Cowboy Butter Shrimp 

 Cowboy Butter Shrimp

 

Cowboy Butter Shrimp is one of those bold, irresistible recipes that combines rich butter, garlic, lemon, and spices into a sauce so good you’ll want to lick the pan. This dish is incredibly fast, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights, special dinners, or even entertaining guests. Whether served over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste at home.

 Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Butter Shrimp

• Ready in under 20 minutes
• Uses simple pantry ingredients
• Perfect for dinner, appetizers, or meal prep
• High flavor = great for CTR & engagement
• Works with rice, pasta, bread, or veggies

 What Is Cowboy Butter?

Cowboy butter is a flavored compound butter made with garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, herbs, and spices. It’s famous for serving with steak, but it pairs amazingly well with shrimp, creating a spicy, zesty, buttery sauce that coats every bite.

 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled & deveined
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)

For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 4–5 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest (optional but recommended)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼–½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust heat)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)

 How to Make Cowboy Butter Shrimp (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Pat shrimp completely dry using paper towels. This helps them sear instead of steaming. Season lightly with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Set aside.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter and let it melt slowly until foamy but not browned.

Step 3: Build the Cowboy Butter Sauce

Add minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 30–40 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in:

• Dijon mustard
• Lemon juice & zest
• Smoked paprika
• Red pepper flakes

Mix well until the sauce becomes smooth, glossy, and aromatic.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, flipping once, until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Spoon the sauce over the shrimp constantly so they absorb maximum flavor.

Step 5: Finish & Garnish

Turn off heat. Sprinkle in fresh parsley and thyme. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

 How to Serve Cowboy Butter Shrimp

This dish is extremely versatile:

•  Over steamed rice or garlic rice
•  Tossed with pasta or linguine
•  With crusty bread to soak the sauce
•  On top of salad or roasted vegetables
•  Stuffed into tacos or wraps

 Pro Tips for Best Flavor

• Use raw shrimp, not pre-cooked
• Don’t overcook shrimp (they turn rubbery)
• Add extra butter if serving with pasta
• Love heat? Add a splash of hot sauce

 Storage & Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days
• Reheat gently on low heat with a splash of butter
• Not freezer-friendly (butter sauce may separate)