Description
New Orleans BBQ Shrimp is a famous Louisiana dish featuring large shrimp cooked in a rich, buttery sauce packed with garlic, Worcestershire sauce, lemon, Cajun spices, and a touch of heat. Despite the name, the shrimp are not grilled; they are simmered in a skillet until coated in a bold, savory sauce. This iconic Creole recipe is traditionally served with crusty French bread to soak up every drop of the flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4):
For the Shrimp:
1 ½ pounds large shrimp (shell-on or peeled, deveined)
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons olive oil
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice)
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup chicken broth or seafood stock
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For Serving:
Crusty French bread or baguette
Lemon wedges
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
If using shell-on shrimp, rinse and pat dry. If peeled, ensure they are fully deveined. Set aside.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Seasonings
Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, then add hot sauce if you want extra heat.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and are fully cooked.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
Sprinkle chopped parsley over the shrimp and stir gently so the sauce coats everything well.
Step 6: Serve
Serve immediately with crusty French bread to dip into the rich, buttery sauce.
Notes
- Authentic Style: Traditional New Orleans recipes often use shell-on shrimp because the shells add extra flavor to the sauce.
- Extra Spicy Version: Add additional cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for spicy New Orleans BBQ shrimp.
- Peeled Shrimp Option: If using peeled shrimp, reduce cooking time slightly to keep them tender.
- Restaurant Style: Many famous versions, like those from Pascal Manale’s or chefs like Emeril Lagasse and Paul Prudhomme, emphasize a bold buttery sauce with plenty of garlic and Worcestershire flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish / Seafood
- Method: Skillet / Sautéed
- Cuisine: Cajun / New Orleans / Southern