A bold and flavorful creation by Giada De Laurentiis, this Buffalo Grilled Shrimp with Goat Cheese Dipping Sauce lets you grill, savor, dip, serve, and impress, made with shrimp, hot sauce, goat cheese, shallots, and cream. This spicy and creamy appetizer recipe is ready in 35 minutes and serves 4 people.

Recipe Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound of jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ¼ cup of hot sauce (plus 2 extra tablespoons for tossing later)
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed, peeled, and coarsely chopped
• 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 teaspoon of grated lemon zest
• ½ teaspoon of kosher salt

For the Dipping Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon of finely chopped shallot
• ¼ teaspoon of ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1 cup of heavy cream, at room temperature
• ⅓ teaspoon of kosher salt
• 4 ounces of fresh goat cheese, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh chives
• 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

How To Make Giada Buffalo Grilled Shrimp with Goat Cheese Dipping Sauce

Marinate the Shrimp:

1. Combine the shrimp with ¼ cup of hot sauce, garlic, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and lemon zest in a medium bowl.
2. Cover with plastic wrap and let it marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes to infuse the flavors.

Prepare the Dipping Sauce:

1. Warm a small saucepan over medium heat, then add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the shallots and sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.
2. Sprinkle in the cumin and smoked paprika, stirring for another 1 minute to release their aromas.
3. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, add ⅓ teaspoon of kosher salt, and reduce the heat to low. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

Add the Goat Cheese:

1. Gradually whisk the goat cheese into the warm cream sauce, a little at a time, until it melts into a smooth, creamy consistency.
2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool for 5 minutes. Stir in the fresh chives and parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Grill the Shrimp:

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season the shrimp with the remaining ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Grill the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until they’re pink, opaque, and slightly charred.
3. Once cooked, toss the shrimp in the remaining 2 tablespoons of hot sauce for an extra punch of flavor.

Serve and Enjoy:

1. Arrange the shrimp on a platter and serve with the creamy goat cheese dipping sauce on the side. The tender shrimp paired with the zesty sauce will have everyone coming back for more!

Recipe Tips

• Make it dairy-free: Replace the goat cheese with a plant-based cheese or silken tofu for a creamy, non-dairy dipping sauce that still delivers a rich and smooth texture.
• Adjust the spice level: Use a milder hot sauce or reduce the amount for a less spicy dish, or add a pinch of cayenne for an extra kick if you love heat.
• Use different herbs: Swap chives and parsley for fresh dill or cilantro to create a new flavor profile that complements seafood.
• Try other proteins: Replace shrimp with grilled chicken tenders, scallops, or even firm tofu for a variation that keeps the same smoky and spicy flavors.
• Enhance the dipping sauce: Add a teaspoon of honey to the goat cheese sauce for a touch of sweetness that balances the spicy shrimp beautifully.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Check out More Recipes:

• Giada Roasted Mushroom and Kale Pizzette
• Giada Mini Eggplant Parmesan
• Giada Herbed Cucumber Salad