If you’ve ever dreamed of bringing a true taste of the Crescent City into your kitchen, then this BBQ Shrimp Recipe (New Orleans Style) Recipe is your golden ticket. Bursting with buttery, garlicky, and spicy goodness, this dish takes simple shrimp and elevates it with a sauce so rich and flavorful you’ll want to lick the skillet clean. It’s comfort food with a kick, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on a cozy night in. Once you try this, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved staple of New Orleans cuisine and a forever favorite in my recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this BBQ Shrimp Recipe (New Orleans Style) Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—whether it’s building layers of smoky spice, adding buttery richness, or giving that zing of lemon juice to brighten the whole dish. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand to make this magic happen.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup or 1 stick): The creamy base that melts into a luscious sauce coating every shrimp perfectly.
- Garlic cloves (5, minced): Fresh garlic brings a punch of savory aroma and depth that’s absolutely irresistible.
- Worcestershire sauce (¼ cup): Adds an umami and tangy complexity that’s essential for that authentic New Orleans flavor.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons, fresh): The bright acidity balances the richness and wakes up your taste buds.
- Cajun seasoning (1 tablespoon): The heart of the heat, packed with herbs and spices to deliver a zesty spice blend.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Gives a subtle smoky undertone and beautiful color to the sauce.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances every other flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Ground cayenne pepper (¼ teaspoon): Provides just enough fire to make the shrimp dance on your palate.
- Freshly ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a sharp, peppery bite to round out the spice profile.
- Large shrimp (2 pounds, deveined): The star of the show—plump, succulent, and ready to soak up all that amazing sauce.
How to Make BBQ Shrimp Recipe (New Orleans Style) Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter and Sauté Garlic
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat—this is where the magic begins. Melt the butter slowly until it’s sizzling gently, then add the minced garlic. Cook it for just about 30 seconds so it releases its incredible fragrance without browning. This simple step unleashes the base aroma that will infuse your shrimp later.
Step 2: Whisk in the Sauces and Spices
Next, add Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, and freshly ground black pepper right into the skillet. Stir everything together well to create a deeply flavorful mixture where each spice melts into the butter. This is what gives the shrimp their authentic New Orleans charm.
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp in the Sauce
Toss the clean, deveined shrimp into the skillet and stir them around to coat every piece evenly with that spicy, buttery concoction. The shrimp will soak up all those bold, vibrant flavors, setting you up for the perfect finish.
Step 4: Cook Until Pink and Opaque
Cook the shrimp for about 4 to 5 minutes until they turn a gorgeous pink color and become opaque throughout. It’s key not to overcook here—shrimp can go from perfectly tender to rubbery in moments. Once done, they should be juicy and packed with flavor.
Step 5: Serve While Hot and Sizzling
Remove the skillet from heat and get ready to dig in! Serve your BBQ Shrimp Recipe (New Orleans Style) Recipe immediately, ideally with fresh lemon wedges to add that extra zing. Hot sauce and some fresh parsley make fantastic optional garnishes that boost both flavor and color on your plate.
How to Serve BBQ Shrimp Recipe (New Orleans Style) Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of green and a hint of fresh herbal brightness. Lemon wedges on the side are non-negotiable—they bring a citrusy lift that brightens the bold sauce beautifully. If you love heat, a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce gives an extra layer of spice that complements the shrimp wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This BBQ Shrimp shines as a standalone star but pairs beautifully with rustic crusty bread for sopping up every last bit of the buttery sauce. For a more complete meal, serve alongside creamy grits or fragrant jasmine rice—they soak up the flavors perfectly. A crisp green salad or sautéed greens can add a refreshing, balanced touch to your seafood feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stylish twist, serve the shrimp over a bed of cheesy grits in individual bowls, topped with chopped green onions. Another fun idea is to pile them into toasted baguette halves for a fancy shrimp po’boy vibe. If you’re entertaining, present the shrimp in a large cast iron skillet right at the table to keep things warm and inviting—it’s show-stopping and welcoming.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover BBQ Shrimp Recipe (New Orleans Style) Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The sauce will thicken as it chills, so give it a gentle stir before reheating to bring back that silky texture.
Freezing
Because shrimp can become tough when frozen and reheated, it’s best to freeze only if necessary. Store cooked shrimp and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming gently to preserve flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat your stored shrimp slowly on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce feels too thick to help loosen it up. Avoid the microwave if possible, since shrimp can become rubbery quickly. A gentle warm-up keeps them tender and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp fully and pat them dry before cooking. This helps them absorb the sauce better and cook evenly, yielding the best results.
Is this dish spicy?
The spice level is lively but can be adjusted by reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning if you prefer milder flavors. It has a nice kick without overwhelming heat, making it approachable for most palates.
What type of shrimp works best?
Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp are ideal for this recipe. Their size holds up well to the cooking process and they soak up the flavorful sauce beautifully.
Can I use this technique for other seafood?
Definitely! While this BBQ Shrimp Recipe (New Orleans Style) Recipe is custom-tailored to shrimp, you can experiment with scallops or chunks of firm fish, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
What should I serve with this dish for a full meal?
Pair it with creamy grits, crusty bread, or steaming white rice to soak up the sauce. Adding sautéed greens or a fresh salad can balance the richness with a bit of brightness and crunch.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the comforting, bold flavors of this BBQ Shrimp Recipe (New Orleans Style) Recipe to bring a taste of Louisiana right to your table. It’s an easy, quick dish filled with layers of buttery, spicy, and tangy goodness that you’ll want to make again and again. Whether for a special weekend treat or an impressive dinner with friends, give this recipe a go—you might just find your new favorite shrimp dish.
Print
BBQ Shrimp Recipe (New Orleans Style) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Creole, Southern American
Description
This classic New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp recipe features large shrimp cooked in a rich, buttery, garlic-infused sauce seasoned with Cajun spices and Worcestershire sauce. Perfectly tender and flavorful, this dish is a quick and easy way to enjoy a taste of Creole cuisine at home.
Ingredients
Primary Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (such as McCormick or Slap Ya Mama)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 pounds large shrimp, deveined
Instructions
- Heat the Butter and Garlic: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter in it. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to release its aroma and flavor, creating a fragrant base for the sauce.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors into a rich, spicy sauce.
- Coat the Shrimp: Add the deveined large shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the buttery spice mixture, ensuring each shrimp is evenly coated with the sauce for maximum flavor.
- Cook the Shrimp: Cook the shrimp in the skillet for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and opaque, signaling they are fully cooked but still tender.
- Serve immediately: Remove the skillet from heat and serve the BBQ shrimp hot, complemented with lemon wedges, hot sauce, and fresh parsley if desired for an extra burst of freshness and heat.
Notes
- Use fresh large shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.
- Serve with crusty bread or over rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- If you prefer less butter, you can reduce it slightly, but it is key to the richness of this recipe.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to avoid a rubbery texture.
