New Orleans-Style BBQ Shrimp is a culinary delight that brings the bold flavors of the South to your kitchen. This dish features succulent shrimp bathed in a rich, spicy, and buttery sauce that is as indulgent as it is comforting. The combination of Worcestershire sauce, Cajun spices, and garlic creates a mouthwatering experience that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in. Served best with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love New Orleans-Style BBQ Shrimp for its robust flavor profile and ease of preparation. The bold spices offer a delightful kick, while the buttery sauce creates a velvety finish that is hard to resist. This recipe is not only quick to make, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish, but it also fits well into a variety of diets, especially for seafood lovers. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will impress your guests without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Tips and Tricks
To elevate your New Orleans-Style BBQ Shrimp experience, consider these tips:
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Opt for fresh shrimp if possible; it makes a significant difference in flavor and texture.
- Don’t Rush: Allow the shrimp to marinate briefly in the spice mix before cooking to enhance their flavor.
- Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your spice tolerance. You can always add more but can’t take it away!
- Use a Cast Iron Skillet: For optimal heat retention and even cooking, a cast iron skillet is ideal.
Make Ahead Tips
To streamline your cooking process, consider these make-ahead tips:
- Marinate the Shrimp: You can marinate the shrimp in the spice mixture up to an hour in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
- Prepare the Sauce: You can prepare the sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat it gently before adding shrimp.
- Store Leftovers: Any leftover shrimp can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days.
Recipe Variations
Here are some variations to keep things interesting:
- Spicy Garlic Butter: Add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Herb Infusion: Toss in some fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added freshness before serving.
- Alternate Cooking Methods: This dish can also be grilled for a smoky flavor; just thread the shrimp onto skewers.
How to Serve
Serve your New Orleans-Style BBQ Shrimp in a shallow bowl, spooning the rich sauce over the shrimp. Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley for color and freshness. Pair it with crusty French bread or rice to soak up the delicious sauce. A wedge of lemon on the side not only adds a pop of color but enhances the flavors when squeezed over the top.
Pairing Suggestions
To complement your BBQ Shrimp, consider the following pairings:
- Drink: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing mint julep would pair beautifully with the dish.
- Sides: Serve with a side of coleslaw, garlic bread, or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.
- Dessert: Finish off with a classic beignet or a slice of pecan pie for a true taste of New Orleans.
How to Store
To store leftovers, place the BBQ shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. If you wish to freeze, the dish can be stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently on the stove to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery.
Equipment Needed
You will need:
- A large cast iron skillet or non-stick frying pan (alternative: heavy-bottomed skillet)
- A mixing bowl for marinating
- A spatula for stirring and serving
Dietary Adaptations
For those with dietary restrictions:
- Gluten-Free: Ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative like vegan butter or olive oil.
- Shellfish-Free: Substitute shrimp with firm tofu or jackfruit for a vegetarian version.
Seasonal Adaptations
In summer, use fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for garnish, while in winter, consider adding seasonal vegetables such as bell peppers for a heartier dish. Adjust your ingredients based on what’s locally available to enhance freshness.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, but ensure you thaw them completely before marinating and cooking.
- How do I know when the shrimp are done? They should be pink and opaque; overcooked shrimp turn rubbery.
- Can I substitute the Worcestershire sauce? You can use soy sauce or a homemade mix of vinegar, molasses, and spices, but the flavor will vary.
How To Make New Orleans-Style BBQ Shrimp
New Orleans-Style BBQ Shrimp
New Orleans-Style BBQ Shrimp is a culinary delight that brings the bold flavors of the South to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Crusty French bread (for serving)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Allow to marinate for 15-30 minutes.
- In a large cast iron skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the marinated shrimp along with the marinade to the skillet.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley. - Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 406Total Fat 26gSaturated Fat 15gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 300mgSodium 2231mgCarbohydrates 16gFiber 1gSugar 3gProtein 28g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
New Orleans-Style BBQ Shrimp is a delightful dish that encapsulates the spirit of Southern cuisine. Its rich, buttery sauce paired with perfectly cooked shrimp makes for a truly indulgent meal. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy. Enjoy the experience of creating this dish, and don’t forget the crusty bread for that essential sauce-dipping moment! Happy cooking!
