it softly so the crunchy coating doesn’t fall off.

10. Serve right away!
Shrimp taste best when they’re hot and fresh – crispy outside, juicy inside.

How to Store and Reheat Wild West Shrimp Longhorn

Store any extra shrimp you happen to have in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days to retain freshness. In order to reheat, either place into an oven preheated on 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, or air fry for 5 minutes to regain crispiness. Do not reheat in the microwave, or the coating will become soggy.

Common Queries on This Wild West Shrimp Longhorn Recipe

Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Wild West Shrimp Longhorn that people often ask.

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before coating. If they’re too wet, the flour won’t stick well, and the shrimp won’t get crispy. We’ve tried both fresh and frozen – fresh gives a slightly better crunch, but both taste amazing!

2. What is Prairie Dust seasoning?

Prairie Dust is Longhorn’s signature seasoning mix. It’s a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, onion powder, and cumin. We make it at home in batches because it’s great on steak, chicken, and even fries!

3. My shrimp turned out soggy – what did I do wrong?

That usually means your oil wasn’t hot enough or you crowded the pan. We always fry in small batches and keep the oil around 350°F (175°C). That way, each shrimp gets crispy and golden brown.

4. Can I air fry the shrimp instead of deep frying?

Yes! We’ve tested it, and it works pretty well. Spray the shrimp lightly with oil and air fry at 400°F for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through. The coating won’t be quite as crunchy as deep-fried, but it’s still delicious and lighter.

5. How spicy is this dish?

It’s got a nice kick but isn’t overly hot. The cherry peppers add a mild, tangy spice. If you want less heat, just use fewer peppers or skip the cayenne. We sometimes make a mild batch for the kids and a spicy one for ourselves.

6. Can I make the Prairie Dust seasoning ahead of time?

Absolutely! We always keep a jar of it in the pantry. It stays fresh for up to 3 months in an airtight container. It’s great to have on hand for quick meals.

7. What’s the best oil to fry the shrimp in?

We’ve found that canola oil works best – it has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor. You can also use peanut oil if you want extra crispiness. Avoid olive oil; it burns too easily.

8. How do I know when the shrimp are done frying?

They cook fast – usually 3 to 4 minutes. When they turn golden brown and float to the top, they’re done! Be careful not to overcook them, or they’ll turn rubbery.

9. What can I serve with Wild West Shrimp?

We love pairing it with ranch dipping sauce, coleslaw, or even garlic mashed potatoes. It also goes great as a topping on salads or pasta for a full meal.

10. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

If you happen to have leftovers (which doesn’t happen often!), keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crisp – never microwave, or they’ll get soggy.

Now you have your own Wild West Shrimp Longhorn Recipe that is crisp, buttery, and full of bold flavor. This copycat recipe will bring the magic of the steakhouse directly to your dinner table. Make it tonight, it will be an amazing appetizer to share with your family or guests. And check out similar recipes, like Cheddar’s Bourbon Glazed Salmon Recipe or Uncle Ben’s Spanish Rice Recipe, for more tasty ideas. Happy cooking and have an awesome day!

Feel free to share your experience with this recipe by trying it out. Don’t forget to drop a comment and provide your feedback on the blog for us to read.