New Orleans-Style BBQ Shrimp

There’s something magical about the flavors of New Orleans—the vibrant, bold spices, the rich sauces, and the simple joy of gathering around a meal that excites the senses. Today, I’m thrilled to bring you a recipe that captures all of that in one dish: New Orleans-Style BBQ Shrimp! This recipe is packed with flavor, quick to prepare, and the perfect dish to serve with warm French bread to soak up every last drop of its spicy, buttery sauce. Let’s dive in!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to adore this New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp recipe. First, it’s incredibly quick to make, meaning you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home in under 20 minutes. Second, the sauce. Oh, the sauce! It’s smoky, garlicky, and spiced just right with a hint of lemon to brighten up each bite. You won’t be able to resist tearing up chunks of French bread to mop it all up! Trust me, this is comfort food at its finest, but with a zesty kick.

What Does It Taste Like?

Imagine juicy, succulent shrimp swimming in a rich, buttery sauce laced with garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and just the right amount of heat from cayenne pepper and smoked paprika. The shrimp themselves have a delicate sweetness, which pairs perfectly with the bold, savory sauce that clings to every bite. The fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, while the French bread soaks up all the deliciousness. It’s truly a flavor explosion!

Ingredients for New Orleans-Style BBQ Shrimp

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this irresistible dish:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (leave tails on)
• 1/2 cup butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• French bread, for serving

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Tongs for handling the shrimp
• Chopping board and knife for prepping the garlic and parsley

How to Make New Orleans-Style BBQ Shrimp

Here’s how you can create this beautiful dish in just a few simple steps:

1. Melt the butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. You want it to be golden but not browned.
2. Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant (don’t let it burn!).
3. Add the flavor: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, chicken broth, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, thyme, oregano, and a pinch of salt. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes so the flavors can meld together.
4. Cook the shrimp: Toss in the shrimp, making sure they’re evenly coated in the sauce. Cook for about 3-4 minutes or until they’re pink and fully cooked, spooning the sauce over them as they cook.
5. Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Serve immediately with slices of warm French bread to soak up the incredible sauce.

Variations & Add-Ons

• Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the cayenne pepper to 1/2 tsp. For extra heat, add more cayenne or a dash of hot sauce!
• Add veggies: You can toss in sliced bell peppers or onions for extra texture and flavor.
• Substitute shrimp: Not a shrimp fan? This recipe works beautifully with scallops, or even chunks of firm white fish like cod.

What to Serve with New Orleans-Style BBQ Shrimp

This dish is traditionally served with warm French bread to sop up all the delicious sauce, but you can pair it with other sides too:

• Rice: A bed of steamed rice would soak up all the sauce beautifully.
• Roasted vegetables: Serve alongside roasted asparagus or broccoli for a complete meal.
• Salad: A fresh, zesty green salad would complement the richness of the shrimp perfectly.

Tips for the Perfect BBQ Shrimp

• Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them. Once they turn pink, they’re done!
• Serve immediately: This dish is best enjoyed right away while the shrimp are tender and the sauce is warm and rich.
• Bread is essential: Trust me on this one—grab a fresh baguette or some crusty bread. You’ll want every last drop of that sauce.

Storage Instructions

If you have any leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best to make this dish fresh, as shrimp can become rubbery if reheated. You can, however, prep the sauce ingredients in advance to save time.

Can I freeze BBQ shrimp?
While you can freeze shrimp, the texture may change slightly once thawed and reheated. I recommend enjoying this dish fresh for the best flavor and texture.

What type of shrimp should I use?
Large shrimp work best for this recipe, as they hold up well to the bold sauce. Be sure to peel and devein the shrimp for the best eating experience.

In Conclusion

New Orleans-Style BBQ Shrimp is a celebration of bold flavors, easy preparation, and pure comfort. With just 20 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have a dish that impresses every time. The combination of spicy, buttery sauce and succulent shrimp is one you’ll crave again and again. So grab your skillet, slice up some French bread, and let’s get cooking!

More Recipes Featuring Bold Flavors:

• Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails: Indulge in a rich, buttery lobster tail dish that’s perfect for a special occasion.
• Spicy Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Delight: A seafood lover’s dream, packed with bold Cajun flavors.
• Savory Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo: For those craving something hearty, this pasta dish features tender steak and a creamy sauce.

I’d love to hear how your New Orleans-Style BBQ Shrimp turned out! Leave a comment below or share your photos on Pinterest. Let’s see those mouthwatering creations!

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