New Orleans BBQ Shrimp is a dish that is as tantalizing to your taste buds as it is easy to prepare. This classic recipe combines succulent shrimp with a rich and spicy sauce, perfect for a quick, indulgent meal that brings the vibrant flavors of the Big Easy straight into your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: The Worcestershire sauce and Cajun seasoning create a delightful mix of smoky and spicy flavors.
- Quick to Prepare: In just 20 minutes, you have a dish that feels like a mini-vacation to New Orleans!
- Perfect Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is a showstopper at gatherings with its vibrant colors and irresistible aroma.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with substitutions for a personalized touch or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this New Orleans BBQ Shrimp, each ingredient plays a crucial role, building layers of flavor and texture that make this dish unforgettable. Here’s what you’ll need and why it’s so important:
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a savory depth and umami that complements the shrimp beautifully.
- Amber Beer (like Abita): Provides a subtle sweetness and richness to the sauce, enhancing the overall depth.
- Garlic and Bay Leaf: Bring an aromatic backdrop that lifts other flavors.
- Cajun or Creole Seasoning: Essential for that authentic smoky and spicy kick.
- Large Shrimp: The star of the show – fresh, juicy shrimp soak up all the fragrant sauce.
- Lemon: Adds brightness that cuts through the richness, balancing the flavors.
- Butter: Creates a silky, luxurious sauce as it melts into the other ingredients.
- Hot Sauce: Adjust to your liking for an added layer of heat.
- Scallions and Parsley: Provide a fresh, herbaceous finish that accentuates the dish.
- Crusty French Bread: Perfect for soaking up every drop of the scrumptious sauce.
Variations
One of the best things about New Orleans BBQ Shrimp is how adaptable the recipe is. Feel free to tweak the ingredients based on availability, dietary needs, or personal taste to make it your own unique creation.
- Alcohol-Free: Substitute the beer with chicken broth or vegetable stock to avoid alcohol without losing flavor.
- Vegetarian: Swap the shrimp for mixed mushrooms or tofu for a plant-based twist on the classic.
- Less Spicy: Reduce or omit the hot sauce to tone down the heat, making it more kid-friendly or gentle on the palate.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure all your seasonings and beer substitutes are gluten-free, and use crusty gluten-free bread for dipping.
How to Make New Orleans BBQ Shrimp
Step 1: Build the Base
Start by combining the Worcestershire sauce, beer, garlic, bay leaf, rosemary, Cajun seasoning, pepper, and hot sauce in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Let it come to a boil, allowing the melting pot of flavors to enhance and the aromas to fill your kitchen.
Step 2: Add the Shrimp
Once boiling, add the shrimp and lemon slices, giving them a good toss in the flavorful broth. Cover the pan and let them cook until just pink and tender, which should take about 3-5 minutes, depending on their size.
Step 3: Emulsify the Sauce
Uncover the pan, add the lemon juice, then turn off the heat. Gradually add the cold butter cubes, stirring continuously until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and emulsified. This is where the magic happens, wrapping each shrimp in a buttery embrace.
Pro Tips for Making New Orleans BBQ Shrimp
- Temperature Control: Ensure the sauce is simmering but not boiling when adding the shrimp to prevent overcooking.
- Perfect Emulsion: Add the butter slowly while stirring off the heat to achieve a creamy sauce that clings beautifully to the shrimp.
- Shrimp Selection: Sourcing wild-caught Gulf shrimp will elevate the freshness and authenticity of the dish.
- Butter Quality: Use high-quality unsalted butter for the best results, as it plays a huge role in the richness of the sauce.
How to Serve New Orleans BBQ Shrimp
Garnishes
Finish your New Orleans BBQ Shrimp with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and sliced scallions. These garnishes not only add a pop of color but also introduce a fresh, vibrant flavour that enhances the rich sauce.
Side Dishes
The classic accompaniment to this dish is a generous serving of crusty French bread. Its crunchy texture and absorbent crumb soak up the luxurious sauce perfectly. You can also serve it with a light side salad or roasted vegetables to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, serve the shrimp and sauce in a deep, wide serving dish surrounded by lemon slices for a splash of brightness. Garnish with fresh parsley sprigs and a drizzle of extra hot sauce for a more polished yet rustic display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Make sure the shrimp are fully submerged in the sauce to keep them juicy and flavorful.
Freezing
To freeze, place the shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results, which helps maintain the texture of both the shrimp and the sauce.
Reheating
Reheat the New Orleans BBQ Shrimp gently over low heat on the stove. Stir occasionally until warmed through, taking care not to overcook the shrimp. Avoid using the microwave to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen shrimp for New Orleans BBQ Shrimp?
Yes, just ensure they’re fully thawed before cooking for the best texture and flavor absorption.
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What can I substitute for Cajun seasoning?
You can use Creole seasoning as a direct substitute, or create your own blend using paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper.
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Is it better to serve with peeled or unpeeled shrimp?
Traditionally, unpeeled, head-on shrimp are used for maximum flavor, but peeled shrimp make for easier eating, especially at parties.
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How can I reduce the sodium content?
Use low-sodium versions of ingredients such as Worcestershire sauce and Cajun seasoning, and taste before adding extra salt.
Final Thoughts
Give yourself the pleasure of a little culinary adventure with this New Orleans BBQ Shrimp recipe. Its simplicity belies the complexity of flavors you’ll experience. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or a quiet dinner, it’s sure to make your meal feel like a special occasion. Try it today and bring a taste of New Orleans to your dining table!
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New Orleans BBQ Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun / Creole
Description
Experience the bold flavors of New Orleans with this delicious BBQ Shrimp recipe. Juicy shrimp are simmered in a savory sauce of Worcestershire, beer, garlic, and Cajun spices, then finished with butter and fresh herbs. Perfectly paired with crusty French bread for sopping up the flavorful sauce, this dish offers a spicy, smoky, and indulgent taste of Cajun cuisine in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Seafood and Liquids
- 1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/3 cup Amber beer (recommended: Abita)
- 2 lbs large shrimp (16-20 count or bigger), peeled or unpeeled
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or more to taste)
Aromatics and Spices
- 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 of hot sauce (to taste)
Butter and Herbs
- 14 tablespoons (1-3/4 sticks) unsalted cold butter, cut into cubes
- 4 scallions, thinly sliced (dark and light green parts only)
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
Additional
- Salt to taste
- Crusty French bread for serving
Instructions
- Combine ingredients and bring to boil: 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 shrimp and lemon: Add the shrimp and lemon wheels to the pan, toss to coat evenly, then cover with the lid. Cook until shrimp are just done, about 3-5 minutes depending on size.
- Finish the sauce: Remove the lid, stir in lemon juice, then turn off the heat. Add the butter cubes and stir continuously until melted and the sauce emulsifies. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and more lemon juice if desired.
- Serve: Transfer the shrimp and sauce to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced scallions and parsley. Serve immediately with plenty of crusty bread for dipping and sopping up the sauce.
Notes
- To avoid alcohol, replace the beer with shrimp, chicken, or vegetable stock or plain water.
- Use a low-salt Cajun or Creole seasoning to prevent an overly salty dish.
- Traditional head-on unpeeled shrimp enhances flavor, but peeled shrimp can be used as a convenient alternative. Wild-caught American Gulf shrimp is recommended for authenticity and taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/5 of the dish (approx 1 cup with sauce)
- Calories: 443 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1272mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 313mg
