Traeger Smoked Buffalo Shrimp is an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe you’ll return to again and again. The shrimp cook quickly, pick up a subtle smoke flavor from the grill, and are tossed in a bright, tangy buffalo sauce—perfect for anyone who likes a little heat and big flavor.
Traeger Smoked Buffalo Shrimp
If you think shrimp cooked on a barbecue are just ordinary, try adding smoke—you’ll notice a real difference. The light smokiness complements the natural sweetness of shrimp and pairs beautifully with a punchy buffalo sauce. This recipe is simple enough for weeknights and impressive enough for potlucks or game-day gatherings.
Shopping List
Before you start, collect the essentials. Quantities are given in the recipe card below.
- Raw shrimp (peeled and deveined; tails on or off to your preference)
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
How to Make Smoked Buffalo Shrimp — Overview
This overview summarizes the process so you know what to expect. Use the full recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and times.
Shrimp cook very quickly—usually just a few minutes per side—so have everything prepped and your grill hot before you begin. A Traeger or pellet smoker is ideal for a clean smoky flavor, but you can approximate the effect on a gas grill by adding soaked wood chips or using a smoke box.
- Preheat — Heat the grill to about 450°F for a quick sear and even cooking.
- Season — Toss the shrimp with salt, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Grill — Cook the shrimp 2–3 minutes per side, until opaque and just cooked through.
- Toss — Remove the shrimp and coat them in buffalo sauce.
- Serve — Pair with blue cheese or ranch dressing, celery, and carrot sticks.
Tips for Grilling Perfect Shrimp
- Preheat the grill thoroughly so the shrimp sear quickly and cook evenly.
- Skewer the shrimp if you prefer—they’re easier to flip and less likely to fall through the grates.
- Season lightly to let the shrimp’s natural flavor shine; the buffalo sauce adds the main punch.
- Don’t overcook: shrimp are done when they’re opaque and slightly firm. Overcooking makes them tough.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20–30 minutes to prevent burning.
FAQ
Any good-quality buffalo sauce will work. A classic cayenne-based sauce gives bright heat and tang; you can use a milder or spicier bottle depending on your preferences. Homemade buffalo sauces—made with butter, hot sauce, and a touch of vinegar—also pair wonderfully.
For the best texture and flavor, serve shrimp right after grilling. You can prepare the sauce and seasonings in advance, but finish and toss the shrimp with sauce just before serving.
More Buffalo Recipes
- Buffalo Chicken Bites
- Breaded Smoked and Fried Buffalo Wings
- Blackstone Buffalo Wings
- Buffalo Chicken Jalapeño Poppers
- Smoked Buffalo Cream Cheese
Traeger Smoked Buffalo Shrimp
This quick and flavorful shrimp recipe comes together in minutes and makes a fantastic appetizer or main when served with fresh veggies and a creamy dip.
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to high heat, about 450°F.
- Lightly coat the peeled shrimp with salt, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Place the shrimp on the preheated grill and cook 2–3 minutes per side, until opaque and just cooked through.
- Remove the shrimp from the grill and toss them with buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately with blue cheese or ranch dressing, and celery or carrot sticks.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Yield: 6 · Serving Size: 1
Calories: 57 · Total Fat: 1g · Cholesterol: 95mg · Sodium: 1106mg · Carbohydrates: 1g · Protein: 10g