The New Orleans BBQ Shrimp Recipe is a testament to the city’s bold culinary heritage, blending robust Creole spices with the natural sweetness of fresh shrimp. Unlike traditional barbecue, this dish is prepared in a decadent, buttery sauce infused with garlic, paprika, and Worcestershire. It’s a sensory delight that pairs perfectly with crusty French bread, making every bite an immersive experience. With its unique preparation and vibrant flavors, the barbecue shrimp recipe embodies the soul of Louisiana cooking.
A Brief History of BBQ Shrimp in New Orleans
The origins of New Orleans BBQ Shrimp date back to the 1950s when a local restaurant, Pascal’s Manale, first popularized the dish. Despite the misleading name, BBQ shrimp doesn’t follow the traditional grilling method you might associate with barbecue. Instead, the shrimp are simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce composed of butter, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and Creole spices. Over the decades, this dish has evolved, becoming an iconic part of the city’s food scene. It’s often enjoyed as an appetizer or a main course served with a pile of crispy French bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
This dish has become a true New Orleans classic, representing the city’s penchant for combining bold flavors with fresh, local ingredients. Its popularity has spread far beyond the city limits, making it a must-try dish for anyone looking to taste the heart of Louisiana cuisine.
What Makes New Orleans BBQ Shrimp Recipe So Special?
What sets New Orleans BBQ Shrimp apart from other shrimp recipes is its unique cooking method and bold combination of ingredients. Unlike most barbecue shrimp recipes that involve grilling or broiling, New Orleans BBQ Shrimp involves cooking the shrimp directly in a rich, savory sauce. The sauce itself is a perfect blend of butter, garlic, Creole seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of heat from cayenne pepper.
The shrimp are typically served with their shells on, making for a more flavorful and immersive eating experience. The richness of the sauce, combined with the sweetness of the shrimp, creates a complex layering of flavors that’s both indulgent and satisfying. The fact that it’s easy to prepare yet feels incredibly luxurious makes it the perfect dish for both casual weeknight meals and special occasions.
Why You Need to Try This New Orleans BBQ Shrimp Recipe
Whether you’re a shrimp lover or a newcomer to this seafood delight, trying BBQ Shrimp Recipe is an absolute must. The combination of flavors is nothing short of extraordinary, and the recipe is both simple and quick to prepare. This dish brings the vibrant tastes of New Orleans directly to your table, allowing you to experience a signature dish without needing to travel to the French Quarter.
Additionally, New Orleans BBQ Shrimp offers versatility—whether you’re looking for a savory appetizer or a hearty main course, it works perfectly in either role. It’s an indulgent dish that will transport you straight to the heart of Louisiana cuisine. The recipe’s balance of buttery richness and savory spices makes it a crowd-pleaser, sure to impress even the most discerning foodies.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect BBQ Shrimp
The key to making a truly memorable BBQ Shrimp is the quality of your ingredients. Each component plays a critical role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors. Below are the essential ingredients you’ll need to make this dish stand out.
- 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) butter
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 pounds medium to large fresh shrimp, unpeeled
Fresh Shrimp: Why Quality Matters
The foundation of any great shrimp dish is, of course, the shrimp itself. Fresh shrimp—preferably medium to large in size—are essential for the best flavor and texture. Unpeeled shrimp are often recommended for this dish because the shells lock in moisture and flavor while cooking, enhancing the shrimp’s natural sweetness and imparting a deeper, more complex taste. Additionally, the shells absorb the rich sauce, adding an extra layer of flavor.
Fresh shrimp should have a slight oceanic scent but not a strong or fishy odor. They should be firm to the touch, with a translucent color, and the shell should be intact. Always buy shrimp that is sustainably sourced to ensure the freshest product.
The Key Spices and Seasonings that Define the Flavor
New Orleans BBQ Shrimp owes much of its distinctive flavor to a carefully curated blend of spices and seasonings. Creole seasoning—an aromatic mix of paprika, thyme, garlic, and onion powder—is the backbone of the dish. This seasoning provides an earthy, savory kick that’s balanced with a subtle heat from cayenne pepper. The oregano and bay leaves contribute a fragrant, herbal note, while the paprika imparts both color and a mild smokiness.
Worcestershire sauce adds a touch of tangy depth, complementing the richness of the butter. Black pepper rounds out the flavor, bringing in a slight heat that ties everything together. Lemon juice and zest enhance the brightness of the dish, balancing the butter’s richness.
Butter, Garlic, and the Secret to the Rich Sauce
The most important part of New Orleans BBQ Shrimp is, without a doubt, the sauce. Butter and garlic form the base, providing a luxurious, creamy texture and a deeply satisfying flavor. The garlic should be minced finely and sautéed just until fragrant to avoid any bitterness. This rich sauce clings to the shrimp, infusing every bite with layers of flavor.
The addition of Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice adds a subtle tang and acidity, perfectly balancing the heaviness of the butter. When these ingredients are combined, they form a sauce that’s ideal for soaking up with bread, making it the perfect accompaniment to the shrimp.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making BBQ Shrimp Recipe
Preparing the Shrimp: Clean, Devein, and Season
Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water. With the shells still on, remove the vein along the back of each shrimp using a small paring knife. This can be a bit tedious, but it ensures that the shrimp remains clean and free from any grit. After cleaning, place the shrimp in a bowl and season them lightly with salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of Creole seasoning. This will ensure that the shrimp are flavorful from the inside out as they cook.
Making the BBQ Sauce: A Flavor Explosion in the Making
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add the olive oil. As the butter melts, stir in the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Next, add the Worcestershire sauce, followed by the bay leaves, oregano, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine, allowing the spices to bloom in the butter. Then, add the lemon juice and sliced lemon, continuing to cook for another 2-3 minutes. The sauce should be rich, glossy, and aromatic.
Cooking the Shrimp: Achieving the Perfect Texture and Flavor
Add the seasoned shrimp to the pan, making sure they are evenly distributed in the sauce. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. Once cooked, toss the shrimp gently in the sauce to ensure they are well coated.
Bringing it All Together: Combining Shrimp and Sauce.
Once the shrimp are cooked, sprinkle them with the sliced green onions and stir to combine. Allow the shrimp to rest in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb the flavors. The dish is now ready to be served.
Expert Tips for the Best BBQ Shrimp
How to Adjust the Spice Level to Your Preference
If you prefer a spicier dish, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. For a milder version, reduce the cayenne and leave out the hot sauce altogether.
Tips for Making the Sauce Extra Creamy
To achieve an even creamier sauce, you can add a tablespoon of heavy cream at the end of cooking. This will make the sauce silkier and add richness without overwhelming the flavors.
How to Cook Shrimp Without Overcooking
The key to perfectly cooked shrimp is to keep an eye on them while cooking. Shrimp cook very quickly, and even a minute too long can result in a tough texture. Once the shrimp turn pink and opaque, they’re done. If in doubt, remove them from the heat immediately.
Serving Suggestions for New Orleans BBQ Shrimp
Pairing BBQ Shrimp with the Perfect Side Dishes
BBQ Shrimp is best served with a side of crusty French bread to soak up the rich sauce. You can also serve it alongside rice, which helps absorb the flavorful sauce, or a fresh, tangy coleslaw to balance the richness.
How to Present BBQ Shrimp for Maximum Appeal
For a visually striking presentation, serve the shrimp on a large platter with the sauce generously drizzled over them. Garnish with fresh parsley or additional green onions for a pop of color. Provide guests with extra bread or rice to ensure no sauce is left behind.
FAQ
What is the best way to barbecue shrimp?
The best way to BBQ shrimp is to cook them on the stovetop in a rich, flavorful sauce rather than grilling them. This method locks in moisture and creates a delicious, juicy shrimp.
What goes with barbeque shrimp?
BBQ shrimp pairs well with sides like rice, bread, roasted vegetables, or a light salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Is it better to barbecue shrimp with a shell on or off?
For New Orleans BBQ Shrimp, the shells should be left on for maximum flavor. The shells trap moisture and infuse the shrimp with a deeper taste.
Can you put frozen shrimp on the barbecue?
Frozen shrimp can be used, but it‘s important to thaw them thoroughly before cooking to ensure even seasoning and texture.
How do you BBQ shrimp?
BBQ shrimp in New Orleans style are cooked in a skillet with a rich, buttery sauce rather than using a grill. The shrimp absorb the sauce’s flavors, making for an indulgent dish.
How long to BBQ shrimp?
Shrimp cook quickly—around 3-4 minutes on each side. Watch for them to turn pink and opaque.
Conclusion
New Orleans BBQ Shrimp is a dish that perfectly captures the essence of Southern cooking: bold, flavorful, and irresistible. It’s an easy recipe to master, offering endless possibilities for customization. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a comforting meal, this recipe will elevate your cooking skills and transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Louisiana. So, gather your ingredients, put on some jazz, and indulge in one of New Orleans’ finest creations.