If you have a passion for bold, vibrant flavors and crave a dish that feels like a warm hug from the South, you absolutely must try this Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe. It’s a sensational blend of spices, tangy lemon, and buttery richness that elevates succulent shrimp to pure comfort food perfection. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or treating yourself after a long day, this recipe brings the heart and soul of New Orleans right to your kitchen, guaranteeing an unforgettable meal with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe uses simple, yet essential ingredients that work in harmony to create that signature Creole magic. Each component adds a distinct layer of flavor, texture, or color, making this dish irresistible from start to finish.
- Large shrimp (1½ pounds): Peeled and deveined with tails on for perfect bite-sized seafood goodness and ease of eating.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup): Provides buttery richness and helps meld all those zesty spices together.
- Worcestershire sauce (¼ cup): Adds depth and a subtle tang that complements the shrimp beautifully.
- Fresh lemon juice (¼ cup): Brings brightness and acidity to balance the dish’s richness.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses an irresistible aromatic flavor base.
- Creole seasoning (1 tablespoon): The heart of Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe’s signature spice blend—feel free to substitute with Cajun seasoning if you prefer a little extra heat.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds smoky undertones and a beautiful color.
- Cayenne pepper (½ teaspoon): Delivers gentle heat that wakes up your palate.
- Black pepper (1 teaspoon): Provides mild spice and earthiness.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all flavors while keeping the shrimp juicy.
- Brown sugar (2 teaspoons): Balances acidity and spice with a touch of sweetness.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Offers a fresh, bright finish and lovely green contrast.
- French bread: Essential for soaking up every last drop of that incredible sauce.
How to Make Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Butter Melting
Start by melting that luscious unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. This forms a rich base for your sauce and ensures the garlic and spices develop fully in flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Once the butter’s melted, toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant and just beginning to soften. This small step is key to infusing the entire dish with warm, garlicky goodness.
Step 3: Stir in the Saucy Magic
Next up, pour in the Worcestershire sauce and fresh lemon juice, then add your Creole seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, kosher salt, and brown sugar. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes—this melding of flavors really sets the stage for a show-stopping dish.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to your skillet and cook them for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally so they evenly soak up the sauce and turn that perfect pink color. The shrimp are ready when they’re opaque and beautifully coated in that rich, spicy sauce.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Parsley
Take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top. This final touch adds a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens every mouthful.
How to Serve Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes work wonderfully here. A scattering of extra chopped parsley brightens the dish visually and adds freshness. For those who like a little tang, a wedge of lemon on the side lets guests customize each bite with a splash of citrus.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when paired with classic southern sides. Serve with warm French bread for dipping into that glorious garlic butter sauce, or add a side of creamy coleslaw for some crunch and cool contrast. For a heartier plate, buttery mashed potatoes or a light green salad complement the shrimp beautifully without competing with its bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe right in the skillet to keep things casual and rustic—perfect for a lively dinner party. Or, plate the shrimp atop a bed of creamy grits, turning it into a soul-warming meal with a true Southern twist. Another fun idea is to skewer the shrimp and serve as appetizers with dipping sauce on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The shrimp will stay delicious for up to two days, though you’ll want to gently reheat to keep them from overcooking and becoming rubbery.
Freezing
While shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked shrimp and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to heat through without drying out the shrimp. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make shrimp tough and rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking for the best texture and to avoid excess water diluting the sauce.
Is Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe very spicy?
The recipe has a gentle kick from cayenne and Creole seasoning, but you can easily adjust the cayenne up or down depending on your heat preference.
Can I substitute butter with olive oil?
You can, but butter is key to achieving the rich, velvety sauce that makes this dish special. Olive oil won’t give quite the same depth of flavor.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
The shrimp and sauce are naturally gluten-free—just be sure to serve with gluten-free bread or over rice instead of French bread to keep it safe.
What makes this a “BBQ” shrimp recipe if it’s cooked on the stovetop?
Great question! The term “BBQ” in this context refers to the bold, smoky, and spicy bbq-style sauce that coats the shrimp, capturing those classic Louisiana flavors without needing a grill.
Final Thoughts
This Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe captures the vibrant, soulful essence of Southern cooking in a dish that’s quick to whip up but leaves a lasting impression. The marriage of buttery garlic sauce, zesty lemon, and punchy spices makes every shrimp pop with flavor. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the joy of this beloved New Orleans classic with your friends and family—it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!
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Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Creole, Southern
Description
Louisiana BBQ Shrimp is a flavorful Creole dish featuring large shrimp cooked in a rich, buttery sauce seasoned with Worcestershire, lemon juice, garlic, Creole spices, and a hint of sweetness. Perfectly cooked on the stovetop and served with French bread, this spicy and savory shrimp recipe captures the essence of New Orleans cuisine.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
For Serving
- French bread, for serving
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Prepare the Sauce: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, fresh lemon juice, Creole seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, kosher salt, and brown sugar into the skillet. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through, ensuring an even coating of the spicy sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly chopped parsley. Serve the shrimp immediately with warm French bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- You can substitute Cajun seasoning for Creole seasoning if desired; note this will make the dish spicier.
- For enhanced flavor, marinate shrimp in the sauce mixture for 30 minutes before cooking.
