Cowboy Butter Shrimp is a bold, savory dish where succulent shrimp meet a rich, zesty butter sauce infused with garlic, herbs, lemon, and just the right amount of heat. This flavor-packed recipe is quick to make and incredibly versatile—serve it as an appetizer with crusty bread, over rice or pasta, or as a centerpiece for a rustic, satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines the speed of a weeknight dinner with the flavor of a gourmet meal. The cowboy butter—a mix of herbs, garlic, lemon, and spices—infuses the shrimp with complex, satisfying flavor in just minutes. It’s adaptable, making it perfect for entertaining or casual meals. Whether pan-seared, grilled, or broiled, these shrimp are juicy, tender, and irresistibly coated in spicy, herbed butter.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Shrimp:

large shrimp, peeled and deveined
olive oil
salt and black pepper

For the Cowboy Butter:

unsalted butter
garlic, finely minced
Dijon mustard
fresh lemon juice
lemon zest
crushed red pepper flakes
smoked paprika
fresh thyme leaves (or dried)
chopped fresh rosemary
chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
salt and pepper to taste

directions

Sear the Shrimp:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper. Sear the shrimp for 1–2 minutes on each side until they are pink and just cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.

Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, and chopped parsley. Let the sauce cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently to combine flavors.

Finish the Dish:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the cowboy butter sauce. Let them simmer for another 1–2 minutes until well-coated and fully infused with flavor.

Serve:
Garnish with additional parsley. Serve immediately with a small bowl of cowboy butter on the side for dipping, or over rice, pasta, or crusty bread.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Calories: 325 kcal per serving

Variations

Grilled Cowboy Butter Shrimp: Thread shrimp on skewers and grill, brushing with cowboy butter while cooking.
Add Veggies: Sauté bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus in the same pan for a complete meal.
Creamy Cowboy Butter: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of crème fraîche to the sauce for a richer version.
Surf and Turf: Serve alongside a grilled steak for a decadent cowboy-style dinner.
Cajun Twist: Add Cajun seasoning to the shrimp before searing for an extra layer of spice.

storage/reheating

Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat with a bit of butter or olive oil until just heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it may overcook the shrimp. The cowboy butter can be made ahead and stored separately in the refrigerator for up to a week.

FAQs

What is cowboy butter?

Cowboy butter is a savory, spiced compound butter made with garlic, lemon, mustard, herbs, and chili flakes—perfect as a dip or sauce for meats and seafood.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the skillet.

How spicy is this dish?

It has a moderate kick from the red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount to your preferred heat level.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, but note that the flavor may vary.

What kind of skillet should I use?

A cast iron or stainless steel skillet works best for searing shrimp evenly and building flavor in the sauce.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Pre-cooked shrimp can be used, but add them only at the end to heat through without overcooking.

What can I serve with cowboy butter shrimp?

It pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, crusty bread, or even on a salad.

Can I make the cowboy butter in advance?

Yes, cowboy butter can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. Just melt before use or use it as a compound butter.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, it is low in carbs and suitable for a keto diet when served without bread or pasta.

Can I use other seafood?

Absolutely. Scallops, lobster, or even firm white fish can be cooked in cowboy butter for delicious results.

Conclusion

Cowboy Butter Shrimp is an easy, flavorful dish that elevates shrimp to something special with a bold, buttery sauce full of herbs and spice. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknights or entertaining. Serve it with your favorite side and enjoy the rustic, comforting flavors that make this dish unforgettable.