Ultimate Barbecue Shrimp Recipe: New Orleans Style

Experience the flavors of New Orleans with this barbecue shrimp recipe, a rich and spicy shrimp dish cooked in a flavorful butter sauce. Unlike traditional barbecue, New Orleans barbecue shrimp is a stovetop recipe that uses Cajun and Creole seasonings combined with Worcestershire sauce, lemon, and garlic. This dish, ideal for soaking up with crusty bread, is perfect as an appetizer or main course for seafood lovers.

Introduction to New Orleans Barbecue Shrimp

Barbecue shrimp, as it’s known in New Orleans, is quite different from the usual grilled fare. Instead, shrimp are simmered in a rich, spiced butter sauce made with Worcestershire, garlic, and Creole seasoning, creating a deep, flavorful sauce that’s perfect for dipping. This dish originated in New Orleans and reflects the area’s Creole and Cajun culinary influences, combining elements of French, Spanish, and African cooking styles. The name “barbecue” is a local twist, as the dish is cooked entirely on the stovetop.

For a broader context on how Creole cuisine developed its rich flavor profile, take a look at this Smithsonian guide to New Orleans cuisine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the best results with this barbecue shrimp recipe, use fresh ingredients and authentic seasonings. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Shrimp – Large, shell-on shrimp (16/20 or 21/25 count) for a richer flavor.
• Butter – Essential for the base of the sauce, creating a creamy, rich texture.
• Garlic – Adds depth and a savory kick.
• Worcestershire Sauce – Provides the classic tangy, savory element.
• Lemon Juice – Balances the richness of the butter with acidity.
• Cajun or Creole Seasoning – Provides the heat and complexity unique to New Orleans cuisine.

These ingredients work together to create the iconic flavor profile of this barbecue shrimp recipe. For more on selecting the perfect Cajun and Creole spices, see Epicurious’s guide to Cajun and Creole spices.

Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor

• Beer – Adds depth to the sauce; substitute with broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic option.
• Bay Leaves – Provides a subtle herbal flavor.
• Rosemary or Thyme – Brings an earthy balance to the richness of the butter.

These optional ingredients let you customize the dish, adding complexity to the sauce that infuses the shrimp with flavor.

Step-by-Step Preparation for New Orleans Barbecue Shrimp

Follow this step-by-step guide to create authentic New Orleans barbecue shrimp at home:

1. Melt the Butter: In a large skillet, melt about half of the butter over medium heat until it foams slightly. This step helps develop a nutty aroma, adding depth to the sauce.
2. Create the Sauce Base: Add minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and your Cajun or Creole seasoning to the skillet. Cook until the garlic is fragrant and the seasonings meld, forming the base of the sauce.
3. Add Lemon Juice and Shrimp: Add fresh lemon juice and the shell-on shrimp, stirring to coat them in the sauce. Cooking the shrimp with shells on allows them to hold more flavor, enhancing the sauce. Cook until the shrimp turn a pinkish-orange and are opaque, typically 3–5 minutes, depending on their size.
4. Finish with More Butter and Seasonings: Turn off the heat and add the remaining butter, stirring until it melts and thickens the sauce. Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding salt, pepper, or more Cajun seasoning for additional heat as desired.

The result is a rich, flavorful sauce that clings to the shrimp and is ideal for sopping up with bread.

Tips for the Perfect Barbecue Shrimp Recipe

Here are a few tips to help make your barbecue shrimp recipe a success:

• Use Shell-On Shrimp: Shell-on shrimp absorb more of the sauce, creating a richer, more intense flavor. Removing the shells is an option, but the flavor won’t be as robust.
• Mind the Cooking Time: Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
• Seasoning Adjustments: Cajun and Creole seasonings vary in saltiness and heat. Taste as you go and adjust to ensure a balanced flavor.

These tips will ensure your barbecue shrimp are tender and packed with flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Barbecue shrimp is versatile and pairs beautifully with various sides. Here are a few ideas:

• Crusty French Bread – Ideal for soaking up the sauce.
• Rice or Pasta – Serve the shrimp and sauce over rice or pasta for a more substantial meal.
• Fresh Corn or a Green Salad – Complements the richness of the butter sauce with a light, fresh side.

With these pairings, you can serve this dish as a hearty main course or an impressive appetizer for gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Barbecue Shrimp

1. What’s the Best Type of Shrimp for Barbecue Shrimp?

For this barbecue shrimp recipe, large, shell-on shrimp are recommended as they hold onto the sauce, enhancing the dish’s flavor.

2. Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp can work well but must be thawed thoroughly before cooking. Shell-on frozen shrimp are preferable for the best results, as they help retain more of the sauce’s flavor.

3. Is Barbecue Shrimp Really Barbecue?

Though it’s called barbecue, this New Orleans barbecue shrimp recipe is cooked entirely on the stovetop in a rich, spiced butter sauce. It’s a unique twist on barbecue flavors that’s specific to New Orleans-style cooking.

Variations and Substitutions for the Barbecue Shrimp Recipe

This recipe allows flexibility, making it easy to adjust for personal taste. Here are some popular variations:

• Alcohol-Free Option: Replace beer with chicken broth for an equally delicious, alcohol-free version.
• Lighter Sauce: Substitute half of the butter with olive oil for a lighter sauce.
• Extra Spice: Add more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicier dish.

These variations allow you to create a customized barbecue shrimp dish that suits your preferences while still retaining the iconic New Orleans flavors.

Final Tips for Success with This Barbecue Shrimp Recipe

• Control the Spice Level: Adjust the Cajun seasoning and Worcestershire sauce based on your taste preference, as these ingredients bring bold flavors.
• Perfect Sauce Consistency: For a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer a bit longer before adding the shrimp. This step intensifies the flavor and gives the sauce a slightly thicker consistency.
• Reheating Tips: Shrimp tend to become rubbery when reheated, so it’s best to prepare only what you’ll enjoy fresh.

This New Orleans barbecue shrimp recipe is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that captures the essence of Louisiana cooking. With its spicy, buttery sauce, it’s perfect for dipping and savoring alongside crusty bread or a plate of rice. This dish offers a taste of the Big Easy right in your kitchen, so enjoy each flavorful bite!

For another grilled dish, check our Beef Round Steak Recipes.