Get ready to indulge in a whirlwind of flavor with this New Orleans BBQ Shrimp recipe. Succulent shrimp meet a symphony of spices and buttery goodness, making this dish a party on your taste buds with every bite. Dive into a meal that’s as much an experience as it is a simple shrimp dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: Each bite is a delightful mix of spicy, garlicky goodness with a touch of citrus.
- Quick to Make: Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknights or casual dinner parties.
- Versatile and Adaptable: Easy to customize according to your spice preference or dietary restrictions.
- Perfect for Sharing: The saucy, buttery shrimp is made for digging into with friends and a loaf of crusty bread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This New Orleans BBQ Shrimp recipe boasts a straightforward yet essential ingredient list, ensuring each component adds its own unique flair. Each ingredient is chosen to enhance the vibrant flavors that make this dish so memorable.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Gives an umami depth that grounds the bright flavors.
- Amber Beer: Adds a malty richness; swap it out for stock if avoiding alcohol.
- Garlic: Infuses the shrimp with aromatic intensity.
- Bay Leaf and Rosemary: Introduce herbaceous notes that balance the spice.
- Cajun or Creole Seasoning: Brings the authentic New Orleans spice profile to life.
- Shrimp: Opt for large, fresh shrimp for the best texture.
- Lemon: Adds a zesty brightness that elevates the overall taste.
- Butter: The heart of your sauce, creating a velvety consistency.
- Hot Sauce and Scallions: For that final kick of spice and a fresh finish.
Variations
This recipe for New Orleans BBQ Shrimp is wonderfully flexible. Feel free to personalize it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences with just a few simple swaps.
- Spice Level Adjustment: Modify the heat by increasing or decreasing the hot sauce and Cajun seasoning.
- Shrimp Preparation: Use peeled shrimp for easy eating or keep them unpeeled for a flavor boost.
- Herb Swap: Try using thyme in place of rosemary for a slightly different herbal note.
How to Make New Orleans BBQ Shrimp
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by adding the Worcestershire sauce, beer, garlic, bay leaf, rosemary, Cajun seasoning, pepper, and hot sauce to a large sauté pan. Bring this flavorful mixture up to a boil, allowing the spices to meld and infuse with rich smells.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp and lemon slices into the pan, ensuring each piece is coated in the savory sauce. Cover and cook for about 3-5 minutes, just until the shrimp are perfectly pink and cooked through.
Step 3: Emulsify the Sauce
Turn off the heat and stir in cubed butter a few pieces at a time while continuously stirring to create a rich, emulsified sauce. Adjust the seasoning with salt and more lemon juice as needed.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the shrimp and sauce to a serving dish, garnish with scallions and parsley for a splash of color and fresh taste. Serve with crusty French bread to soak up every bit of that enchanting sauce.
Pro Tips for Making New Orleans BBQ Shrimp
- Butter Temperature: Use cold butter cubes to slowly emulsify, ensuring a silky sauce.
- Shrimp Selection: Opt for large, high-quality shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Flavor Boost: Don’t skip the hot sauce; it adds just the right amount of kick.
- Timing is Everything: Cook shrimp just until they’re pink to retain juiciness and texture.
How to Serve New Orleans BBQ Shrimp
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh scallions and parsley not only adds vibrant color but also complements the rich flavors of the dish with freshness and a hint of crispness.
Side Dishes
Serve your New Orleans BBQ Shrimp with a side of creamy coleslaw or a zesty green salad to balance the richness. Crusty bread is non-negotiable for mopping up the luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a truly impressive presentation, pile the shrimp high on a large platter over a bed of wilted greens or serve individually as a starter in small bowls alongside your choice of bread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover New Orleans BBQ Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They’re just as delightful on day two when properly stored!
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to one month. Allow it to cool completely before placing it in a tightly sealed container to preserve the flavors.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock if necessary to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture. Avoid microwaving as it may toughen the shrimp.
FAQs
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Can I make this dish without beer?
Absolutely! Substitute the beer with a flavorful shrimp or chicken stock to retain the rich depth of flavor without the alcohol.
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What size shrimp is best for New Orleans BBQ Shrimp?
Large shrimp (16-20 count) are ideal, offering the perfect balance of texture and flavor, making them a juicy and hearty choice for this dish.
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How can I make this recipe less spicy?
Simply reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning and hot sauce to suit your desired spice level. This will create a milder but still flavorful version of the dish.
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Is there a substitute for Cajun or Creole seasoning?
If you don’t have Cajun or Creole seasoning on hand, use a mix of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and thyme to mimic its unique flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, you’ll want to dive into a plate of New Orleans BBQ Shrimp sooner rather than later. It’s a delightful adventure of bold flavors with the ease of a quick prep, making it an ideal choice for your next mealtime masterpiece!
Print
New Orleans BBQ Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Louisiana / Cajun / Creole
Description
This New Orleans BBQ Shrimp recipe captures the bold flavors of Cajun and Creole cuisine, featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a flavorful butter-based sauce infused with beer, garlic, herbs, and spices. Served with crusty French bread, it’s perfect for a quick yet flavorful meal or appetizer that highlights the vibrant tastes of Louisiana.
Ingredients
Marinade and Sauce Base
- 1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/3 cup Amber beer (recommended: Abita)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon Cajun or Creole seasoning
- 1 teaspoon coarsely cracked black pepper
- Several dashes hot sauce (to taste)
Shrimp
- 2 lbs large shrimp (16-20 count or bigger), peeled or unpeeled
Additional ingredients
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced into rounds plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice (more to taste)
- 14 tablespoons (1 3/4 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- Salt, to taste
- 4 scallions, thinly sliced (dark and light green parts)
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
For serving
- Crusty French bread
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking base: Add Worcestershire sauce, beer, garlic, bay leaf, rosemary, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and hot sauce to a large sauté pan with a lid. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp and lemon: Once boiling, add the shrimp and lemon wheels to the pan. Toss to coat the shrimp evenly in the sauce, then cover the pan with a lid and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp are just cooked through.
- Finish the sauce: Remove the lid, stir in the lemon juice, then turn off the heat. Add the cubed cold butter gradually, stirring continuously until the butter melts completely and the sauce emulsifies into a rich, glossy coating. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and additional lemon juice if desired.
- Serve: Transfer the shrimp and sauce to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced scallions and chopped parsley. Serve immediately with plenty of crusty French bread for sopping up the flavorful sauce.
Notes
- If avoiding alcohol, replace the beer with shrimp, chicken, or vegetable stock, or plain water.
- Use a Cajun or Creole seasoning that is lower in salt to prevent an overly salty sauce.
- Traditional unpeeled head-on shrimp provide the best flavor, but peeled shrimp work well if you prefer. For best results, use wild-caught American Gulf shrimp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/5 of total dish (about 1 cup shrimp and sauce)
- Calories: 443 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1272 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 313 mg
