If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and a touch of Southern charm, this Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe is an absolute must-try. Juicy shrimp cooked in a rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic, smoky paprika, and a harmonious blend of Creole spices deliver an unforgettable taste experience. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a celebration for your taste buds, perfect for entertaining or making an ordinary night feel special. Plus, that crusty French bread for dipping? Pure magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are beautifully simple yet essential to achieving the authentic taste and texture of the Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role: the spices bring warmth and depth, the butter creates richness, and the fresh garlic adds that irresistible aroma.
- 1 pound large shrimp (shell-on, deveined): Keeping the shells on locks in extra flavor and juicy texture.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds the silky, rich base for the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps balance the butter and prevents burning during cooking.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Brings a fresh and pungent kick that complements the shrimp perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle tangy depth and umami boost.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the sauce, cutting through the richness with its fresh acidity.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a warm, smoky flavor that ties everything together.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Provides the signature kick of heat – adjust to your heat preference.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Enhances all the flavors with a mild peppery zest.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances and elevates the seasoning in every bite.
- 1 teaspoon Creole or Cajun seasoning: The heart of New Orleans flavor that defines the dish.
- ¼ cup beer or chicken broth (optional): Adds moisture and complexity to the sauce, making it extra luscious.
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish: A fresh finish that adds color and mild herbal notes.
- French bread for serving: The perfect vessel to soak up every last bit of that heavenly sauce.
How to Make Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic
Start by warming up your skillet over medium heat and melting the butter together with olive oil. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes until your kitchen fills with that intoxicating aroma. This step builds the fragrant foundation for your sauce.
Step 2: Add Seasonings and Sauces
Next, pour in the Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cayenne, black pepper, salt, and Creole seasoning. Stir everything together so the spices meld with the buttery base. This mixture is where your Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe truly begins to shine, packing it with flavor.
Step 3: Simmer with Beer or Broth
If you’re using beer or chicken broth, add it in now to give the sauce a subtle tartness and depth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to marry and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Slide in the shrimp with their shells on for maximum juiciness. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes, turning once halfway through so they evenly soak in that glorious sauce. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a vibrant pink and feel firm to the touch.
Step 5: Let Flavors Meld and Garnish
Remove the skillet from heat and let the shrimp rest in the sauce for a minute to absorb every bit of flavor. Finally, sprinkle chopped green onions or parsley on top for a fresh, colorful finish.
How to Serve Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Adding chopped green onions or fresh parsley on top isn’t just for looks – they impart a mild crunch and bright herbal aroma that balances the rich buttery sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with crusty French bread, which is absolutely essential for mopping up every last drop of that addictive BBQ sauce. You might also consider pairing it with a crisp green salad or simple roasted vegetables to lighten things up.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, serve the Louisiana BBQ Shrimp straight from a large skillet placed in the center of the table. This dish also works great over creamy grits or rice for a comforting twist that soaks up all the flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The shrimp will continue to develop flavor, but it’s best enjoyed fresh for that perfect texture.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this recipe since shrimp can lose their tender texture and the sauce might separate upon thawing.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent overcooking the shrimp. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce looks too thick, warming just until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use peeled shrimp instead of shell-on?
While peeled shrimp will work, keeping the shells on adds tremendous flavor and helps retain moisture, making the dish more authentic and juicy.
What can I use if I don’t have beer or chicken broth?
If you don’t have either, you can simply omit this liquid or substitute with a splash of water mixed with a bit of lemon juice to maintain the sauce’s balance.
How spicy is this Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe?
It has a gentle to moderate spicy kick thanks to cayenne pepper and Creole seasoning. Feel free to adjust the cayenne to taste, or add hot sauce for extra heat.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine or a neutral oil, and it will still deliver plenty of flavor and richness.
What kind of French bread is best for serving?
A crusty French baguette with a chewy interior is ideal. It holds up well when dipped into the saucy shrimp and balances the bold flavors with its mildness.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the soulful, spicy richness of the Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe. It’s quick enough for weeknights but decadent enough to impress guests, capturing the vibrant spirit of Southern seafood cooking. I can’t wait for you to try this dish and watch it become a beloved favorite in your kitchen too!
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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: Cajun/Creole
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Louisiana BBQ Shrimp recipe delivers succulent, shell-on shrimp simmered in a rich, buttery, and spicy Creole sauce packed with garlic, Worcestershire, lemon juice, and bold seasonings. A classic Cajun/Creole dish, perfect as a main course or appetizer, best served with crusty French bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Sauce Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp (shell-on, deveined)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Creole or Cajun seasoning
- ¼ cup beer or chicken broth (optional)
Garnish and Serving
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
- French bread for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce Base: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and aromatic, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, and Creole or Cajun seasoning. Mix well to combine all the flavors into the buttery base.
- Simmer Liquid: Pour in the beer or chicken broth if using, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to meld the spices and create a flavorful sauce.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 3–4 minutes while turning once halfway through, until the shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through. Spoon the buttery sauce over the shrimp continuously to coat them with the rich flavors.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and allow the shrimp to rest for a minute to absorb the sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh finish.
- Serve: Serve immediately with crusty French bread on the side for dipping into the delicious, spicy buttery sauce.
Notes
- Keeping the shells on the shrimp enhances authentic flavor and juiciness during cooking.
- For extra richness and a spicy kick, add a splash of hot sauce or a few dashes of Tabasco to the sauce.
- You can substitute unsalted butter with a dairy-free butter alternative to make this dish dairy-free.
