Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsSpanky's River StreetSpicy Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Spicy Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Time25m
Serves2

A half-pound of steamed peel and eat shrimp tossed in a delicious garlic butter buffalo sauce. Served with French bread.

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Shrimp

Method

Shrimp

  1. 1

    Prepare poaching liquid

    In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups water, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1 bay leaf and the halved lemon. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

  2. 2

    Poach shrimp

    Add the 0.5 lb shrimp to the simmering liquid in a single layer. Cook until shrimp are opaque and just firm, about 2–3 minutes depending on size. Do not overcook. Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon into a bowl and discard bay leaf and lemon halves.

  3. 3

    Drain and pat dry

    Drain any excess liquid and gently pat the shrimp dry with paper towels — removing surface moisture helps the sauce cling better.

Garlic Butter Buffalo Sauce

  1. 4

    Melt butter and cook garlic

    In a medium skillet over medium-low heat, melt 3 tbs unsalted butter with 1 tsp neutral oil (oil raises the smoking point). Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook, stirring, until fragrant and just golden, about 30–45 seconds. Avoid browning the garlic.

  2. 5

    Make buffalo sauce

    Stir in 4 tbs hot sauce, 0.5 tsp light brown sugar, 0.5 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tbs lemon juice, 0.5 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 0.25 tsp sea salt and 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Increase heat to medium and simmer gently for 1–2 minutes, whisking so the butter emulsifies with the hot sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning.

  3. 6

    Toss shrimp in sauce

    Add the poached shrimp to the skillet and toss for 30–60 seconds until each shrimp is evenly coated and heated through. Do not overcook. If sauce is too thick, add 1–2 tbs warm water or reserved poaching liquid to loosen.

  4. 7

    Finish and garnish

    Remove skillet from heat and stir in 1 tbs chopped fresh parsley, if using. Transfer shrimp to a warm serving bowl.

To Serve

  1. 8

    Prepare bread

    Slice the French bread into 1" pieces. Optionally spread 2 tbs butter on the cut sides and toast under a broiler or in a 400°F (200°C) oven until golden, about 3–5 minutes, watching closely.

  2. 9

    Plate and serve

    Arrange the spicy garlic shrimp on a serving plate or shallow bowl and serve immediately with the toasted French bread and lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.

More from Spanky's River Street