If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors, juicy shrimp, and a sauce that’s rich, buttery, and slightly tangy, then this New Orleans BBQ Shrimp Recipe is about to become your new favorite comfort food. This dish captures the essence of Creole cuisine with its perfect balance of spices, garlic, and just the right amount of heat, all simmered in a luscious buttery sauce that’s perfect for dunking crusty French bread. I promise, once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved classic that brings the taste of New Orleans right into your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh, simple ingredients is key to making this New Orleans BBQ Shrimp Recipe truly shine. Each ingredient has a purpose, from delivering rich flavor to enhancing the vibrant colors and textures that make this dish so irresistible.
- 2 pounds large shrimp (shell-on, deveined): Using shell-on shrimp locks in flavor and prevents overcooking, giving you tender, juicy bites every time.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: This creates the luscious, silky base of the sauce that coats the shrimp perfectly.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Helps balance the richness of butter and ensures the garlic infuses evenly without burning.
- 6 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic is essential for that fragrant, savory punch you’ll love in every bite.
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and a slight tanginess that enhances the overall savory profile.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Brightens the sauce and balances all the rich flavors with a bit of citrus zing.
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce: For that classic New Orleans kick – adjust based on your spice tolerance.
- 2 teaspoons Creole seasoning: A blend of spices that brings authentic Southern flavor and warmth.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and beautiful color to the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): Amp up the heat if you like your shrimp spicy.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A necessary spice to complement and enhance the overall taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and elevates all the other flavors.
- 1/4 cup beer or chicken broth: Adds moisture and complexity to the sauce while allowing it to simmer gently.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped): For a fresh, herbal finish and a pop of bright green color.
- Lemon wedges (for serving): Offer a fresh burst of citrus to squeeze over the shrimp just before eating.
- French bread (for dipping): Absolutely essential to soak up every last drop of that incredible buttery sauce.
How to Make New Orleans BBQ Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Shrimp
Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. Keeping the shells on is not only traditional but also locks in the juices and flavor, making every bite deliciously succulent.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Olive Oil
In a large skillet, combine the butter and olive oil over medium heat. This combination creates a buttery yet light base that will carry all the spices and garlic beautifully without burning.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook it just until fragrant, about one minute. This step is crucial because garlic releases its aromatic oils, flavoring the entire dish right from the start.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Next, stir in Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, hot sauce, Creole seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), black pepper, and salt. Adding these ingredients now lets the sauce develop its complex, layered flavor profile.
Step 5: Simmer with Beer or Broth
Pour in your choice of beer or chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. This adds moisture and depth, ensuring the sauce isn’t too thick while melding all the flavors together.
Step 6: Cook the Shrimp
Toss the shrimp into the sauce, stirring to coat them evenly. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the shrimp are perfectly pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become rubbery fast!
Step 7: Finish and Garnish
Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh touch of color and flavor. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and plenty of crusty French bread to soak up that irresistible sauce.
How to Serve New Orleans BBQ Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Simplicity works best here. Freshly chopped parsley adds a bright, herbaceous contrast to the rich dish, while lemon wedges provide a zesty finish. These garnishes bring balance and make every bite even more delightful.
Side Dishes
French bread is a must-have because the buttery, garlicky sauce begs to be dipped and savored. You can also serve this with a light green salad or some grilled vegetables to balance the meal without competing with the shrimp’s bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual gathering, serve the shrimp straight from the skillet on a wooden board, accompanied by napkins and lemon wedges. For a more formal setting, arrange the shrimp over a bed of creamy grits or steamed white rice, drizzled with the sauce for an elegant finish that still stays true to the New Orleans spirit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover shrimp and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors meld even more after sitting but be careful not to keep them too long to maintain the shrimp’s tenderness.
Freezing
This dish doesn’t freeze as well because the sauce can separate and the shrimp may become tough. If you must freeze, remove the shrimp and sauce separately and reheat gently to preserve texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the shrimp from overcooking. Adding a splash of broth or water helps keep the sauce smooth and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use peeled shrimp instead of shell-on?
Absolutely! While keeping the shells on boosts flavor and juiciness, peeled shrimp work fine if you prefer easier eating. Just remember the sauce might be slightly less rich.
How spicy is this New Orleans BBQ Shrimp Recipe?
The heat level is moderate by default, but you can easily adjust it by adding more or less hot sauce and cayenne pepper according to your preference.
What can I substitute for beer in the recipe?
If you don’t want to use beer, chicken broth is a perfect alternative that keeps the sauce moist and flavorful without adding alcohol.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The shrimp and sauce themselves are gluten-free, but be aware that some Worcestershire sauces contain gluten, so check labels or use a gluten-free brand. Also, swap French bread for a gluten-free option if needed.
Can I make this dish ahead for a party?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead and reheat it gently with the shrimp just before serving. That way, your guests get the full buttery, garlicky experience without the hassle.
Final Thoughts
This New Orleans BBQ Shrimp Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that invites you to relax, enjoy, and dig in with friends and family. The magic is in that rich, garlicky buttery sauce paired with juicy shrimp and fresh lemon, all perfectly complemented by crusty bread. Give it a try — I’m confident it will become your go-to recipe for a taste of Southern hospitality anytime you want to impress or just indulge yourself.
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New Orleans BBQ Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Creole, Southern
Description
New Orleans BBQ Shrimp is a flavorful Creole dish featuring large shell-on shrimp cooked in a rich, buttery, and spicy garlic sauce. This stovetop recipe delivers tender shrimp with a perfect balance of heat from hot sauce and cayenne, complemented by Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and Creole seasonings. Served with crusty French bread, it’s a messy but delicious main course perfect for seafood lovers craving authentic Southern flavors.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Sauce
- 2 pounds large shrimp (shell-on, deveined)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 2 teaspoons Creole seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup beer or chicken broth
To Serve
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- Lemon wedges
- French bread (for dipping)
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Rinse the shrimp thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. Keep the shells on to maximize flavor, but ensure they are deveined.
- Make the sauce base: In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt the unsalted butter together with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the seasonings: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, hot sauce, Creole seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper if using, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Simmer the sauce: Pour in the beer or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors, about 2 minutes.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the pan and toss them thoroughly in the sauce to coat. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking to maintain their tenderness.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the shrimp. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and plenty of crusty French bread for dipping into the saucy, buttery goodness.
Notes
- This dish is traditionally messy, so serve with plenty of napkins.
- For a less messy version, peel the shrimp before cooking, but shells enhance the sauce’s flavor.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce and cayenne to suit your preferred spice level.
