Growing up in the heart of the Big Easy, I can still vividly remember the first time I tried authentic New Orleans style BBQ shrimp. It was a family gathering at my grandparents’ house, and the intoxicating aroma of sizzling shrimp in a rich, garlicky butter sauce had my mouth watering before I even stepped through the door. When I finally sank my teeth into those plump, juicy shrimp, it was like a flavor explosion in my mouth – the perfect balance of spicy, savory, and tangy that can only be found in a true New Orleans original.
Ever since that fateful day, New Orleans style BBQ shrimp has become a staple in my kitchen, a go-to dish that never fails to transport me back to the vibrant streets and lively culture of my beloved hometown. Whether I’m hosting a backyard crawfish boil or just craving a taste of home on a quiet night in, this recipe for New Orleans style BBQ shrimp with a rich, buttery sauce is always my first choice.
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Why This New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce) Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce)
The secret to truly authentic New Orleans style BBQ shrimp lies in the perfect balance of bold, Creole-inspired flavors. It’s not just about the shrimp themselves, but the rich, velvety sauce that coats them – a decadent blend of butter, Worcestershire, and just the right amount of spice. When you get this combination right, it’s like taking a flavorful trip down Bourbon Street, with each bite transporting you straight to the heart of the Crescent City.
What sets this recipe apart is the attention to detail in every step, from the careful selection of large, juicy shrimp to the precise timing of the cooking process. By searing the shrimp in the butter sauce rather than just tossing them in, you end up with a perfectly caramelized exterior and a tender, succulent interior that practically melts in your mouth. And the finishing touches of fresh lemon juice and fragrant parsley? Well, let’s just say they take this dish from simply delicious to utterly irresistible.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The size and quality of the shrimp is crucial in this recipe. Look for large, plump shrimp that will soak up all the flavors of the sauce.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: This rich, creamy butter is the backbone of the sauce, providing a luxurious mouthfeel and helping to balance the bold Creole seasonings.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: A classic ingredient in New Orleans style BBQ shrimp, Worcestershire sauce adds a subtle savory depth and tang that complements the other flavors beautifully.
- 2 teaspoons Creole seasoning: This spice blend is the secret to capturing the authentic taste of New Orleans. It lends the perfect amount of heat and complexity to the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh, fragrant garlic is essential for adding aromatic depth and warmth to the sauce.
- 1 lemon, juiced: A squeeze of bright, tangy lemon juice at the end helps to cut through the richness of the butter and brighten up the overall flavor profile.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: The fresh, herbaceous notes of parsley provide a refreshing contrast and a beautiful finishing touch to the dish.
Step-by-Step New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce) Instructions
Preparing Your New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce)
This New Orleans style BBQ shrimp with butter sauce comes together in just 30 minutes, with 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking. You’ll need a large skillet or sauté pan to bring this dish to life.
1- Begin by gathering all your ingredients and prepping the shrimp. Peel and devein the shrimp, making sure to remove the tails as well. This will make the shrimp easier to eat and allow the flavors to really penetrate.
2- In the skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is hot and foamy, add the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer. Sear the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re just beginning to turn pink and curl up.
3- Next, add the Worcestershire sauce, Creole seasoning, and minced garlic to the pan. Stir everything together, making sure the shrimp are fully coated in the fragrant sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4- Remove the pan from the heat and squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the top. The bright, acidic notes of the lemon will help to balance out the richness of the butter. Give everything a final stir to combine.
5- To finish, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top of the sizzling shrimp. The herbal notes of the parsley will provide a refreshing contrast to the bold, savory flavors.
6- Serve your New Orleans style BBQ shrimp in butter sauce immediately, while the shrimp are hot and the sauce is still gloriously rich and creamy. I like to serve it alongside crusty French bread or over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up every last drop of that irresistible sauce.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp can go from perfectly tender to rubbery and dry in a matter of seconds, so be sure to keep a close eye on them and remove them from the heat as soon as they’re just cooked through.
- Use large, high-quality shrimp: The size and freshness of the shrimp make all the difference in this dish. Opt for large, juicy shrimp that will hold up well to the bold flavors.
- Adjust the Creole seasoning to your taste: Some Creole seasoning blends can be quite spicy, so feel free to start with a smaller amount and add more to suit your personal preferences.
- Don’t skip the lemon juice: The bright, tangy acidity of the lemon juice is essential for cutting through the richness of the butter sauce and balancing out the overall flavor profile.
- Serve it with crusty bread: A hunk of crusty French or Italian bread is the perfect accompaniment to this dish, allowing you to soak up every last drop of that heavenly butter sauce.
Serving and Storing Your New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce)
Perfect Pairings for New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce)
This New Orleans style BBQ shrimp in butter sauce is a true crowd-pleaser, making it the perfect choice for casual gatherings, weeknight dinners, or even as a special occasion dish. It serves 4 people, and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and beverages.
For a classic New Orleans-inspired meal, serve the shrimp alongside fluffy white rice or creamy grits, along with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. A crusty loaf of French bread is also a must-have for sopping up every last bit of that rich, buttery sauce.
As for beverages, this dish begs to be paired with a crisp, chilled white wine or a refreshing beer. A light, citrusy sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio would be a perfect match, while a local New Orleans-style lager or pale ale would also complement the flavors beautifully.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is unlikely, given how addictive this dish is!), you can easily store and reheat them for later enjoyment. The shrimp will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, simply place the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but be careful not to overdo it, as the shrimp can become rubbery.
For best results, I recommend enjoying this dish fresh, but if you’d like to get a head start, you can prepare the sauce up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply sear the shrimp and toss them in the pre-made sauce. This makes it a breeze to pull together a quick and delicious meal on a busy weeknight.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce)
Creative New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce) Variations
While the classic New Orleans style BBQ shrimp in butter sauce is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this beloved dish.
For a seasonal twist, try swapping out the shrimp for fresh, wild-caught Gulf oysters, which are a staple in many Crescent City seafood dishes. The briny, succulent oysters pair beautifully with the rich, spicy sauce.
Another variation is to add a touch of sweetness by stirring in a tablespoon or two of honey or brown sugar. This provides a nice contrast to the Creole seasoning and brings out the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
For a heartier meal, serve the shrimp over a bed of creamy grits or tangled with al dente pasta. The starchier base helps to soak up all that heavenly butter sauce.
Making New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce) Diet-Friendly
If you’re looking to make this New Orleans-inspired dish a bit more health-conscious, there are a few simple swaps you can make:
For a gluten-free version, replace the Worcestershire sauce with a gluten-free alternative. Many mainstream brands now offer gluten-free Worcestershire sauce that will work perfectly in this recipe.
To make it dairy-free, simply substitute the butter with your choice of plant-based oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil. The flavor profile may be slightly different, but the end result will still be delicious.
For a low-carb or keto-friendly option, serve the shrimp over a bed of zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice or pasta. This swap cuts down the carb count without sacrificing flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of shrimp besides large shrimp?
A: While large shrimp are ideal for this dish, you can certainly use a different size. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as smaller shrimp may require less time in the pan.
Q: How long does it take to make this New Orleans style BBQ shrimp recipe?
A: This recipe has a total time of 30 minutes, with 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time.
Q: Can I make this New Orleans style BBQ shrimp recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply sear the shrimp and toss them in the pre-made sauce.
Q: How many servings does this New Orleans style BBQ shrimp recipe make?
A: This recipe serves 4 people generously.
Q: What should I do if my sauce is too thin or too thick?
A: If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it for a few extra minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. If it’s too thick, you can thin it out by adding a splash of water or broth.
New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce)
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Indulge in the bold, spicy-sweet flavors of New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp, enveloped in a rich, velvety butter sauce. This 30-minute recipe is a must-try for seafood lovers looking to elevate their dinner.
Ingredients
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 2 teaspoons Creole seasoning
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 lemon, juiced
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
2. Add the shrimp, Worcestershire sauce, Creole seasoning, and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the shrimp start to turn pink.
3. Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
This dish pairs perfectly with crusty bread or over a bed of white rice to soak up the delicious butter sauce. Adjust the Creole seasoning to your desired level of spice.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Beef, Fish & Seafood Mains
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun/Creole
Conclusion
This New Orleans style BBQ shrimp in a rich, buttery sauce is a true taste of the Crescent City, and it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With its bold, Creole-inspired flavors, tender, juicy shrimp, and luxurious sauce, it’s a dish that’s hard to resist.
Whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself to a little taste of New Orleans, this recipe is sure to impress. So don’t be afraid to give it a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed. And be sure to let me know how it turns out in the comments below. I’d love to hear all about your experience with this irresistible New Orleans classic!
