New Orleans-Style BBQ Shrimp is a mouthwatering dish that perfectly captures the essence of Southern cuisine with its bold flavors and rich, buttery sauce. Despite the name, this dish isn’t grilled or barbecued; rather, it’s cooked in a skillet, with a tangy, spicy sauce that’s packed with garlic, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and lemon juice. The shrimp soak up the sauce beautifully, and the best way to enjoy this dish is with a warm, crusty French bread to mop up every last bit of that incredible sauce. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving something indulgent, this recipe will transport you straight to the heart of New Orleans.
Ingredients :
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (leave tails on)
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- French bread, for serving
Preparation :
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp, leaving the tails on for extra flavor. Mince the garlic cloves and set them aside. Chop fresh parsley for garnish later.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
In a large skillet, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Butter is a key ingredient in this dish, giving it that rich and decadent base.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned. Garlic adds a deep flavor to the sauce, so be sure to watch closely to avoid burning.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Now, stir in the Worcestershire sauce, chicken broth, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, thyme, oregano, and a pinch of salt. These ingredients form the backbone of the sauce, with Worcestershire bringing a tangy, savory depth and the paprika and cayenne adding that New Orleans-style heat. Let the mixture come to a simmer and allow the flavors to meld for about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the sauce, stirring to coat them evenly. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Be sure to spoon the sauce over the shrimp as they cook to ensure they soak up all the flavor. Cooking shrimp quickly over medium heat keeps them tender and juicy.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the shrimp are cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately with warm, crusty French bread to dip into the luscious sauce.
Cooking Note :
- Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper to 1/2 teaspoon. For extra heat, you can increase it to 1 1/2 teaspoons or even add red pepper flakes.
- Shrimp Prep: Leaving the tails on not only adds visual appeal but also helps retain moisture and flavor in the shrimp. However, if you prefer, you can remove the tails entirely before cooking.
- Worcestershire Substitutes: If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute soy sauce with a splash of vinegar and a pinch of brown sugar to achieve a similar flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions :
- Serve your New Orleans-Style BBQ Shrimp with warm, crusty French bread. The bread is essential for soaking up all the buttery, spicy sauce, which is truly the star of the dish.
- You can also serve this dish over steamed white rice or creamy mashed potatoes to catch every drop of sauce.
- Pair it with a light, crisp salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance out the rich flavors of the shrimp.
Tips :
- Butter Quality: Since butter forms the base of this sauce, using high-quality butter will elevate the overall taste. Opt for European-style butter for a richer, creamier texture.
- Shrimp Size: Larger shrimp work best in this recipe because they hold up well to the rich sauce and have a satisfying bite. However, medium shrimp can also be used if that’s what you have on hand.
- Make It Ahead: You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the sauce and cook the shrimp in it. This is great for entertaining when you want to minimize prep time.
- Extra Bread: Make sure you have plenty of bread because your guests will want to mop up every last bit of sauce!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving) :
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 850 mg
FAQs :
- Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry to avoid adding excess water to the sauce. - Can I make this dish less spicy?
Absolutely! Reduce the cayenne pepper to 1/4 teaspoon or eliminate it altogether if you prefer a milder flavor. - What can I substitute for chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth or even seafood broth if you prefer a more intense seafood flavor. - Can I use a different protein?
While shrimp is traditional, you can substitute it with scallops or even thin slices of chicken breast. However, cooking times may vary, so keep an eye on your protein to ensure it doesn’t overcook. - How long does this dish keep?
BBQ shrimp is best served fresh. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little extra butter or broth to refresh the sauce.
Conclusion :
New Orleans-Style BBQ Shrimp is a bold, flavorful dish that brings the spirit of Louisiana to your kitchen. With its rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic, Worcestershire, lemon, and spices, this shrimp dish is simply irresistible. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress. Serve it with French bread to soak up the delicious sauce, and don’t be surprised if your guests ask for seconds. The simplicity of preparation paired with the complexity of flavors makes this dish a true winner.
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New Orleans-Style BBQ Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients :
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (leave tails on) ????
- 1/2 cup butter ????
- 4 cloves garlic, minced ????
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp lemon juice ????
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper ????️
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme ????
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) ????
- French bread, for serving ????
Instructions
Preparation :
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp, leaving the tails on for extra flavor. Mince the garlic cloves and set them aside. Chop fresh parsley for garnish later.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
In a large skillet, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Butter is a key ingredient in this dish, giving it that rich and decadent base.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned. Garlic adds a deep flavor to the sauce, so be sure to watch closely to avoid burning.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Now, stir in the Worcestershire sauce, chicken broth, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, thyme, oregano, and a pinch of salt. These ingredients form the backbone of the sauce, with Worcestershire bringing a tangy, savory depth and the paprika and cayenne adding that New Orleans-style heat. Let the mixture come to a simmer and allow the flavors to meld for about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the sauce, stirring to coat them evenly. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Be sure to spoon the sauce over the shrimp as they cook to ensure they soak up all the flavor. Cooking shrimp quickly over medium heat keeps them tender and juicy.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the shrimp are cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately with warm, crusty French bread to dip into the luscious sauce.
Notes
Cooking Note :
- Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper to 1/2 teaspoon. For extra heat, you can increase it to 1 1/2 teaspoons or even add red pepper flakes.
- Shrimp Prep: Leaving the tails on not only adds visual appeal but also helps retain moisture and flavor in the shrimp. However, if you prefer, you can remove the tails entirely before cooking.
- Worcestershire Substitutes: If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute soy sauce with a splash of vinegar and a pinch of brown sugar to achieve a similar flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Protein: 25g