New Orleans BBQ Shrimp: 30-Min Flavor Explosion

New Orleans BBQ shrimp might sound like it’s straight off the grill, but this classic Creole dish is actually cooked stovetop, swimming in a ridiculously flavorful, buttery, garlicky, and, yes, spicy sauce. I first experienced authentic New Orleans BBQ shrimp at a tiny restaurant in the French Quarter years ago, and honestly, I was blown away. The aroma alone, a potent mix of garlic, Worcestershire, and a kick of cayenne, promised something special. This New Orleans BBQ shrimp recipe is my attempt to capture that magic at home, delivering an easy, weeknight-friendly version that’s low-carb and high-protein. Get ready for a flavor explosion – let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

This New Orleans BBQ shrimp recipe is a weeknight game-changer!

• Incredibly Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Bold Flavor Explosion: A rich, buttery, garlicky, and spicy sauce you’ll want to drink.
• Low-Carb Friendly: Perfect for those watching their carbohydrate intake.
• High Protein Meal: Satisfying and nutritious, keeping you full longer.
• Authentic Taste: Captures the essence of the classic Shrimp Creole BBQ New Orleans style.
• Easy Stovetop Method: No grill required, making it accessible any night of the week.
• Versatile Serving: Pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or rice to soak up that amazing sauce.
• Impressive Dish: Looks and tastes gourmet, but is surprisingly simple to prepare.

Ingredients for New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to creating an authentic New Orleans BBQ shrimp recipe. Don’t worry if you don’t have ghee or soy sauce on hand; I’ve included easy substitutions in the notes. This dish is all about fresh, vibrant flavors!

• 1 pound Large Shrimp, peeled and deveined – I like to use 16/20 count for a good size.
• 4 tablespoons Butter – Use unsalted. For a dairy-free version, I’ve found ghee works beautifully here.
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil – Extra virgin adds a nice fruity note.
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced – Don’t be shy with the garlic; it’s key to that signature flavor!
• 1 tablespoon Smoked Paprika – This gives a lovely smoky depth and color to the dish.
• 1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper – Adjust this to your spice preference! This is what makes it spicy shrimp New Orleans style.
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce – A crucial umami component. Use soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option.
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice – Brightness is essential to cut through the richness.
• 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest – Adds an extra pop of citrus aroma and flavor.
• 1 cup Chicken Broth – This helps create that luscious sauce.
• Salt to taste – To enhance all the flavors.
• Pepper to taste – Freshly ground is always best.
• 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped (optional garnish) – For a touch of freshness and color.

How to Make New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

This recipe makes whipping up an authentic New Orleans BBQ shrimp dish surprisingly simple, even on a busy weeknight. The magic happens right on your stovetop, creating that iconic sauce without any grilling. Get ready for a flavor sensation!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Step 1: Start by patting your large shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for getting a good sear! Season them generously with salt and pepper right before cooking.
2. Step 2: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and shimmering. Carefully add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook them! Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Step 3: Lower the skillet heat to medium. Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to the same skillet. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant and the spices bloom. You’ll smell that classic New Orleans aroma starting to build!
4. Step 4: Pour in the Worcestershire sauce, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Follow with the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has slightly thickened. This is where the magic of the New Orleans BBQ shrimp sauce really develops.
5. Step 5: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss them gently to coat them thoroughly in the rich, garlicky sauce. Let everything heat through for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the shrimp to absorb those incredible flavors.
6. Step 6: Remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer your finished New Orleans shrimp dish to a serving platter. Garnish with the chopped fresh parsley, if using, for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and watch everyone dive in!

Pro Tips for the Best New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

Want to elevate your New Orleans BBQ shrimp recipe? These little tricks will make your dish restaurant-worthy. They’re simple but make a big difference in getting that perfect flavor and texture everyone raves about.

• Always pat your shrimp completely dry before cooking. This is key for getting a nice sear and preventing them from steaming in the pan.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp! They only need a few minutes per side. They’ll finish cooking in the sauce, so pull them out when they’re just pink and opaque.
• For an even richer sauce, you can use a mix of butter and ghee, or even a splash of heavy cream if you’re not worried about carbs.

What’s the secret to perfect New Orleans BBQ Shrimp?

The secret is in the sauce and not overcooking the shrimp! For the perfect sauce consistency, let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly. And always cook the shrimp just until pink, then let them finish in the sauce.

Can I make New Orleans BBQ Shrimp ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prep the sauce components ahead of time. Mince your garlic and measure out your spices. You can also peel and devein the shrimp up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the fridge.

How do I avoid common mistakes with New Orleans BBQ Shrimp?

The biggest mistake is overcooking the shrimp, making them rubbery. Another pitfall is a sauce that’s too thin; ensure it simmers long enough to thicken. Also, don’t skip patting the shrimp dry for better searing!

Best Ways to Serve New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

Serving this vibrant New Orleans shrimp dish is all about letting that incredible sauce shine! The most classic pairing for Shrimp Creole BBQ New Orleans is a loaf of crusty French bread. Trust me, you’ll want to mop up every last drop of that garlicky, buttery goodness. Another fantastic option is serving it over fluffy white rice, which acts like a sponge for the sauce. For a lighter, low-carb meal, try pairing it with a simple side salad or some cauliflower rice. Whichever you choose, get ready for a flavor fiesta!

Nutrition Facts for New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

This New Orleans shrimp dish is a flavorful option, and here’s a look at its estimated nutritional profile per serving. Remember, these are approximate values for this Creole BBQ shrimp recipe.

• Calories: 375
• Fat: N/A
• Saturated Fat: N/A
• Protein: N/A
• Carbohydrates: N/A
• Fiber: N/A
• Sugar: N/A
• Sodium: N/A

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

How to Store and Reheat New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

Even though this New Orleans BBQ shrimp recipe is so quick to make, sometimes you might have leftovers, or you want to prep ahead. Proper storage ensures your delicious shrimp New Orleans style BBQ stays tasty. Make sure to let the shrimp cool completely before storing. You can transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep this amazing New Orleans seafood recipe for longer, freezing is a great option. Pack the cooled shrimp and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. They should last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

When you’re ready to enjoy your stored garlic butter shrimp New Orleans, reheating is simple. For refrigerated leftovers, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave them, but be careful not to overcook the shrimp. If reheating from frozen, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator first, then follow the skillet method. This ensures your BBQ shrimp without the grill is just as delightful as when it was first made.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

What is New Orleans BBQ shrimp?

New Orleans BBQ shrimp is a celebrated Creole dish that, despite its name, isn’t actually grilled. It’s famous for its incredibly rich, buttery, garlicky, and peppery sauce, often with a kick of cayenne. This New Orleans shrimp dish features large shrimp simmered in this luscious sauce, perfect for dipping crusty bread into. It’s a true taste of Louisiana without the need for a grill.

Why is New Orleans BBQ shrimp famous?

This iconic New Orleans seafood recipe is famous because it perfectly embodies the bold flavors and hospitality of the city. It’s a signature dish found in many classic New Orleans restaurants, offering a unique and unforgettable taste experience. The combination of savory, spicy, and buttery notes makes the authentic New Orleans BBQ shrimp a beloved staple in Creole cuisine and a dish people travel to experience.

Is New Orleans BBQ shrimp spicy?

Yes, New Orleans BBQ shrimp typically has a noticeable spicy kick, primarily from cayenne pepper. However, the heat level is very customizable. In my easy New Orleans BBQ shrimp recipe, you can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. If you prefer it milder, use less; if you love heat, feel free to add a bit more for an extra fiery spicy shrimp New Orleans style experience.

Variations of New Orleans BBQ Shrimp You Can Try

While the classic New Orleans BBQ shrimp recipe is fantastic, there are several ways to switch things up! Whether you have dietary needs or just want to experiment, these variations on shrimp New Orleans style BBQ are delicious. For a dairy-free option, I’ve found that using ghee instead of butter and ensuring your Worcestershire sauce is suitable works wonderfully, giving you that rich flavor without the dairy. If you’re looking for a different cooking method, while not traditional, some people enjoy a baked version of this New Orleans shrimp dish, though it won’t quite capture the stovetop sauce’s intensity. You can also amp up the heat for an even more spicy New Orleans BBQ shrimp by adding a pinch more cayenne or even a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. Trying a smoky paprika can also add another layer of flavor to your Creole BBQ shrimp recipe.

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