New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

The moment you dive into a plate of New Orleans BBQ Shrimp, with its luscious, spicy butter sauce and plump shrimp, it’s pure magic. It reminds me of the richness of a perfect butter-poached lobster tails, truly special.

I remember my grandmother telling me stories of bustling New Orleans kitchens, where this very dish was a staple. We’d try to recreate it together, a joyful dance of spices and laughter, making memories with every stirring of the pot.

This recipe is all about bold flavors and low stress, perfect for a weeknight family dinner or a relaxed weekend gathering. My secret for infusing maximum flavor? Don’t skimp on fresh garlic!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

For this delightful New Orleans BBQ Shrimp, gather plump shrimp, garlic, and a rich blend of spices for that iconic sauce, much like the comfort of a lemon butter lobster roll. The full list is in the recipe card below.

How to Make New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

Crafting this amazing dish is a straightforward joy. First, simmer your sauce base with butter, Worcestershire, and spices. Then, quickly cook the shrimp right in that glorious sauce. It’s a speedy, flavor-packed meal that pairs wonderfully with crisp shrimp tostadas, perfect for family time!

Pro Tips for Making This New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

When I’m making this dish for my family, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference.

For the Perfect Sauce

Make sure you don’t rush the sauce base. Let those spices truly bloom in the butter before adding the broth. This builds layers of flavor that will sing. And don’t be shy with the lemon juice at the end; it brightens everything beautifully.

My Secret Trick:

My Secret Trick: I always use unsalted butter and add salt to taste. This allows me to control the seasoning precisely, especially with the Worcestershire and hot sauce adding their own notes. It ensures the dish isn’t too salty and lets all those nuanced flavors shine through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this iconic dish immediately with plenty of crusty French bread for soaking up every last drop of that incredible sauce. A simple green salad on the side cuts through the richness beautifully, making it a complete meal.

How to Store New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

Leftovers are a treat, and storing them properly ensures those delicious flavors last! I always transfer any leftovers into an airtight glass container once it has cooled completely. This keeps the shrimp moist and prevents any lingering fridge odors.

For reheating, I gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a tiny splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce seems too thick. Avoid high heat, as it can make the shrimp tough. Reheating slowly brings the dish back to life, almost as good as fresh!

Nutritional Benefits

New Orleans BBQ Shrimp offers a good source of lean protein from the shrimp, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. It’s a wonderfully flavorful way to incorporate seafood into your family’s diet, keeping things nutritious and exciting.

FAQs

Can I use different types of shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! While large shrimp are ideal for this New Orleans BBQ Shrimp, you can certainly use medium-sized ones. Just be mindful that cooking times will be slightly shorter. The key is to avoid overcooking them, ensuring they remain tender and succulent in that glorious sauce.

What can I serve with New Orleans BBQ Shrimp?

Crusty French bread is essential for soaking up every drop of that amazing sauce! Beyond that, I love serving New Orleans BBQ Shrimp with a simple green salad, rice, or even creamy grits. Roasted asparagus or corn on the cob also make wonderful, easy sides that complement the rich flavors.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Preparing the BBQ sauce base for your New Orleans BBQ Shrimp ahead of time is a fantastic time-saver. Simply make the sauce, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently before adding the shrimp.

Is New Orleans BBQ Shrimp spicy?

This New Orleans BBQ Shrimp has a lovely warmth rather than an overpowering heat. The cayenne pepper and hot sauce provide a pleasant kick that’s balanced by the butter and lemon. If you prefer less spice, reduce the cayenne; for more, feel free to add a little extra hot sauce to your liking!

Antonio

Classic New Orleans BBQ Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce

Dive into the iconic flavors of the Big Easy with succulent shrimp bathed in a rich, spicy, and buttery sauce, perfect for sopping up with crusty French bread. This New Orleans BBQ Shrimp recipe brings the authentic taste home.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Cajun, Creole

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the New Orleans BBQ Sauce

• 12 tbsp Unsalted Butter (1 ½ sticks)
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire Sauce
• 2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1 tbsp Hot Sauce (e.g., Tabasco or Crystal)
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano
• 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp Black Pepper freshly cracked
• 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
• 1/2 cup Chicken Broth (or seafood stock)

For the Shrimp

• 2 lbs Large Shrimp raw, shell-on, head-on preferred, deveined
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 4 cloves Garlic minced
• 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley chopped, for garnish
• 1 loaf Crusty French Bread for serving

Equipment

• Large Skillet (preferably cast iron)
• Mixing Bowl
• Whisk
• Tongs

Method

 

Prepare the BBQ Sauce Base

• In a large skillet (preferably cast iron), melt 4 tablespoons of the unsalted butter over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
• Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Whisk well to combine.
• Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.

Cook the Shrimp

• Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the olive oil to the sauce in the skillet.
• Add the raw, shell-on shrimp to the simmering sauce in a single layer if possible. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
• As the shrimp cook, gradually add the remaining 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter, a tablespoon at a time, whisking or swirling the pan constantly to emulsify the butter into the sauce. This will create a rich, glossy finish.

Serve

• Once all the shrimp are cooked and coated in the glossy sauce, remove the skillet from the heat.
• Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley.
• Serve immediately directly from the skillet, or transfer to a large serving bowl. Provide plenty of crusty French bread for dipping into the incredible New Orleans BBQ Shrimp sauce.

Notes

Using shell-on, head-on shrimp (if available) adds significantly more flavor to the sauce. The shells release flavor as they cook.
Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.
Don't overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and can become rubbery.
The key to the sauce's richness is slowly whisking in the cold butter at the end.

Conclusion

This New Orleans BBQ Shrimp is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to create joyful memories around the table. It’s comforting, easy, and packed with flavor, embodying the simple pleasure of homemade food. So gather your loved ones, perhaps prepare a vibrant salmon rice bowl for another seafood delight, and let this dish bring a taste of Louisiana warmth to your home. Happy cooking!

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