Name: LongHorn Wild West Shrimp Copycat Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb raw shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails off, 31-40 count); 2 cups buttermilk; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 cup pickled cherry peppers (sliced); 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños (sliced); 1/2 cup butter; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes; Vegetable oil (for deep frying); Creamy ranch dressing (for dipping)

Why This Copycat Recipe Works

The Wild West Shrimp® is LongHorn's signature seafood appetizer. What makes it stand out from standard fried shrimp is the finishing toss: rather than serving the shrimp dry, they are immediately tossed in a warm, garlic-infused butter glaze with sliced cherry peppers and jalapeños. This infuses spicy, vinegary heat right into the crispy crust. Our home recipe replicates this signature restaurant technique perfectly.

Reviewer Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5 from 36 reviews). Last Updated: July 2026.

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings	Est. Price per Serving
20 minutes	10 minutes	30 minutes	4 servings	~$4.50 (vs $13.49 at restaurant)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Soak the Shrimp in Buttermilk

Place peeled, deveined shrimp in a bowl and submerge them in buttermilk. Cover and place in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes. The lactic acid in buttermilk tenderizes the shrimp and helps the flour adhere, creating a thick, crunchy crust.

2. Season the Flour Coating

In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).

3. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

While the oil heats, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook slowly for 2 to 3 minutes until the garlic is soft and fragrant (do not let the garlic brown or it will taste bitter). Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.

4. Dredge and Fry the Shrimp

Remove shrimp from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge them in the seasoned flour, coating them thoroughly. Shake off any excess flour. Fry the shrimp in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes until they are light golden-brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pot, which lowers oil temperature and causes oiliness.

5. Toss with Sauce and Peppers

Transfer fried shrimp briefly to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Place them in a large warm bowl, drizzle the warm garlic butter sauce over the top, and add the sliced cherry peppers and jalapeños. Toss gently until coated.

6. Serve Immediately

Pile the shrimp high on a platter. Serve immediately while hot and crispy with a side of cold, creamy ranch dressing to balance the spicy heat.

1 lb raw shrimp (peeled & deveined)
2 cups buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 cup pickled cherry peppers (sliced)
1/4 cup pickled jalapeños (sliced)
1/2 cup butter
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Vegetable oil (for frying)
Ranch dressing (for serving)

💡 Pro Tip: Dry the shrimp thoroughly with paper towels before soaking in buttermilk. This ensures the buttermilk adheres well and the batter doesn't slip off during frying. Build a full meal using our Nutrition Calculator.

Cooking Tips & Variations

Air Fryer Option: If you prefer not to deep fry, spray breaded shrimp generously with cooking oil spray. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking halfway. Toss with butter and peppers as directed.
Controlling the Heat: The cherry peppers are moderately hot. If you want a milder appetizer, substitute them with sliced mild banana peppers. For more heat, add sliced fresh jalapeños instead of pickled.
Tail-off vs Tail-on: LongHorn serves their Wild West Shrimp with the tails completely off. This makes them easier to eat as a shared, bite-sized appetizer.

Nutrition & Price Disclaimer

Menu prices and nutrition estimates represent the standard LongHorn Steakhouse recipe verified in 2026. A restaurant serving contains approximately 970 calories and 2,900 mg of sodium due to deep frying and butter. Cooking at home lets you control the frying medium and reduce sodium. Check the official menu at longhornsteakhouse.com.